From Martian to German

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From Martian to German American Experience

Premiered October 29, 2013

From Martian to German

"Alien army invader in the late '30s was quickly translatable from Martian to German."

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Episode Extras

Americans were living in fear during the height of the Great Depression.

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Fear and the Great Depression

Actors, antique radios, and the greatest prank of all times.

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Making War of the Worlds

Many Americans were in awe that some people had believed the War of the Worlds broadcast.

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The Power of Propaganda

Watch chapter 1 of War of the Worlds, premiering on PBS October 29, 2013 at 9/8c.

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War of the Worlds Chapter 1

Airing October 29, 9/8c. The most famous invasion that never happened.

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Preview

War of the Worlds Preview

In Oct. 1938, a panicked radio announcer reported that Martians had landed in New Jersey.

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A Grave Announcement

Letters from a library archive come alive in the American Experience documentary.

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Dear Mr. Welles: Uncovering Original Material

"Alien army invader in the late '30s was quickly translatable from Martian to German."

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From Martian to German

The press conference was one of Welles great performances as an actor.

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Orson Welles' Best Performance

Orson Welles could not imagine how anyone could believe that Martians had really landed.

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Orson Welles' Press Conference

During the height of the Great Depression, radios were being purchased by the millions.

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Radios by the Millions

CBS network executives ordered a break in the broadcast, but Welles could not be stopped.

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There Was No Stopping Orson Welles

Outtakes from the recreation shoot for War of the Worlds.

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War of the Worlds: Outtakes

In the 1930s, Americans worried when radio programs were interrupted by news bulletins.

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We Interrupt this Program...

About the Program

American Experience

American Experience, TV's most-watched history series, brings to life the compelling stories from our past that inform our understanding of the world today.

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Program Specials & Extras

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Plague at the Golden Gate (Chinese)

Descubra cómo la peste bubónica desató miedo y sentir antiasiático en San Francisco.

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Special

Plague at the Golden gate (español)

American Experience celebrates The Asian American and Pacific Islander History.

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The Asian American and Pacific Islander History