Mercury Theater On Air

The Mercury Theater on the Air was a radio series of live radio dramas created and hosted by Orson Welles. The weekly hour-long show presented classic literary works performed by Welles’s celebrated Mercury Theatre repertory company, with music composed or arranged by Bernard Herrmann. The series began on July 11, 1938, as a sustaining program on the CBS Radio network, airing Mondays at 9 pm ET. On September 11, the show moved to Sundays at 8 pm.

The series made headlines with its “The War of the Worlds” broadcast on October 30, 1938, one of the most famous broadcasts in the history of radio due to the panic it allegedly caused, after which the Campbell Soup Company signed on as sponsor. The Mercury Theater on the Air made its last broadcast on December 4, 1938, and The Campbell Playhouse began five days later, on December 9, 1938.

The Stars

Orson Welles was the creator, host, and lead performer of The Mercury Theatre on the Air. He directed the productions and often took on the lead roles, showcasing his remarkable versatility as an actor.

Welles was supported by a talented ensemble of performers from the Mercury Theatre repertory company, including William Alland, Edgar Barrier, Ray Collins, Joseph Cotten, George Coulouris, Arlene Francis, Agnes Moorehead, and many others.

Key Dates

• July 11, 1938: The Mercury Theater on the Air debuts on CBS Radio, airing Mondays at 9 pm ET.
• September 11, 1938: The show moves to Sundays at 8 pm.
• October 30, 1938: The famous “The War of the Worlds” broadcast airs, causing a nationwide panic.
• December 4, 1938: The final episode of The Mercury Theater on the Air is broadcast.
• December 9, 1938: The Campbell Playhouse begins, replacing The Mercury Theater on the Air.

Other Information

The Mercury Theater on the Air was a critical and commercial success, earning Welles and his team widespread acclaim for their innovative and ambitious productions. The show’s use of sound effects, music, and dramatic performances set a new standard for radio drama, and the “The War of the Worlds” broadcast in particular has become a legendary moment in broadcasting history.

The series was inducted into the National Radio Hall of Fame in 1988, further cementing its legacy as one of the most influential and groundbreaking radio programs of the 20th century.

The Mercury Theater on the Air has continued to inspire and influence generations of radio and audio drama enthusiasts, and its impact can still be felt in the medium today.