Information Please
Rediscover the wit and wisdom of Information Please!—the classic American radio quiz show that captivated audiences from 1938 to 1951. Hosted by the brilliant Clifton Fadiman, a former literary editor, this iconic show brought together an esteemed panel of experts, including Oscar Levant, Franklin P. Adams, and John Kieran, each known for their intellect and humor. Listeners submitted questions in hopes of stumping the quick-witted panel, and with celebrity guests like Groucho Marx and Orson Welles, each episode delivered a unique blend of knowledge and laughter. From poetry and sports to music and history, Information Please! entertained with lively debates, clever puns, and spontaneous humor. Now re-broadcasted for a new generation, this show is perfect for trivia lovers, history buffs, and fans of vintage radio. Tune in and enjoy a true gem from radio’s golden age! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Listen on:
Episodes

Feb 28, 2023
Feb 28, 2023
27 min
In this February 28, 1941, episode of Information Please, guest host Deems Taylor steps in for Clifton Fadiman, leading an evening filled with lively trivia alongside celebrated novelist and playwright John O’Hara, known for Pal Joey. Joined by regulars Franklin P. Adams, John Kieran, and Oscar Levant, the panel takes on questions that span Pulitzer-winning works, quirky courtroom dramas, and memorable romantic lines from classic plays.O’Hara’s literary expertise and Taylor’s musical insight shine as the panel discusses notable columns, mysterious court cases, and questions about unique animal behaviors. With humor and charm, this episode is an entertaining mix of literary and cultural knowledge that brings classic radio trivia to life. Join in for a delightful session where intellect and wit take center stage on Information Please! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Feb 21, 2023
Feb 21, 2023
29 min
In this February 21, 1941, episode of Information Please, host Clifton Fadiman presents an engaging trivia session featuring guest Jo Davidson, the acclaimed sculptor and raconteur known for his works of prominent figures. With regulars Franklin P. Adams, John Kieran, and Oscar Levant, the panel takes on a variety of curious questions, from scandalous sculptures that stirred public debate to proverbial phrases involving parts of the body.Davidson’s artistic insight brings depth to discussions of controversial statues and historical anecdotes, while the panel explores everything from ancient sculptors accused of gold embezzlement to popular American sayings. Tune in for an evening filled with humor, culture, and intellectual curiosity, where art and trivia intersect on Information Please! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Feb 14, 2023
Feb 14, 2023
29 min
In this February 14, 1941, episode of Information Please, host Clifton Fadiman welcomes two esteemed guests: Dr. Henry Noble McCracken, president of Vassar College, and Deems Taylor, renowned composer and music critic. With regulars Franklin P. Adams and John Kieran, the panel explores questions that range from literary birds and classical references to American constitutional protections.McCracken’s academic insights add depth to questions about college presidents-turned-public figures, while Taylor’s musical expertise shines in identifying compositions inspired by birds. From Shakespearean speeches to discussions on press freedom, this episode blends intellect, humor, and thought-provoking trivia. Tune in to enjoy a delightful session of Information Please where wit meets wisdom! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Feb 7, 2023
Feb 7, 2023
28 min
In this February 7, 1941, episode of Information Please, Clifton Fadiman hosts a delightful evening with Sir Wilmot Lewis, American correspondent for the London Times, and Jan Struther, beloved author of Mrs. Miniver. Regulars Franklin P. Adams and John Kieran join the conversation as the panel explores questions ranging from the antics of nursery rhyme characters to notable moments in British-American diplomacy.Struther and Lewis bring charm and wit, particularly as they discuss British nursery rhyme “Jacks” and recount curious facts about historical conferences and political trivia. With a lively mix of humor and intellect, this episode offers an engaging blend of literature, history, and the playful spirit that defines Information Please. Join the experts for an entertaining and intellectually stimulating evening! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Jan 31, 2023
Jan 31, 2023
29 min
