Information Please

In this festive December 20, 1940, episode of Information Please, host Clifton Fadiman welcomes American novelist Louis Bromfield, author of Night in Bombay, and distinguished British actor Herbert Marshall. Regulars Franklin P. Adams and John Kieran join them as the panel navigates a lively range of questions, from historical jinxes and Shakespearean melancholy to the poetic appeal of nursery rhymes.Marshall and Bromfield bring wit and humor to questions involving notable figures like Churchill and Haile Selassie, fictional sums of money, and famous family lineages. Join us for a delightful blend of history, literature, and holiday cheer in this engaging episode of Information Please! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this December 13, 1940, episode of Information Please, host Clifton Fadiman welcomes esteemed Harvard anthropologist Earnest Albert Hooton, author of Why Men Behave Like Apes and Vice Versa. With regulars Franklin P. Adams, John Kieran, and Oscar Levant, the panel tackles a diverse set of trivia questions, covering everything from animal terminology to famous literary journeys.Hooton’s anthropological insight adds depth as the panel identifies the proper verbs for animal births, explains how mythological characters won their loves, and discusses famous fictional apes. The episode is filled with humor, clever banter, and unique insights into language, literature, and lore. Tune in to see if you can match wits with the experts in this thought-provoking and fun-filled episode of Information Please! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this December 6, 1940, episode of Information Please, guest host Clifton Fadiman welcomes two special guests: Jan Struther, the delightful British author of Mrs. Miniver, and Pulitzer Prize-winning playwright Elmer Rice. Joining regulars Franklin P. Adams and John Kieran, the panel dives into an array of entertaining questions, from deciphering remedies in Mother Goose rhymes to recalling Shakespearean opening lines.Struther’s charm and Rice’s theater expertise shine as they tackle questions about famous children’s characters, lines from classic plays, and poetic quotes about weeping. With humorous exchanges and thoughtful answers, this episode delivers a captivating mix of literary trivia, nursery lore, and timeless radio fun. Tune in for a delightful blend of knowledge and humor on Information Please! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this November 29, 1940, episode of Information Please, host Clifton Fadiman is joined by guest Leon Henderson, economist and member of the National Defense Advisory Commission. With regular panelists Franklin P. Adams, John Kieran, and Oscar Levant, the evening’s questions span sports clichés, famous football plays, and memorable literary quotes.Henderson’s sharp intellect and the panel’s lively banter create an engaging dynamic as they tackle challenging topics such as finishing popular sports sayings, identifying presidential positions before their nominations, and recalling famous lines from classic poetry. Tune in for an evening of wit, intellect, and humor as the experts bring their unique insights to this unforgettable episode of Information Please! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this November 22, 1940, episode of Information Please, host Clifton Fadiman welcomes the notable guests Lewis Lawes, famed warden of Sing Sing Prison and author of Meet the Murderer, and composer Deems Taylor, known for his musical work on Fantasia. Regulars Franklin P. Adams and John Kieran join them as the panel takes on questions ranging from legendary criminal profiles to famous song lyrics and fairy tale prices.Warden Lawes provides insight into criminology theories, while Taylor’s musical knowledge shines in identifying nursery rhymes and operatic melodies. With topics that explore literary characters and historic escapes, this episode is rich in humor and intellect. Tune in to test your trivia knowledge alongside the experts on this fascinating evening with Information Please! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this November 15, 1940, episode of Information Please, host Clifton Fadiman welcomes the quick-witted comedian Fred Allen, joining regulars Franklin P. Adams, John Kieran, and Oscar Levant. Sponsored for the first time by Lucky Strike, the show introduces enhanced prizes and a fresh, lively atmosphere as the panel tackles clever questions, from transforming classic poetry into popular song lyrics to recalling humorous sound effects from vaudeville acts.Allen’s humor lights up the room, particularly as he reflects on vaudeville’s slapstick sound effects and spins comedic rhymes with modern twists. With the panel discussing everything from famous moon-and-June rhymes to presidential election trivia, this episode is a brilliant mix of humor, intellect, and charm. Tune in to enjoy the wit and warmth of classic radio in this unforgettable evening with Information Please! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this November 5, 1940, episode of Information Please, Clifton Fadiman hosts a special election night broadcast with guest Christopher Morley, the beloved author of Kitty Foyle and a frequent visitor to the program. Joined by regulars Franklin P. Adams, John Kieran, and Oscar Levant, the panel navigates a wide range of questions that include curious plural forms, famous proposals in literature, and iconic historical dates.This episode brings unique insights and a touch of humor as election returns are announced live, adding to the evening’s excitement. Morley’s literary flair shines in questions involving poetic quotes and witty comparisons. Join in for a lively session that combines election night suspense with the intellectual fun that defines Information Please! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this October 29, 1940, episode of Information Please, host Clifton Fadiman is joined by special guest John Mason Brown, the insightful dramatic critic of the New York Post and author of Broadway in Review. With regulars Franklin P. Adams, John Kieran, and Oscar Levant, the panel takes on a variety of intriguing questions, including famous poetic rhymes, iconic phrases in literature, and historical military myths.Brown’s literary expertise shines as the panel tackles challenges involving classical poetry, famous battle anecdotes, and wordplay involving familiar nursery rhymes. Join the experts for an evening of wit, humor, and intellectual curiosity as they dive into America’s favorite trivia on Information Please! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this October 22, 1940, episode of Information Please, host Clifton Fadiman leads an enlightening and humorous session with two esteemed guests: Herbert Bayard Swope, celebrated journalist and two-time Pulitzer Prize winner, and Deems Taylor, renowned composer and music critic. Alongside regulars Franklin P. Adams and John Kieran, the panel tackles a fascinating array of topics, from famous literary women who faced tragic consequences to the roles of presidential campaign managers in American history.Swope’s journalistic insights shine as he discusses notable campaign managers and political strategies, while Taylor’s wit adds charm to questions about literary characters and music. This episode brings intellectual rigor and humor as the experts tackle trivia on everything from Norse literature to the origins of American political terms. Tune in for a memorable evening of wit, history, and classic radio charm! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this October 15, 1940, episode of Information Please, host Clifton Fadiman is joined by historian Louis Hacker, author of The Triumph of American Capitalism, along with regulars Franklin P. Adams, John Kieran, and Oscar Levant. Together, the panel faces a mix of intellectual challenges, from reciting lines about coy mistresses in poetry to explaining the curious origins of early American “wildcat” banks and currency.Hacker’s expertise shines as he discusses historical financial terms and famous vice presidents with unique ambitions. The episode explores poetic quotes, classic card games, and historical events, blending humor and insight in this engaging session. Join the experts for a lively evening of trivia that brings literature, history, and a touch of wit to the forefront in Information Please! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.