"The Night That Panicked America" is centered around Orson Welles' notorious "War of the Worlds" broadcast of October 30, 1938. Welles (Paul Shenar) arrives at CBS studios just in time to assume his directing post for the radio adaptation of the H.G. Wells classic, which has been updated and rewritten in the form of news bulletins. Unfortunately, millions of listeners tune in late and assume that the Earth is actually being invaded by Martians. This TV movie periodically cuts away from the broadcast in progress to concentrate on the panicky reactions of several listeners - including a terrified mother (Eileen Brennan) who nearly kills her own children rather than allow them to fall into the tentacles of the Men From Mars. Advised of the panic, Welles is convinced that his career is over, but the ensuing publicity makes him nationally famous. As he absorbs the events of the evening, the hoodwinked radio fans crawl back sheepishly to the safety of their homes. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
The Night That Panicked America (1975) TV Movie
Cast: Cliff De Young, Eileen Brennan, Granville Van Dusen, John Ritter, Meredith Baxter, Michael Constantine, Shelley Morrison, Tom Bosley, Vic Morrow, Will Geer
Kirk Douglas has the starring role in this made-for-television drama which is based on the novel The Lies Boys Tell by Lamar Herrin. Douglas stars as Ed Reece, an elderly man who decides that he wants to spend his final days back in the town where he was born. He persuades his grown son to make the journey with him for a long goodbye. ~ Bernadette McCallion, Rovi 
