War of the Worlds airs.

Orson Welles’ adaptation of the H.G. Wells novel is broadcast by CBS Radio’s Mercury Theatre a little after 8 p.m. But many of those listening miss the introduction and believe it to be a news broadcast. In Boston, hundreds of residents call the police and fire departments, newspapers and radio stations under the mistaken impression that the Martian invasion of New Jersey described in the broadcast is actually taking place.