Information Please

In this July 30, 1940, episode of Information Please, host Clifton Fadiman brings together a panel featuring two distinguished guests: John Gunther, author of Inside Asia and Inside Europe, and Alva Johnston, Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist. Alongside regular panelists Franklin P. Adams and John Kieran, the panel dives into questions that span global events, military strategies, and famous literary works.Gunther and Johnston provide sharp insights on recent world news, interpreting political moves and military decisions in light of ongoing global conflicts. The panel also tackles clever riddles involving famous songs, memorable American figures, and classic literary references. With a mix of intellectual discourse, humor, and spontaneous trivia challenges, this episode showcases the charm and depth of Information Please. Tune in to see if the panelists can tackle America’s most thought-provoking questions! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this July 16, 1940, episode of Information Please, host Clifton Fadiman brings humor and intellect to the evening’s trivia with special guests Deems Taylor, famed composer and music critic, and Monty Woolley, celebrated actor and wit. Joined by regular panelists Franklin P. Adams and John Kieran, the panel tackles an assortment of questions, from identifying sounds of various bells to recalling literary hats with magical properties.The session is filled with memorable exchanges as Taylor and Woolley add their charm, tackling challenges that involve historical events, famous rides in literature, and Shakespearean dining without dining. With Woolley’s humor and Taylor’s musical insight, this episode delivers a lively mix of wit, intellect, and playful banter. Join in for an evening of spontaneous fun and classic 1940s trivia with Information Please!  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this April 23, 1940, episode of Information Please, Clifton Fadiman hosts an evening of trivia with two esteemed guests: composer and music critic Deems Taylor and military commentator Major George Fielding Eliot. Joining regulars Franklin P. Adams and John Kieran, the panel faces a mix of topics, from defining musical styles like boogie-woogie to distinguishing between strategy and tactics in military contexts.The questions challenge the panel to recall famous phrases from Rudyard Kipling, navigate military distinctions, and explore literature involving animals that influence human fates. With Taylor’s humor and Eliot’s strategic expertise, this episode brings an engaging blend of music, history, and intellectual sparring. Tune in for a classic evening of wit and knowledge on Information Please! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this April 2, 1940, episode of Information Please, host Clifton Fadiman presents a challenging evening of trivia with special guest Lewis Gannett, the prominent book reviewer from the New York Herald-Tribune. Alongside regulars Franklin P. Adams, John Kieran, and Oscar Levant, the panel takes on an intriguing range of questions covering everything from clever advertising slogans and famous fictional cats to identifying books based on quirky promotional descriptions.Gannett’s literary expertise shines as the panel deciphers classic advertisements, historical songs, and witty phrases involving notable literary and fictional characters. Tune in for an enjoyable evening filled with literary puzzles, humor, and insightful discussions as the experts aim to outsmart listeners and share their knowledge in this lively episode of Information Please! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this March 26, 1940, episode of Information Please, host Clifton Fadiman is joined by Broadway legends Howard Lindsay and Russell Crouse, co-authors of the hit play Life with Father. With regulars Franklin P. Adams and John Kieran, the panel navigates an entertaining array of questions, from naming songs that imply the need for a psychiatrist to identifying pivotal broken objects in famous plays.The panel brings humor and insight as they discuss theatrical props, famous lines from plays, and lighthearted psychiatric themes in popular music. Lindsay and Crouse’s Broadway expertise adds a special flair to the evening, making for a memorable and lively episode. Tune in for a delightful mix of drama, trivia, and wit as Information Please takes on questions that challenge America’s brightest minds! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this March 19, 1940, episode of Information Please, host Clifton Fadiman is joined by special guest John Chamberlain, journalist and literary critic, along with regular panelists Franklin P. Adams, John Kieran, and Oscar Levant. This unique episode explores everything from literary titles suggested by sound effects to historical election anomalies, with Chamberlain’s insights adding depth and humor.The panel faces lively challenges, including identifying books by listening to sound cues and recalling forgotten historical figures from pivotal events. Levant’s musical talent is highlighted as the team attempts to match melodies with popular song titles. Tune in for a witty and intellectual evening filled with trivia, banter, and the classic charm of 1940s radio, where knowledge and humor combine for an engaging episode of Information Please! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this New Year’s episode of Information Please, host Clifton Fadiman kicks off 1940 with special guests Gloria Stuart, the elegant star of The Three Musketeers, and Carl Van Doren, Pulitzer Prize-winning biographer of Benjamin Franklin. Alongside regular panelists Franklin P. Adams and John Kieran, the evening’s questions bring humor and challenge with topics ranging from arithmetic problems in nursery rhymes to settings in Pulitzer Prize-winning plays.Stuart’s Hollywood charm and Van Doren’s literary knowledge shine as the panel tackles memorable arithmetic puzzles, scenes from award-winning dramas, and quotations from America’s most famous speeches. Join the experts for a delightful blend of intellect, wit, and friendly banter as they try to avoid being stumped and share their insights with listeners in this entertaining start to 1940! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this December 26, 1939, episode of Information Please, host Clifton Fadiman wraps up the year with an exciting session featuring the distinguished British actor Sir Cedric Hardwicke, soon to open in The Hunchback of Notre Dame. Alongside regulars Franklin P. Adams, John Kieran, and Oscar Levant, Hardwicke brings his theatrical charm to a range of questions, from famous travel destinations in literature to identifying characters in novels with no female roles.The panel faces memorable challenges, including interpreting last words of historic figures, identifying Shakespearean references, and pinpointing destinations from poetic lines. With Hardwicke’s British wit adding depth and humor, this episode offers an engaging blend of literary and cultural trivia. Join in for an intellectual treat filled with wit, humor, and the unique charm of 1930s radio on Information Please! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this festive December 19, 1939, episode of Information Please, host Clifton Fadiman celebrates the holiday season with special guests Christopher Morley, celebrated author of Kitty Foyle, and world-renowned violinist Albert Spalding. Joining regulars Franklin P. Adams and John Kieran, the panel takes on a mix of holiday-themed questions, musical trivia, and literary puzzles, setting a lively and cheerful tone for the evening.Listeners are treated to memorable discussions about holiday gifts referenced in poetry, famous musical compositions, and historical holiday customs. Spalding adds charm with his musical knowledge, while Morley brings his wit to questions involving seasonal songs and classic poems. Join in for an episode filled with laughter, nostalgia, and the warm spirit of the holidays as the experts take on America’s holiday-inspired trivia. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this December 12, 1939, episode of Information Please, host Clifton Fadiman welcomes special guest Walter B. Pitkin, the educator and psychologist famous for his book Life Begins at Forty. Joining regulars Franklin P. Adams, John Kieran, and Oscar Levant, Pitkin contributes his insights as the panel tackles questions spanning music, literature, and curious career milestones.The evening’s trivia covers recent news items conveyed through song, humorous “thank you” quotes, and famous historical figures who achieved greatness before the age of 40. Pitkin’s unique perspective on life’s milestones adds charm and wisdom as the panel navigates topics like political ascensions and poetic expressions of gratitude. Tune in for an engaging blend of intellect, humor, and timeless trivia on this classic episode of Information Please! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.