The Ultimate April Fool?
Okay, so it wasn't broadcast on April Fool's Day, and it wasn't actually intended to fool anyone, but the infamous 1938 radio broadcast of 'War of the Worlds' narrated and directed by Orson Welles definitely ranks, in my opinion, as the greatest bluff in radio history!
It premièred on 30th October 1938, as a Halloween show on the popular series The Mercury Theater on the Air, but the first two thirds of the 62 minute broadcast were presented as a series of news bulletins, which suggested to many listeners that an actual alien invasion by Martians was happening, and it was in fact, a 'live' news broadcast. It led to widespread outrage and panic by listeners who believed that the events described in the program were real...
I'm sure you wouldn't be fooled by such a show these days, but for a bit of fun, you could try your luck at fooling a friend or family member this coming Tuesday, as it will be April Fool's Day, and we have quite a selection of shows available in the RUSC archives to give you some ideas!
Aldrich Family - April Fool's Day Jokes 1948.04.01
Baby Snooks Show - April Fools
Blondie - April Fool's Day – 1940.04.01
Bob Hope Show - Kate Smith 1941.04.01
Bob Hope Show - Guest Eddie Cantor 1947.04.01
Challenge of the Yukon - The Cure 1946.02.14
Couple Next Door - April Fool's Day 1958.04.01
Couple Next Door - Betsy Plays April Fools Joke 1960.04.01
Jack Benny Program - April Fool's Gags 1939.04.02
Lum & Abner - Lum Exasperated By April Fool's Jokes 1938.04.01
Life With Luigi - April Fool's Joke 1951.03.27
Life With Luigi - April Fool's Joke 1952.04.01
Mel Blanc Show - April Fools 1947.04.01
My Favorite Husband - April Fool 1950.04.02
Our Miss Brooks - April Fools 1949.04.03
Our Miss Brooks - Free TV From Sherrys 1950.04.02
Sherlock Holmes - April Fool's Day 1946.04.01
Other shows that will give you ideas for pranks include Candid Microphone and Truth or Consequences.
And don't forget, if you're going to play an April Fool's trick, then you need to make sure it's done before 12 midday on 1st April... Or you'll be the fool!
Happy listening my friends,
P.S. Why not share these shows with a friend? Simply click on the "Share this show with a friend" link for each show.