Information Please

November 1, 1943: From Brooklyn to Beanstalks with Betty Smith

In this November 1, 1943, episode of Information Please, host Clifton Fadiman is joined by the regular panelists—Franklin P. Adams, John Kieran, and Oscar Levant—and welcomes special guest Betty Smith, acclaimed author of A Tree Grows in Brooklyn. Together, they engage in a spirited exchange of trivia and tales spanning literature, history, music, and childhood rhymes.
 
Highlights include wordplay on city names like Chicago and New York, a whimsical jaunt through slogans such as “Wait till next year” and “Tomorrow the world,” and humorous dives into poetic recipes, hangover remedies, and fictional characters driven by revenge. Smith’s Brooklyn roots, sharp humor, and literary sensibility add a delightful dynamic, particularly in discussions of baseball, nursery rhymes, and British theater.
 
Tune in for an episode rich with laughter, literary nods, and the warm wit that defines Information Please!

October 25, 1943: Drama Critics Go Naval with John Mason Brown and Richard Lockridge

In this October 25, 1943, episode of Information Please, Clifton Fadiman hosts a spirited panel featuring Franklin P. Adams, John Kieran, and special Navy Day guests—Lieutenants John Mason Brown and Richard Lockridge, both former New York drama critics now serving in the U.S. Navy. The episode celebrates Navy Day and highlights Brown and Lockridge’s forthcoming book, To All Hands.The evening is filled with lively theatrical and literary challenges, including questions on famous stage props and the roles they signify, “alphabet days” from military history, and the most memorable kisses in fact and fiction. The panel also dives into musical moments from Broadway and identifies their significance in plays like Lady in the Dark, Private Lives, and The Male Animal.Other highlights include witty explorations of poetic quotations about silence, the rationing changes in wartime fashion and toiletries, and a comical round matching fictional detectives with their favorite stimulants. The experts also tackle mental characteristic names, rewrites of Shakespeare, and soldiers quoting poetry in the face of battle. Throughout, the humor and camaraderie of the panel shine, with Brown and Lockridge’s theatrical expertise adding a special Navy twist to the proceedings.Tune in for a brisk, engaging, and knowledge-packed hour that blends wartime realities with the magic of stage and page—only on Information Please!

October 11, 1943: Nature and Knowledge with Donald Culross Peattie and William Beebe

In this October 11, 1943, episode of Information Please, Clifton Fadiman welcomes naturalist and author Donald Culross Peattie, alongside famed explorer and scientist Dr. William Beebe, as special guests. Joining regular panelists John Kieran and Franklin P. Adams, the experts tackle a wide range of questions that bridge natural history, literature, music, and geography.Highlights of the episode include an exploration of the curious origins of ambergris and pearls, a whimsical literary journey involving kidnapped brides and poetic dishes, and lively discussion on plants that affect animals—from loco weed to ragweed. Dr. Beebe brings his expertise to bear on animal behavior, debunking camel myths and elephant galloping, while Peattie’s botanical knowledge shines in topics ranging from Black-Eyed Susans to Blue-Eyed Marys.Listeners will also enjoy questions about famous literary “factories,” the rediscovery of Mendelian genetics, the deciphering of Egyptian hieroglyphics via the Rosetta Stone, and the identification of countries by population and area. The episode is punctuated with humorous banter, historical tidbits, and spontaneous displays of the panel’s wit and wisdom.With its engaging blend of science, literature, music, and lighthearted competition, this episode is a memorable installment of Information Please, perfect for anyone who loves to learn while being thoroughly entertained.

October 4, 1943: World Series and Wordplay with Red Barber and Bill Stern

In this October 4, 1943, episode of Information Please, Clifton Fadiman returns to New York after the bond tour and welcomes two legendary sports broadcasters—Red Barber, announcer of the World Series for Gillette, and Bill Stern, famed radio commentator—just in time for the Fall Classic. Regular panelists Franklin P. Adams and John Kieran join in for a fast-paced mix of sports trivia, word games, and cultural wit. The show opens with memorable recreations of historic sports moments, challenging the panel to identify classic baseball, boxing, and football events. Listeners are treated to clever connections between poetry and baseball terms, musical questions, and brain-teasing literary puzzles. Highlights include segments on famous brothers in sports, literary guests who disrupted their hosts, and quick-fire rounds on household knowledge from wine storage to baking cakes. Red Barber and Bill Stern share their unique expertise, adding inside stories and humor from the world of sports. The panel’s trademark camaraderie and quick thinking make this a lively celebration of the World Series spirit, blending America’s favorite pastime with the timeless charm of Information Please. Tune in for a winning combination of sports, smarts, and laughs—only on Information Please!

September 27, 1943: The Common Man and World Peace with James Fulbright and Henry Wallace

In this September 27, 1943, episode of Information Please, host Clifton Fadiman broadcasts from the stage of the Mosque Theatre in Newark, New Jersey, in the midst of a record-breaking war bond drive. The panel features Oscar Levant, Franklin P. Adams, and John Kieran, with distinguished guest James W. Fulbright, the Arkansas congressman whose post-war peace resolution had just passed Congress. The episode also features a surprise appearance by Vice President Henry Wallace, who delivers stirring remarks about the importance of war bonds and lasting peace after the war. Highlights include clever quizzes on New Jersey notables, the language of liberty and freedom in American history, warnings about global conflicts that went unheeded, and rapid-fire musical and literary puzzles. Fulbright’s insights shine as he discusses treaties, Rhodes Scholars, and the intricacies of American government, while the regular panel keeps the show’s trademark wit and humor front and center. From poetry and politics to war bonds and wordplay, this special episode captures the intellectual camaraderie and patriotic energy of wartime America. Don’t miss this unique blend of knowledge, humor, and history—only on Information Please!

