This Day in History, October 1938

On this day of History, October 30, 1938, Orson Wells presented his audio production of THE WAR OF THE WORLDS which realistically portrayed  Martians invading Earth.  

As I said, it was realistically portrayed and some many people, who probably tuned in late and did not hear the introduction panicked.  They thought it was real and did what they had to do, like dig holes, headed for the hills, whatever.