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.
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Episodes

Jun 28, 2021
Jun 28, 2021
28 min
In this June 27, 1939, episode of Information Please, host Clifton Fadiman invites former Connecticut Governor and esteemed scholar Wilbur Cross to join regular panelists Franklin P. Adams, John Kieran, and Oscar Levant. Together, they dive into a series of challenging and entertaining questions, exploring topics from historical literary romances to strategic formations in sports.Cross’s academic insight shines as the panel tackles questions about famous lovers in history, the precise lineup of players in various sports, and literary plots that involve characters with intriguing backstories. From folklore-inspired queries to testing the panel’s knowledge on both poetry and pool games, this episode combines intellectual depth with lively banter. Join us for an enjoyable evening of trivia that covers literature, sports, and the unique charm of 1930s radio! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Jun 14, 2021
Jun 14, 2021
28 min
In this June 13, 1939, episode of Information Please, host Clifton Fadiman welcomes the multi-talented Helen Wills Moody, tennis legend and author, as the evening’s special guest. With regulars Franklin P. Adams, John Kieran, and Oscar Levant on board, the panel tackles an entertaining range of topics, from famous exterminators in folklore to tennis terminology with humorous twists.Moody brings her charm and knowledge to a series of quirky questions, including identifying legendary figures who eradicated various pests and matching tennis terms to unexpected themes. The panel also dives into musical compositions featuring dance themes, historical symbols like the Prince of Wales’ motto, and even navigates humorous translations of familiar phrases. Join in for a delightful mix of intellect, wit, and lighthearted banter, as Information Please brings you an engaging evening of classic trivia and fun! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

May 31, 2021
May 31, 2021
28 min
On May 30, 1939, Information Please brings an entertaining mix of wit and trivia as Clifton Fadiman moderates a session with regular panelists Franklin P. Adams, John Kieran, and Oscar Levant. Joining them is Stanley Walker, editor of the Philadelphia Public Ledger and author of The Nightclub Era. This episode’s questions explore the depths of nursery rhymes, test the panel’s knowledge of legal terminology, and challenge them with clever word associations.The experts navigate quirky riddles about fictional fishermen, iconic historical headlines, and classic American songs about early morning adventures. With Walker’s journalistic flair and Levant’s humor, the panel’s responses are as insightful as they are amusing. Join in for a delightful session of laughter and learning as the experts tackle America’s toughest trivia on everything from law to literature! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

May 24, 2021
May 24, 2021
28 min
In this May 23, 1939, episode of Information Please, Clifton Fadiman hosts a spirited trivia session featuring regulars Franklin P. Adams and John Kieran, joined by special guests Bernard Jaffe, author of Crucibles, and popular novelist Clarence Budington Kelland. Together, the panel dives into an array of questions, from nostalgic advertising slogans and historical poetry lines to classic American trivia and clever riddles.The evening’s questions include identifying famous advertising taglines, recalling childhood rhymes, and unraveling poetic stanzas, all while navigating humorous exchanges and occasional stumbles. Jaffe’s scientific insights and Kelland’s storytelling add depth to the panel’s quick wit and repartee. Join us for a fun-filled evening of laughter, nostalgia, and the unique charm of 1930s radio trivia! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

