Historical Meet-Ups

Orson Welles
Depression-era theatrical wunderkind

meets

H.G. Wells
Edwardian literary eminence grise

Their names will forever be linked—and not just because they sound the same. Orson Welles’ 1938 radio dramatization of H.G. Wells’ War of the Worlds sparked a nationwide panic and put the then-obscure theatrical director on the map. H.G. was reportedly less than pleased with both the adaptation and the ensuing controversy. However, he had mellowed considerably when he met Orson two years later on a visit to San Antonio, Texas. Wells was in town to address the United States Brewers Association. On his drive through town, he stopped to ask directions—of none other than Orson Welles. The two men spent the day together and later discussed the War of the Worlds broadcast in a joint interview on KTSA radio. The mismatched pair seemed to get along famously, and if Orson was offended by H.G.’s demeaning reference to him as “my little namesake,” he didn’t let on.