The War of the Worlds The TV Series

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Overview:
In the late 1980's, with the science fiction era at last taking a firm hold on the mainstream market, an idea was born to follow the great author H. G. Wells and create a series based on his epic story The War of the Worlds. So, during the late 1988 writers strike, a syndicated show was created and broadcast under the watchful eyes of Sam and Greg Strangis.

The result was, for the most part, exceptional. The series was dark and mysterious with a strong pre Nowhere Man / X-Files flavor. The aliens were subtle, phantasmal enigmas who inhabited our everyday world. Anyone could be one, so you had to be careful who you associated with. This liquid alien concept was realized with a style that was light years ahead of the X-Files. Think about it: Unkillable monsters plus unstoppable war machines plus an eternal sense of dread equals a show that truly kept its viewers horrified and thoroughly entertained.

The Premise:
In 1953, Earth experienced a War of the Worlds. Common bacteria stopped the aliens, but it didn't kill them. Instead the aliens lapsed into a state of deep hibernation. As the sequel opens the aliens are resurrected, more terrifying than before because the strategy is more insidious: Back in '53 then the aliens tried to take over the world; in the Second Invasion they tried to take over our bodies and minds.

The drama unfolds with the alien invaders re-activated by irradiated toxins during a terrorist attack on a nuclear waste dump. Instantly aware of their environment, and far faster than any man could react, the creatures kill the terrorists and absorb their bodies. In this way, the aliens can carry out their mission undetected. The problem is the rapid effects of radiation poisoning are noticeable to the naked eye after a very short time. This means the aliens must constantly take over new human bodies to continue their plans.

In short, the enemy could be hiding anywhere. Such was the formidable challenge for the members of The Blackwood Project. This was a relentless fight to the death. Only after the Earth was sterilized of the bacteria, and its human hosts destroyed, could the aliens colonize the planet. And the aliens intended to win this fight...

Press Kit Contents

1. Press Kit Folder - Measuring 12" x 9".

2. Press Release -This two page release from Paramount Television is dated March 4, 1988 and announces the commencement of production and marketing.

3. Background Document - This two page release provides background on the HG Wells book, radio show and 1953 movie and positions the storyline of the new series.

4. Story Treatment - This twenty-two page document is entitled The Aliens and contains a wealth of varied background info and supporting props for the series. The premise is described along with detailed character dossiers and a secret case file with supporting documents from the Oval Office.

5. Air Date Schedule -This six-page document is dated April 5, 1988 and lists air times for all participating broadcast affiliates in the United States. The entries are ranked by market share. This document is interesting in that it provides a window into the state of broadcast television during the late 1980s.

6. Pocket Books Pop-up Promotional Poster - This color booklet measures 12" x 9" and unfolds to 15 1/2" x 18". It announces the series and upcoming TV tie-in novel from Pocket Books.

7. Galley Book Cover for HG Wells Book Re-release - This color plate measures 8 3/4" x 6 3/4" on paperback cover grade stock and presents the book cover for the Wells re-release.

8. Galley Book Cover for The Resurrection Book Release - This color plate measures 8 3/4" x 6 3/4" on paperback cover grade stock and presents the cover for the TV tie-in novel.

9. Metal Fold-down badge - This 3" diameter color badge showcases the series logo and title graphics.

10. Sticker - This 3" color sticker has the same design as the badge.

11. Bookmark - This odd-shaped 6 1/2" x 3 1/2" bookmark features the series logo on one side and Earth/alien tentacles graphic on the other. A creative use of the alien graphic as the bookmark looks unusual peeking out of a paperback. It is in fine condition with some light corner scratches and edgewear.

12. Bookstore Novel Purchase Sheet - Dated September 1988, these two 8 1/2" x 14" sheets announce a price discount to induce bookstores to purchase large quantities of the HG Wells re-release.

13. Novel Floor Display Unit Offer - This 8" by 10" glossy cardstock advertisement promotes the 36-copy floor display unit for The Resurrection novel. The unit itself features alien tentacles falling over the top with good effect.

14. Resurrection Novel Advertisement - This two-sided color roughly circular poster measures 8" in diameter and features the title logo and Earth/Alien graphic.

15. Cast Photo - Adrian Paul: An 8x10 B&W still close-up of a young Adrian Paul.

16. Production Photo - Action: Color 8x10 action photo of a confrontation about to turn ugly between three men and a woman.

17. Cast Photo - Adrian Paul: An 8x10 B&W cast photo of Catherine Disher, Denis Forest, Jared Martin, Lynda Mason Green, Rachel Blanchard and Adrian Paul.

18. Production Photo - Lynda Mason Green: Color 8x10 action photo featuring Lynda with two supporting cast members.

19. Cast Photo - Ensemble: An 8x10 B&W cast photo of Richard Chaves, Jared Martin, Philip Akin and Lynda Mason Green.

20. Production Photo - Adrian and Lynda: Color 8x10 action photo of Adrian Paul and Lynda Mason Green.

21. Production Photo - Night Moves: An 8x10 B&W two panel action photo featuring Lynda Mason Green. It is in fine condition as the series and Paramount logos were not fully copied during the duplication process.

22. Production Photo - Adrian Paul: Color 8x10 action photo of Adrian Paul and two co-stars.

23. Production Photo - Ensemble: An 8x10 B&W action photo of Jared Martin, Richard Chaves, Lynda Mason Green and Philip Akin.

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