Information Please

In this January 23, 1942, episode of Information Please, Clifton Fadiman moderates a session filled with humor and intellect, featuring composer Deems Taylor and critic Alexander Woollcott. Joining regular panelists Franklin P. Adams and John Kieran, the panel explores a delightful range of topics, from famous dinner parties in literature and theater to deciphering poetic riddles and Shakespearean lines.Taylor’s musical insights and Woollcott’s sharp wit shine as they discuss plays like Macbeth and literary works with clever rhymes. From deciphering cryptic quotes to unraveling curious cultural references, this episode is packed with charm, humor, and lively debate. Tune in for an evening of classic trivia and timeless entertainment on Information Please!  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this January 16, 1942, episode of Information Please, Clifton Fadiman hosts an entertaining evening featuring Russell Crouse, co-author of Life with Father, and sportswriter Paul Gallico, author of The Snow Goose. Joining regulars Franklin P. Adams and John Kieran, the panel explores questions ranging from literary ruined marriages and heavyweight boxing upsets to musical strolls and famous birds.Crouse’s theatrical expertise and Gallico’s sports knowledge shine as they unravel the reasons behind failed marriages in classic plays and recall iconic moments in boxing history. With lively debates, sharp wit, and a touch of humor, this episode offers a delightful mix of trivia, literature, and music. Tune in for a captivating evening of engaging questions and spirited banter on Information Please! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this December 26, 1941, episode of Information Please, Clifton Fadiman hosts an entertaining trivia session featuring world-famous journalist and author John Gunther, recently returned from Europe. Joined by regular panelists Franklin P. Adams, John Kieran, and Oscar Levant, the panel explores topics ranging from literary heroines known for leaning out of windows to poetic rhymes and historical distances.Gunther’s sharp intellect adds depth to discussions about Rapunzel, Melisande, and Barbara Frietchie, while Levant entertains with musical interludes. The team also tackles challenging questions on historical mistakes and geographic trivia with humor and wit. Tune in for a delightful mix of culture, intellect, and classic radio charm on Information Please!  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this December 19, 1941, episode of Information Please, Clifton Fadiman moderates a vibrant trivia session with Joseph E. Davies, former U.S. Ambassador to the Soviet Union and author of Mission to Moscow, and returning guest Jan Struther, the celebrated author of Mrs. Miniver. Regular panelists Franklin P. Adams and John Kieran join in as the panel navigates questions about political immunity, famous lanterns in history, and poetic gates and doors.Davies provides insightful commentary on diplomatic immunity and international law, while Struther charms with her literary wit, tackling riddles about nursery rhymes, famous Toms, and notable quotes from Shakespeare. With lively banter and engaging cultural trivia, this episode offers a delightful mix of humor, intellect, and timeless radio charm. Tune in for a captivating evening on Information Please!  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this December 12, 1941, episode of Information Please, Clifton Fadiman hosts an engaging evening with special guest Dr. George N. Shuster, President of Hunter College. Regular panelists Franklin P. Adams, John Kieran, and Oscar Levant join in to tackle a lively mix of questions about literary animals, famous quotations, and riddles involving paradoxical phrases.Dr. Shuster adds depth to discussions on The American’s Creed and debates about literary characters like Dude Lester from Tobacco Road. The panel also unpacks poetic contradictions, such as identifying a circus without clowns or a pie without crust. With humor and sharp intellect, this episode combines cultural trivia, historical insights, and playful riddles. Tune in for an entertaining session of knowledge and wit on Information Please! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this December 5, 1941, episode of Information Please, Clifton Fadiman moderates a lively and witty trivia session featuring novelist Edna Ferber, author of Saratoga Trunk, and composer Deems Taylor. Regular panelists Franklin P. Adams, John Kieran, and Oscar Levant join in as the group tackles intriguing topics like famous literary heroes, culinary creations from bouillabaisse to jambalaya, and musical street cries.Ferber’s storytelling brilliance and Taylor’s musical expertise shine as the panel explores the poetic names of iconic characters, the origins of classical compositions, and historical journeys like the Appian Way. With humor and spirited exchanges, this episode blends culture, history, and lighthearted fun. Tune in for an evening of engaging trivia and timeless charm on Information Please!  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this November 28, 1941, episode of Information Please, Clifton Fadiman moderates a lively trivia session featuring Washington correspondents Drew Pearson and Robert Allen, co-authors of Washington Merry-Go-Round. Joined by regular panelists Franklin P. Adams, John Kieran, and Oscar Levant, the panel tackles a variety of topics, from famous literary siblings to musical moments in theater and opera.Pearson and Allen provide sharp political insights as they navigate questions about nicknames for historical figures and Washington’s most colorful characters. Levant shines in identifying musical excerpts, while the panel delves into poetic misquotes and Shakespearean phrases. This episode offers an engaging mix of humor, intellect, and cultural trivia. Tune in for an evening of quick wit and timeless fun on Information Please!  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this November 21, 1941, episode of Information Please, Clifton Fadiman leads a captivating trivia session featuring Cornelia Otis Skinner, the distinguished actress and writer. Regular panelists Franklin P. Adams, John Kieran, and Oscar Levant join Skinner in unraveling a variety of questions about historical women who stepped into prominent roles, famous poetic lines, and curious literary riddles.Skinner’s theatrical flair adds charm as the panel explores figures like Molly Pitcher, Madame Curie, and Cleopatra, alongside poetic verses and Shakespearean references. With humor and lively banter, this episode delivers a delightful mix of history, literature, and trivia fun. Tune in for a wonderful evening of engaging entertainment on Information Please!  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this November 7, 1941, episode of Information Please, Clifton Fadiman welcomes Douglas Miller, former commercial attaché in Berlin and author of You Can’t Do Business With Hitler. Joining regular panelists Franklin P. Adams, John Kieran, and Oscar Levant, the panel takes on questions about political warnings from history, memorable collaborators who famously didn’t get along, and identifying flowers from poetic verses.Miller’s expertise provides fascinating insights into wartime Germany, while Levant charms the audience with his musical knowledge, including identifying pieces from Brahms and Stravinsky. With lively debates, humor, and engaging trivia, this episode is an entertaining mix of history, literature, and cultural commentary. Tune in for an evening of thought-provoking trivia on Information Please! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this October 31, 1941, Halloween-themed episode of Information Please, Clifton Fadiman welcomes two exceptional guests: the legendary comedian Groucho Marx and composer Deems Taylor. Joined by regular panelists Franklin P. Adams, John Kieran, and Oscar Levant, the panel embarks on a lively trivia adventure featuring vaudeville acts, classic musical arias, and Shakespearean mysteries.Marx’s quick wit shines as he improvises responses to theatrical and literary riddles, while Taylor impresses with his deep musical knowledge, including Gilbert and Sullivan choruses. From solving poetic puzzles to recalling famous nicknamed figures like Gloomy Gus, this episode is packed with laughter, intellect, and timeless charm. Tune in for a memorable evening of humor and trivia on Information Please!  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.