"A Look Behind Orson Welles' "War of the Worlds" Broadcast"

On Tuesday, October 27th at 6:00 p.m. the La Salle Public Library will virtually host lecturer, Laura Keyes when she presents, "A Look Behind Orson Welles' "War of the Worlds" Broadcast." 

On the Eve of Halloween 1938, a young actor/director broadcast a radio drama based on a 40 year old novel: The War of the Worlds.  While the original broadcast had a relatively low audience, the impact it had, and continues to have on American Culture is staggering.   But how much of that impact was realty, and how much has been exaggerated over the years?  Were there riots in the streets from panicked listeners, or did most of the audience simply enjoy a well-done piece of theatre?  Did Orson Welles know he would frighten listeners, or was this an unintended accident?  This informative and entertaining lecture is a perfect prelude to Halloween.  

Laura Keyes graduated from UW-Madison with a Master's Degree in Library Studies and has been presenting on historic topics for over ten years.   She enjoys researching literary symbolism and is contracted to write a book on that subject.  Laura Keyes is currently the Director of the Dunlap Public Library District in Dunlap, Illinois.   

This virtual program is free and open to the public.  To gain access to the program, interested individuals are asked to register by going to: https://bit.ly/2GFLk8R.  If individuals prefer to connect to this program using an IPad or smartphone, need more information, or have questions. please contact Rachael Blomquist, Digital Content Librarian, at rblomquist@lasallle.lib.il.us or call the Library at 815-223-2341.