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

Nov 16, 2020
Nov 16, 2020
28 min
In this November 15, 1938, episode of Information Please, host Clifton Fadiman guides the evening’s lively quiz session, with regular panelists Franklin P. Adams, John Kieran, and Oscar Levant joined by distinguished foreign correspondent John Gunther, author of Inside Europe and Inside Asia. The experts tackle an eclectic mix of topics, from clever puns and Shakespearean quotes to historical events and cultural trivia. Gunther’s knowledge of global affairs brings insightful answers to questions on international politics, while the panel’s collective wit shines in their responses to literary and musical challenges.This episode highlights a variety of entertaining moments, including musical performances that reimagine folk tunes in the styles of famous composers and witty banter on post-party etiquette. Join us for a spirited mix of humor, intellect, and memorable exchanges as the panel tackles listeners’ toughest questions, hoping to avoid stumping for the $10 reward. Tune in and test your own knowledge alongside the experts! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Nov 2, 2020
Nov 2, 2020
29 min
In this November 1, 1938, episode of Information Please, host Clifton Fadiman leads an all-star panel through a challenging and varied set of trivia questions. Regulars Franklin P. Adams and John Kieran are joined by day editor Marcus Duffield and bridge expert Oswald Jacoby. Together, they dive into topics ranging from outdated slang and historical events to famous fictional characters and food-related idioms.Jacoby’s expertise shines through in questions about bridge, while the panel’s quick wit keeps the atmosphere lively as they attempt to complete old autograph book rhymes, recall events from significant historical dates, and identify famous houses in literature. This episode delivers a delightful blend of humor and intellect, featuring everything from nostalgic sayings to tricky wordplay. Tune in to test your knowledge alongside the experts in this captivating and lighthearted battle of wits! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Oct 25, 2020
Oct 25, 2020
29 min
In this memorable October 25, 1938, episode of Information Please, the panel of experts is joined by a special guest who brings an entirely new level of entertainment: the silent comedy genius Harpo Marx. Hosted by Clifton Fadiman, the panel features Franklin P. Adams, John Kieran, Bernard Jaffe, and Oscar Levant, who team up to tackle trivia questions on subjects ranging from classical music to literary characters, all while navigating Harpo’s playful interruptions.Listeners will enjoy Harpo’s unique responses—often given through gestures and mimed answers—as he keeps the audience laughing and the experts on their toes. This episode is filled with humor, as the panel tackles questions about occupations in book titles, scientific discoveries, and musical compositions inspired by animals. With Harpo’s silent antics and the experts’ sharp wit, this episode promises an evening of laughs and intellectual fun. Tune in for a delightful mix of trivia, laughter, and unexpected moments! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Oct 18, 2020
Oct 18, 2020
28 min
In this October 18, 1938, episode of Information Please, host Clifton Fadiman leads an engaging session with a panel that includes columnist Franklin P. Adams, sports expert John Kieran, editor Marcus Duffield, and special guest Gene Tunney, former heavyweight boxing champion and Shakespeare enthusiast. Together, they field questions from listeners that span a diverse array of topics, from Shakespearean quotes and recent global events to common expressions that use nationalities.The experts delve into topics such as international politics with references to Realpolitik, the concept of enclaves, and recent developments involving British diplomacy. Tunney’s expertise shines in questions about famous Shakespearean lines, while the panel’s quick wit and humor make for an entertaining evening. Join us for this unique blend of literature, history, and humor as the experts tackle America’s toughest trivia challenges, hoping to outwit listeners and avoid the $5 penalty for unanswered questions! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Oct 11, 2020
Oct 11, 2020
30 min
On October 11, 1938, Information Please welcomes the legendary actress Lillian Gish as the guest of honor. Clifton Fadiman moderates as the panel, including regulars Franklin P. Adams, John Kieran, and Oscar Levant, dives into trivia covering a diverse array of topics. From memorable Hollywood characters to famous epitaphs and Shakespearean ghostly encounters, the experts must summon their wits to avoid being stumped by clever listeners.Gish adds a touch of Hollywood charm as the panel tackles questions about famous last names in literature, classic film roles, and famous “three-word” phrases from literature. The episode culminates in a humorous impromptu performance, with Levant providing live musical accompaniment, creating an unforgettable theatrical moment for the radio audience. Tune in to see if you can match wits with the experts in this entertaining episode, blending film trivia, literary knowledge, and a touch of old Hollywood glamour! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Oct 4, 2020
