Information Please

In this August 1, 1941, episode of Information Please, host Clifton Fadiman leads an intellectually rich session featuring two distinguished educators: Professor Lyman Bryson of Columbia University and Dr. Henry Noble McCracken, President of Vassar College. Regulars Franklin P. Adams and John Kieran round out the panel as they tackle questions ranging from genealogical trivia about famous presidential sons to challenging poetic first lines.The panel dives into topics like historical battles, literary elopements, and Shakespearean quotes, with humor and quick wit guiding their responses. With insights into George Washington’s maternal lineage, mythological swimmers, and poetic primroses, this episode offers an engaging mix of history, literature, and trivia charm. Tune in for a delightful evening of spontaneous fun and timeless knowledge on Information Please!  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this July 11, 1941, episode of Information Please, Clifton Fadiman hosts a delightful trivia session with Mary Boland, the renowned stage and screen actress. Joined by regular panelists Franklin P. Adams, John Kieran, and Oscar Levant, the group tackles a mix of entertaining questions ranging from Shakespearean queens and historical draft ages to literary titles involving food.Boland’s theatrical expertise shines as she shares insights into Pride and Prejudice and matches wits with the panel over poetic challenges. From memorable nursery rhymes to newsworthy numbers like DiMaggio’s streak and World War draft limits, this episode blends humor, intellect, and classic trivia charm. Tune in for a wonderful evening of lighthearted fun on Information Please! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this patriotic July 4, 1941, episode of Information Please, host Clifton Fadiman presents a thought-provoking trivia session with guests Walter Duranty, Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist, and John Gunther, renowned author of Inside Europe. Joining regular panelists Franklin P. Adams and John Kieran, the team tackles questions that span surrender terms in various contexts, treaties in international diplomacy, and moments in history tied to famous Russian battles.Duranty and Gunther bring sharp insights to discussions about naval traditions, Shakespearean burials, and pivotal events like the Brest-Litovsk treaty. With humor and intellect, this episode captures the spirit of Independence Day with a focus on historical milestones and cultural touchstones. Tune in for an evening of engaging trivia and lively debates on Information Please! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this thrilling June 27, 1941, episode of Information Please, master of suspense Alfred Hitchcock joins host Clifton Fadiman and regular panelists Franklin P. Adams, John Kieran, and Oscar Levant for an evening of intellectual and playful trivia. Hitchcock’s wit and insights take center stage as the panel explores topics ranging from cinematic innovations and scenes of suspense to culinary terminology and poetic numbers.From defining the difference between a gourmet and a gourmand to identifying suspenseful moments in literature and film, Hitchcock lends his signature charm and humor to the discussion. This episode blends the intrigue of Hollywood, the joy of trivia, and the timeless appeal of radio. Tune in for a captivating session with Information Please where intellect meets entertainment! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this June 20, 1941, episode of Information Please, host Clifton Fadiman moderates a captivating trivia session with former New York Governor Alfred E. Smith and Judge James Wallace. Regulars Franklin P. Adams and John Kieran complete the panel as they explore an intriguing mix of topics, including presidential nominations, poetic gardens, and famous firsts in broadcasting history.Smith’s political insights add depth to discussions about historical conventions, while Wallace’s sharp wit shines in literary puzzles and humorous recollections of melodramas. Together, the panel navigates questions about rhododendrons, famous sports broadcasts, and Irish-themed expressions with humor and charm. Tune in for a delightful evening of historical, political, and literary trivia on Information Please!  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this June 13, 1941, episode of Information Please, host Clifton Fadiman welcomes the legendary tennis champion Bill Tilden as the evening’s guest. Joining regulars Franklin P. Adams, John Kieran, and Oscar Levant, the panel tackles an exciting array of topics, including Biblical feats of strength, famous literary triangles, and clever uses of tennis terms in poetry.Tilden’s sporting expertise adds a unique dimension as he participates in questions about doubles partners, historical athleticism, and the interplay of tennis and literature. With humor, intellect, and lively banter, this episode offers a winning mix of sports, history, and classic trivia. Tune in for a delightful session filled with surprises and charm on Information Please! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this June 6, 1941, episode of Information Please, Clifton Fadiman hosts a whimsical evening of trivia featuring Sally Benson, acclaimed author of Junior Miss. Joined by regulars Franklin P. Adams, John Kieran, and Oscar Levant, the panel explores topics ranging from mythological chariot rides and literary felines to nursery rhymes and operatic calls.Benson’s charm shines as the team unravels the myth of Phaeton and his fiery ride, identifies memorable cats from poetry, and discusses famous echoes from ancient myths. With a delightful mix of humor and intellectual sparring, this episode offers a journey through history, literature, and playful banter. Tune in for a lighthearted and fascinating evening on Information Please! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this May 30, 1941, episode of Information Please, host Clifton Fadiman welcomes Cornelia Otis Skinner, the celebrated actress and writer, and Jan Struther, beloved author of Mrs. Miniver. Joined by regular panelists Franklin P. Adams and John Kieran, the team navigates a range of topics, from poetic lines about birds to identifying culinary distinctions between bouillon and broth.Skinner and Struther’s charm and intellect shine as they explore Mother Goose rhymes, discuss the works of Henry VIII’s wives, and delve into fictional families from Dickens. This episode is filled with humor, cultural insights, and timeless trivia. Tune in for an entertaining evening where literature, history, and quick wit converge on Information Please! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this special May 23, 1941, third-anniversary episode of Information Please, the usual roles are reversed as composer and music critic Deems Taylor takes over hosting duties, while Clifton Fadiman joins the panel alongside Franklin P. Adams, John Kieran, and Oscar Levant. The evening’s questions range from identifying champions and cabinet members who appeared on the show to exploring musical gems from Mozart’s piano concertos.Taylor keeps the mood lively as Fadiman faces a playful grilling about his past literary reviews. Levant’s musical expertise and Adams’ wit add to the fun as the panel navigates topics like literary characters, poetic first lines, and historic diplomatic figures. Tune in for a celebratory evening of trivia, humor, and surprises on this milestone episode of Information Please!  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this May 16, 1941, episode of Information Please, host Clifton Fadiman leads a witty and engaging session featuring two entertaining guests: Dick Maney, the famous theatrical publicist, and humorist Frank Sullivan. Joined by regular panelists Franklin P. Adams, John Kieran, and Oscar Levant, the panel tackles a lively mix of questions ranging from oil tycoons who backed baseball leagues to identifying iconic literary first lines.Maney’s theater expertise and Sullivan’s humor shine as they navigate Shakespearean soliloquies, nursery rhymes, and curious etymologies. With moments of playful banter and intellectual insight, this episode offers a delightful mix of trivia, culture, and laughter. Tune in to match wits with America’s brightest minds on this classic Information Please! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.