In this January 31, 1941, episode of Information Please, Clifton Fadiman hosts a particularly witty session featuring two literary legends: Alexander Woollcott, known for his biting humor and storytelling prowess, and S. J. Perelman, the celebrated satirist. With regulars Franklin P. Adams and John Kieran, the panel tackles an array of clever questions, from identifying famous fictional sidekicks to exploring humorous excerpts from classic literature.Woollcott and Perelman’s sharp wit shines as they duel over titles of “America’s Number One Wit” and tackle questions about humorous writers, iconic partners like Watson to Holmes, and memorable fictional lawyers. Join in for a laughter-filled episode packed with literary charm, humor, and the timeless wit that defines Information Please! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Jan 24, 2023
Jan 24, 2023
29 min
In this January 24, 1941, episode of Information Please, host Clifton Fadiman brings together a fascinating and unusual panel featuring horror legend Boris Karloff, known for his chilling roles in films like Frankenstein, and Lewis Lawes, former warden of Sing Sing Prison and author of Meet the Murderer. With regulars Franklin P. Adams and John Kieran, the panel navigates questions from classic Mother Goose dining options to famous crime stories and legendary characters.Karloff’s knowledge of eerie tales shines as he recalls macabre plot points from Arsenic and Old Lace, while Lawes provides insights into real-life criminal behavior. Together, they add a thrilling twist to questions involving infamous murder mysteries and poetic recitations. Join in for an evening filled with spooky fun, laughter, and the dark charm of classic radio on Information Please! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Jan 17, 2023
Jan 17, 2023
29 min
In this January 17, 1941, episode of Information Please, host Clifton Fadiman guides an engaging evening with playwright Owen Davis, author of Mr. and Mrs. North. Regulars Franklin P. Adams, John Kieran, and Oscar Levant join Davis as the panel tackles questions about famous actresses known for unique features, curious Dickensian characters, and poetic quotations related to specific times.Davis brings humor and literary insight to the session as the team identifies actresses famed for their expressive features and delves into eccentric characters from Charles Dickens, including Mrs. Nickleby’s unusual suitor. Join us for a lively blend of wit, literary lore, and classic trivia on this memorable episode of Information Please! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Jan 10, 2023
Jan 10, 2023
28 min
In this January 10, 1941, episode of Information Please, host Clifton Fadiman leads a dynamic panel with two special guests: Kenneth Simpson, New York attorney and Congressman, and Judge James G. Wallace of the New York Court of General Sessions. Together with regulars Franklin P. Adams and John Kieran, the panel tackles questions that range from recalling historic headlines to reciting lines of poetry that mention fruit.Judge Wallace’s sharp memory shines as he recounts the Great Blizzard of 1888, while Simpson impresses with his knowledge of U.S. constitutional amendments. The team also delves into nursery rhymes, courtroom quotations, and notable pirates in fact and fiction. Join in for a lively mix of humor, intellect, and historical trivia on this classic 1940s radio episode of Information Please! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Jan 3, 2023
Jan 3, 2023
29 min
In this January 3, 1941, episode of Information Please, host Clifton Fadiman welcomes distinguished guests Vincent Sheean, foreign correspondent and author of Not Peace, But a Sword, and composer Deems Taylor, known for his contributions to Fantasia. Joining regulars Franklin P. Adams and John Kieran, the panel tackles engaging questions that span literary costume descriptions, Mediterranean geography, and characters who lure others to their doom in classic myths.Taylor and Sheean’s insights shine as they identify costumes of characters like Huckleberry Finn and Lady Godiva, and navigate the ownership of islands in recent headlines. From historical queries to operatic death scenes, this episode delivers a rich blend of humor, knowledge, and the timeless wit that defines Information Please. Tune in for an evening of trivia that entertains and informs in classic 1940s radio style! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Dec 27, 2022
Dec 27, 2022
28 min
In this December 27, 1940, episode of Information Please, host Clifton Fadiman is joined by special guest Walter D. Edmonds, the celebrated author of Drums Along the Mohawk. Regulars Franklin P. Adams, John Kieran, and Oscar Levant round out the panel as they tackle a mix of questions ranging from nursery rhymes that list the days of the week to heroic rides in history and literature.Edmonds brings his storytelling prowess to questions involving famous poems, nursery characters, and historical figures like Lady Godiva and Charles de Gaulle. With lively discussions and plenty of humor, this episode offers a delightful combination of trivia, wit, and classic 1940s charm. Tune in for a memorable evening as the experts match wits with listeners on Information Please! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