Oct 4, 2020
28 min
In this October 4, 1938, episode of Information Please, host Clifton Fadiman moderates an intellectually stimulating quiz featuring regular panelists Franklin P. Adams and John Kieran. Joining them are two distinguished guests: motion picture editor William Bonell and journalist Dorothy Thompson, whose insight adds depth to the evening’s discussions.This episode explores a wide range of topics, from finishing classic jokes and identifying imaginary characters to recalling famous historical treaties. The panel dives into questions on domestic quarrels, the origins of popular words, and memorable moments in movies where domestic servants take center stage. With Thompson’s expertise in global affairs and Bonell’s knowledge of film, the trivia takes on an entertaining blend of humor and historical insight. Join in to see how well you fare against the experts in this dynamic episode, rich with wit and unexpected knowledge! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Sep 27, 2020
Sep 27, 2020
28 min
In this special September 27, 1938, episode of Information Please, host Clifton Fadiman guides a panel of experts through a range of challenging questions, with a touch of glamour added by special guest Basil Rathbone, star of stage and screen. Joining him are the regulars: humorist Franklin P. Adams, sports columnist John Kieran, and musical expert Sigmund Spaeth. Together, they tackle an entertaining variety of topics, from Shakespearean quotes and the tragic fates of operatic heroines to classical compositions that inspired popular tunes.This episode features everything from identifying racehorses to matching musical terms with baseball slang, and even a singalong challenge for the panel. Rathbone’s theatrical flair shines in his Shakespearean recitations, while Spaeth impresses with his encyclopedic knowledge of music. Join us for a delightful evening of wit, humor, and intellectual camaraderie as the experts compete to avoid being stumped by listeners’ clever questions. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Sep 13, 2020
Sep 13, 2020
28 min
In this September 13, 1938, episode of Information Please, host Clifton Fadiman leads a stellar panel of returning experts, including Franklin P. Adams, journalist Marcus Duffield, Oscar Levant, and special guest Percy Waxman from Cosmopolitan magazine. The night’s questions cover an entertaining array of topics, from identifying poems that mention roses to matching songs with famous dances and even recalling nursery rhymes under pressure.Levant showcases his musical talents as he tackles an impressive classical music challenge, while the panel dives into nursery rhymes, famous taverns from literature, and even imaginary newspaper headlines inspired by classic novels. With Waxman’s quick wit and the panel’s friendly banter, this episode offers a delightful blend of humor, trivia, and memorable moments. Join the fun as the experts match wits with listeners and tackle America’s toughest trivia questions! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Sep 6, 2020
Sep 6, 2020
29 min
In the September 6, 1938, episode of Information Please, host Clifton Fadiman guides an engaging round of trivia with regular panelists Franklin P. Adams, sports columnist John Kieran, and science writer Bernard Jaffe. This week’s special guest is the lively maestro Ben Bernie, adding his unique humor to the mix. The panel faces challenging questions that range from classic poetry and famous prisoners to scientific breakthroughs and uncomplimentary song titles.Listeners will enjoy the experts’ witty banter as they identify famous prisoners from literature and history, match scientific discoveries to their inventors, and discuss iconic songs tied to notable personalities. Bernie’s quick wit and the panel’s varied knowledge create an entertaining blend of humor and intellect, where no topic is off-limits. Tune in to this lighthearted episode and see if the panel can keep up with America’s toughest trivia questions! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Aug 30, 2020
Aug 30, 2020
29 min
In the August 30, 1938, episode of Information Please, host Clifton Fadiman brings another lively session of trivia and laughs. Joining regular panelists Franklin P. Adams and John Kieran are pianist and composer Oscar Levant and special guest Ben Hecht, celebrated playwright and screenwriter. Together, they take on a range of questions that explore classical music inspirations in popular songs, quirky baseball superstitions, and famous movie scenes.This episode tests the panel’s knowledge of everything from nursery rhymes and poetic quotes about fools to baseball rituals involving chewing gum and superstition-laden coaches. Hecht’s quick wit and Levant’s musical prowess shine as they identify classical compositions behind beloved songs and recall iconic lines from stage and screen. Tune in for an entertaining blend of humor, music, and the surprising ways trivia can stump even the most knowledgeable experts. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