September 20, 1943: War Bonds and Wordplay with Clare Boothe Luce

In this September 20, 1943, episode of Information Please, Clifton Fadiman leads the panel from the stage of Baltimore’s Lyric Theatre during a special war bond drive. The experts—John Kieran, Oscar Levant, and Franklin P. Adams—are joined by special guest Clare Boothe Luce, the renowned playwright and congresswoman from Connecticut. This lively episode features quick-fire trivia on Baltimore’s most famous sons, memorable family feuds in literature and fact, legendary airplane flights, and a creative game linking names to rivers, lakes, and ponds. The panel tackles literary characters, musical cues, and even modern art, with Luce’s wit and charm adding a fresh dynamic. As part of the nationwide effort, the show celebrates the massive sale of war bonds and includes a stirring message about their importance to the country’s future. With its perfect blend of brain-teasing fun, cultural insight, and patriotic spirit, this episode stands out as a vibrant moment in wartime radio history. Tune in for sparkling banter and sharp minds on Information Please!

September 13, 1943: Marcia Davenport and Deems Taylor

In this September 13, 1943, episode of Information Please, host Clifton Fadiman returns after the summer break with regular panelists John Kieran and Franklin P. Adams. Oscar Levant is away in Hollywood, but the panel is joined by special guests Marcia Davenport, acclaimed author of “The Valley of Decision,” and Deems Taylor, eminent music critic and composer.This lively episode features witty exchanges and intellectual banter as the panel tackles questions about literature, music, poetry, and even culinary traditions. Highlights include discussions on men in literature who act foolishly for love, famous trumpet fanfares in opera, memorable lines about plump or overweight characters in poetry, and food preparation trivia. Davenport and Taylor share their expertise on musical passages, while the regulars shine in rounds covering classic poetry and Shakespearean references.With a blend of humor, cultural knowledge, and good-natured competition, this episode marks the start of a new season of Information Please, engaging listeners with both entertainment and learning. Tune in for a delightful hour of trivia, music, and stories from some of the sharpest minds on the air!

July 12, 1943: Colorful Quotations and Musical Cues with Jan Struther

In this July 12, 1943, episode of Information Please, Clifton Fadiman hosts the show from San Francisco’s War Memorial Opera House, capping off a season of patriotic war bond tours. The panel includes regulars Franklin P. Adams, John Kieran, and Oscar Levant, joined by the charming guest Jan Struther, best known as the creator of Mrs. Miniver.Together, they tackle an array of questions with wit and brilliance—from literary quotes involving color combinations like “purple and gold” to musical themes inspired by chimes and taxi horns. Struther brings her literary flair to the mix, while Levant offers his sharp musical insight and humor. The episode also delves into poetic toolkits, famous fictional characters aboard boats, and a quiz on parental literary and theatrical duos.The evening ends on a reflective note as the panel bids farewell for an eight-week summer hiatus, celebrating their successful bond-raising tour across major American cities. Join the experts for one last rich blend of intellect and entertainment before their well-earned vacation on Information Please!

June 28, 1943: War Bonds and Literary Trivia with Walter Yust

In this June 28, 1943, episode of Information Please, host Clifton Fadiman welcomes an enthusiastic audience at the Civic Opera House in Chicago, where every attendee purchased a war bond for admission. The expert panel—Franklin P. Adams, John Kieran, and Oscar Levant—is joined by special guest Walter Yust, editor-in-chief of the Encyclopedia Britannica.The panel dives into a rich mix of literary, musical, scientific, and geographical trivia. Highlights include discussions on Chicago’s literary settings, poetic phrases like “zephyr” and “whirlwind,” and curious place names like East St. Louis and West New York. Yust engages deftly with references to his encyclopedic domain, even fielding questions on capillary action and historical figures with alias transformations.With humor, quick wit, and intellectual camaraderie, this episode offers a delightful blend of culture and wartime patriotism. Tune in for a special evening that combines knowledge, entertainment, and national spirit on Information Please!

June 21, 1943: Diplomatic Debates and Poetic Comparisons with Christopher Morley and C. Mildred Thompson

In this June 21, 1943, episode of Information Please, host Clifton Fadiman welcomes a dynamic panel including John Kieran, Franklin P. Adams, and guest experts Christopher Morley, the celebrated author, and Dr. C. Mildred Thompson, esteemed dean of Vassar College. Together, they tackle a broad range of questions that blend history, literature, politics, and linguistics.Listeners are treated to vibrant exchanges on Civil War generals who served foreign causes, literary chapter titles from Twain to Tarkington, and surprising diplomatic trivia involving military men and women. Morley’s literary depth and Thompson’s scholarly insight shine through as they parse complex quotations and trace the philosophical influences on American leaders from Jefferson to Lincoln.From deciphering poetic lines like “fairer than the evening air” to uncovering the meaning behind phrases like “rob Peter to pay Paul,” this episode serves up intellectual stimulation with characteristic wit and charm. A must-listen for lovers of language, literature, and lively debate.