Information Please

In this February 21, 1939, episode of Information Please, host Clifton Fadiman welcomes a unique guest: the multilingual baseball player Moe Berg, catcher for the Boston Red Sox and noted scholar. Alongside regulars Franklin P. Adams, John Kieran, and Oscar Levant, Berg lends his wit and knowledge to tackle a variety of questions on topics ranging from famous quarrels and romantic pairings in literature to presidential trivia and curious phrases in English and French.With Berg’s intellectual charm and the panel’s quick humor, the experts take on challenges like identifying classic love letters, famous disputes, and musical answers to unusual questions. Join in for a lively evening of historical facts, literature, and a touch of baseball banter, as the panel matches wits with listeners and Moe Berg shines with his surprising expertise! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this special Valentine’s Day episode of Information Please from February 14, 1939, host Clifton Fadiman celebrates the occasion with a panel featuring humorist Franklin P. Adams, sports expert John Kieran, playwright Russell Crouse, and newcomer Frank Sullivan, author of A Pearl in Every Oyster. Together, they dive into a fun mix of holiday-themed questions, from identifying famous valentines in history to recalling literary characters who lived to regret their choices.This episode brims with humor and lively exchanges as the panel tackles questions involving Shakespearean slang, famous fortunes, and fictional family members. Whether they’re quipping about modern romance or debating historical facts, each expert brings their own unique flair to the conversation. Tune in for a Valentine’s Day treat filled with laughter, clever banter, and all the charm that makes Information Please a classic! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this February 7, 1939, episode of Information Please, host Clifton Fadiman brings a fresh twist by inviting University of Michigan student Myron “Mike” Wallace, the future broadcaster known as Mike Wallace, to join the expert panel. Regulars Franklin P. Adams, John Kieran, and Oscar Levant round out the lineup, facing a delightful mix of questions that range from literary figures and nursery rhymes to contemporary slang and historical facts.The young Wallace surprises everyone with his quick wit as the panel tackles challenges like matching Shakespearean quotes with modern slang, identifying crimes of Mother Goose characters, and recalling quirky figures from American history. With Wallace’s collegiate humor and the experts’ quick comebacks, this episode offers a lively blend of intellect and lighthearted fun. Join in as the panel takes on America’s trivia while enjoying witty banter and spirited competition! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this January 31, 1939, episode of Information Please, host Clifton Fadiman leads a panel featuring two fascinating guests: fashion icon Elizabeth Hawes, author of Fashion is Spinach, and cultural critic Gilbert Seldes. Joined by regulars Franklin P. Adams and John Kieran, this star-studded panel tackles questions on topics ranging from outdated fashion trends and famous American presidents to popular expressions in sports and obscure literary references.Hawes brings her sharp sense of style, while Seldes provides intellectual insight, making for a humorous and insightful evening. The panel faces quirky challenges, such as identifying clothing items from the early 1900s, matching beverages to famous quotes, and unraveling riddles involving historical figures. Tune in for an episode filled with lively banter, fascinating trivia, and the witty charm that makes Information Please a timeless classic! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this January 24, 1939, episode of Information Please, host Clifton Fadiman moderates a session filled with wit and humor. Joining regular panelists Franklin P. Adams, John Kieran, and Oscar Levant is General Hugh Johnson, the public servant known for his sharp commentary and strong opinions. Together, the panel faces an array of challenging questions, from constitutional puzzles and literary references to humorous idioms involving animals.The experts engage in lively banter as they navigate topics like peculiar trial outcomes in literature, historical figures who faced unusual fates, and patriotic quotes. General Johnson’s direct and insightful responses add a unique edge to the evening’s discussions, while Levant’s musical expertise shines in a special piano segment. Tune in for an entertaining mix of knowledge, humor, and intellectual sparring, as these experts take on America’s trickiest trivia! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this January 17, 1939, episode of Information Please, host Clifton Fadiman welcomes two unique guests: the witty poet Ogden Nash and renowned historian Hendrik Willem van Loon. Joining regular panelists Franklin P. Adams and John Kieran, Nash and van Loon bring a blend of humor and intellectual depth to the evening’s quiz. Together, they tackle a variety of questions, including identifying famous historical figures from cryptic headlines, parodies of classic poetry, and naming songs with household items in their titles.Listeners will enjoy Nash’s poetic quips and van Loon’s worldly insights as the panel navigates challenges like famous meals in literature, news events of 1938, and classic riddles. The banter is lively and full of surprises, making this episode a delightful mix of laughter, knowledge, and the unforgettable wit of two legendary literary figures. Tune in and test your own knowledge with this classic episode of trivia and charm! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this January 10, 1939, episode of Information Please, the ever-witty Alexander Woollcott returns as a special guest to join Clifton Fadiman and regulars Franklin P. Adams, John Kieran, and Oscar Levant. This intellectual and humorous session tackles an array of topics, from famous nursery rhymes in poker hands to haunting literary quotes, giving the panel a chance to showcase their literary knowledge and quick wit.Woollcott brings his signature charm, contributing to questions on famous generals, nursery rhyme characters in poker, and supernatural folklore. The panel dives into everything from guessing poems by their final verses to identifying famous gas properties and musical compositions written for unique occasions. Join in as the experts engage in lively banter and challenge one another to recall classic literature, famous quotes, and curious tidbits from American history. Tune in to test your knowledge and see if you can match wits with the panel in this delightful episode of trivia and laughs! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Kick off the New Year with a lively January 3, 1939, episode of Information Please, where host Clifton Fadiman assembles a distinguished panel including philosopher Irwin Edman, actress and writer Cornelia Otis Skinner, and regular experts Franklin P. Adams and John Kieran. This week’s questions challenge the experts to match American and British slang, identify crimes of famous literary characters, and solve creative questions about everyday phrases.Skinner brings her theatrical flair, while Edman’s philosophical insight adds depth to a quiz on popular conceptions of famous philosophies. With topics ranging from folk songs to Shakespearean lines, this episode offers a delightful mix of humor, intellect, and spontaneous wit. Tune in to see if you can outwit the experts and stump them for the $10 prize in this engaging and thought-provoking episode! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Celebrate the holiday season with Information Please in this December 27, 1938, episode, featuring host Clifton Fadiman and special guest William Lyon Phelps, esteemed literary critic and Yale professor. Joined by regulars Franklin P. Adams, John Kieran, and Oscar Levant, Phelps brings his signature wit and charm to an evening filled with festive trivia.The panel takes on a holiday-themed music challenge, identifies literary characters and classic streets, and matches popular songs to their cinematic debuts. With topics ranging from Shakespearean quotes to humorous limericks, the experts share laughter and knowledge in equal measure. Tune in to see if you can outsmart the experts on this joyful episode, perfect for fans of trivia, literature, and classic radio. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this November 29, 1938, episode of Information Please, host Clifton Fadiman welcomes novelist Kathleen Norris as a special guest. Joining regular panelists Franklin P. Adams, Oscar Levant, and John Kieran, Norris contributes her wit and literary insight to a lively evening of trivia. The panel takes on a unique range of questions, including interpreting Shakespearean phrases into modern slang, identifying book titles with money denominations, and listing common expressions that sound like feats of strength.This episode features humorous exchanges and surprising answers as the experts tackle topics like American political phrases, folk songs reimagined in different musical styles, and memorable phrases from novels and plays. With Norris’s sharp humor and the panel’s lively banter, listeners are treated to an entertaining blend of trivia and spontaneous wit. Tune in and see if you can match wits with the experts on this classic broadcast! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.