Orson Welles Sunday evening broadcast of October 30, 1938 sparked a nationwide panic. Mercury Theater scriptwriters adapted the War of the Worlds novel written by H.G. Wells. Listeners who tuned in heard about Martians landing in Grovers Mill, New Jersey. It petrified them that the aliens had already conquered New York City. Fear built upon fear and second hand word led many to flee their homes and take to the streets. It was among the biggest news stories of 1938 and perhaps the most influential radio broadcast of all time.