May 17, 2021
May 17, 2021
28 min
In this engaging May 16, 1939, episode of Information Please, Clifton Fadiman hosts a lively quiz session with regulars Franklin P. Adams, John Kieran, and Oscar Levant. Joining them is special guest John P. Marquand, celebrated author of The Late George Apley and creator of the iconic Mr. Moto character. The evening features a delightful array of questions, including the unusual number of pockets in a three-piece suit, book titles with terms of endearment, and identifying eccentric characters from literature.Marquand’s literary insight adds depth as the panel tackles questions about classic authors, quirky terms, and obscure animal lifespans. With lively banter and surprising trivia, this episode showcases the wit, humor, and intellect that make Information Please a timeless favorite. Tune in to see if you can match wits with the experts and uncover the fascinating answers to these peculiar queries! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Apr 26, 2021
Apr 26, 2021
28 min
In this April 25, 1939, episode of Information Please, host Clifton Fadiman welcomes two prestigious guests: Arthur Krock, renowned political journalist, and Alice Roosevelt Longworth, the witty daughter of President Theodore Roosevelt. Joined by regulars Franklin P. Adams and John Kieran, this panel takes on an array of engaging topics, from identifying American authors’ pseudonyms and historical political figures to literary mash-ups and whimsical poetry.Longworth’s sharp humor and Krock’s journalistic insights shine as they tackle questions like the significance of hair styles in historical professions and matching nursery rhyme lines with modern cultural references. This episode promises a delightful mix of intellect and wit, with humorous exchanges and unexpected trivia twists. Join us for an entertaining dive into history, literature, and the ever-charming rapport that makes Information Please a timeless favorite! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Apr 19, 2021
Apr 19, 2021
28 min
In this April 18, 1939, episode of Information Please, host Clifton Fadiman is joined by the sharp-minded radio commentator H. V. Kaltenborn, along with regular panelists Franklin P. Adams, John Kieran, and Oscar Levant. Together, they delve into an array of challenging questions that span historical interruptions, mythical conquests, and linguistic curiosities.The panel faces tricky tasks like identifying famous interrupted constructions, recalling gate crashers from mythology, and debating the geopolitical allure of regions like Poland and Romania. With Kaltenborn’s expertise in global affairs adding depth, and Levant’s musical interludes offering lighthearted moments, this episode promises an engaging blend of intellect and wit. Join us for a captivating journey through folklore, history, and the lively banter that makes Information Please a timeless radio classic! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Apr 12, 2021
Apr 12, 2021
28 min
In this April 11, 1939, episode of Information Please, host Clifton Fadiman presents an evening of clever and humorous trivia. This week’s panel features regulars Franklin P. Adams and John Kieran, joined by composer and music critic Deems Taylor and journalist Marcus Duffield. Together, they tackle an assortment of quirky questions, from reimagining fairy tales as mystery thrillers to identifying famous gate crashers from mythology and history.Listeners are treated to delightful banter as the panel wrestles with literary riddles, folklore-inspired mysteries, and the origins of unusual words like “pandemonium” and “weird.” Taylor’s musical insights add charm, while Duffield’s wit and quick answers bring energy to the session. Tune in for an engaging mix of mythology, wordplay, and laughter as the experts aim to answer America’s most imaginative questions! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Mar 29, 2021
Mar 29, 2021
29 min
In this March 28, 1939, episode of Information Please, host Clifton Fadiman orchestrates a delightful evening of trivia with regulars Franklin P. Adams and John Kieran, joined by the distinguished playwright Moss Hart and Rex Stout, creator of the Nero Wolfe mysteries. Together, the panel tackles a range of entertaining and challenging questions, from completing classic childhood rhymes and identifying famous stolen items in literature to recalling the names of their congressmen—a surprising test of civic knowledge!Listeners will enjoy the lively banter as Hart and Stout add their unique humor to the proceedings. The panel faces quirky questions about nursery rhymes, famous stolen artifacts, and nursery chants that date back centuries. Join us for an evening filled with wit, literary insight, and good-natured competition, as the experts aim to avoid being stumped and secure victory over America’s cleverest listeners! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Mar 21, 2021
Mar 21, 2021
28 min
In this March 21, 1939, episode of Information Please, Clifton Fadiman leads a session filled with wit and intellectual challenge, featuring regulars Franklin P. Adams, John Kieran, and Oscar Levant. Special guest John Gunther, the acclaimed foreign correspondent and author of Inside Europe, lends his expertise on global affairs and history as the panel tackles topics that range from historical bromides and father-daughter relationships in mythology to famous political figures and sports records.Gunther brings his nuanced understanding of international events, particularly as the panel discusses recent world changes and political figures from the Czechoslovak crisis. Tune in for a thought-provoking mix of history, trivia, and lively conversation, as the panel aims to answer America’s questions and avoid stumping for the $10 prize. A fascinating and insightful episode that explores culture, language, and the ever-evolving world of 1939. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
