Information Please

March 8, 1943: Russian Rivers and Literary Feuds with Gregory Ratoff

In this March 8, 1943, episode of Information Please, Clifton Fadiman leads a lively panel featuring Franklin P. Adams, John Kieran, Oscar Levant, and special guest Gregory Ratoff, the Hollywood director and actor. Together, they explore an engaging mix of geography, music, and literary trivia with humor and flair.Highlights include discussions on famous rivers like the Volga and Wabash, literary families that couldn’t get along from Turgenev’s Fathers and Sons to Ibsen’s A Doll’s House, and musical narratives from Scheherazade to Peter and the Wolf. Ratoff’s quick wit and charm shine as he reminisces about Russian culture and entertains the panel with stories from his Hollywood career.Blending cultural trivia, humor, and intellectual banter, this episode offers an engaging and thought-provoking hour. Tune in for a delightful mix of learning and laughter on Information Please! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

March 1, 1943: Frog Feasts and Fictional Voyages with Will Rogers Jr.

In this March 1, 1943, episode of Information Please, Clifton Fadiman moderates a lively panel featuring regulars Franklin P. Adams, John Kieran, Oscar Levant, and special guest Will Rogers Jr., congressman and humorist. Together, they explore trivia ranging from literary creatures to historical military codes.Highlights include a debate on what to feed Mark Twain’s Dannel Webster the frog, a journey through Hemingway’s The Sun Also Rises, and humorous reflections on military signals like M1 and G2. Rogers adds charm with his quick wit, while Levant impresses with musical knowledge tied to March-themed melodies.With a mix of humor, cultural references, and wartime trivia, this episode offers an entertaining hour of unscripted fun. Tune in for a delightful blend of learning and laughter on Information Please! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

February 15, 1943: Short Snorters and Feisty Pugs with Fred Allen

In this February 15, 1943, episode of Information Please, Clifton Fadiman welcomes Fred Allen, the legendary comedian, to the panel alongside regulars Franklin P. Adams, John Kieran, and Oscar Levant. Together, they explore an eclectic mix of questions and topics, delivering wit, humor, and cultural insights.Highlights include discussions on aviation traditions like the “short snorter,” debates on famous pugilists managed by family members, and a lively examination of literary transitions, from Rip Van Winkle to A Connecticut Yankee in King Arthur’s Court. Allen’s humor and sharp comebacks keep the audience laughing, while the panel dives into trivia on American phrases and cultural quirks.With its mix of humor, intellect, and spontaneity, this episode offers an engaging hour of laughter and learning. Tune in for a delightful mix of trivia and wit on Information Please! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

February 5, 1943: Literary Suns and Unkept Royals with Jan Struther

In this February 5, 1943, episode of Information Please, Clifton Fadiman hosts Franklin P. Adams, John Kieran, and Oscar Levant, alongside guest Jan Struther, creator of Mrs. Miniver. The panel navigates an engaging mix of literary, musical, and cultural trivia with wit and charm.Highlights include poetic references to the sun, such as The Walrus and the Carpenter, and debates over royal women who couldn’t keep their men, from Dido’s Aeneas to Lost Horizon’s Lo Tsen. Struther shares her literary insights while the panel identifies interpolated songs in films like Casablanca and recalls characters who struggled with names like Bullfinch and Admiral.With a delightful blend of humor, intellect, and cultural nostalgia, this episode offers an entertaining and thought-provoking hour. Tune in for an engaging installment of Information Please! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

January 29, 1943: Fashion Flashbacks and Poetic Quips with Emily Kimbrough and Cornelia Otis Skinner

In this January 29, 1943, episode of Information Please, Clifton Fadiman welcomes Franklin P. Adams, John Kieran, and the co-authors of Our Hearts Were Young and Gay, Emily Kimbrough and Cornelia Otis Skinner. Together, they tackle questions on literature, fashion, and culinary trivia with humor and charm.Highlights include discussions on fashion trends returning from grandmothers’ wardrobes, such as snoods and pompadours, and poetic musings on worms and the mysteries of Shakespearean quotes. The panel also debates the culinary origins of dishes like hors d'oeuvres and Bel Paese cheese, bringing wit and cultural depth to the table.Blending sharp intellect and delightful humor, this episode offers a nostalgic hour of cultural trivia and lighthearted fun. Tune in for a charming installment of Information Please! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

January 22, 1943: Spy Rings and Culinary Quips with Alfred Hitchcock

In this January 22, 1943, episode of Information Please, Clifton Fadiman moderates a panel featuring Franklin P. Adams, John Kieran, Oscar Levant, and the master of suspense, Alfred Hitchcock. Together, they navigate an array of trivia, blending Hitchcock’s signature wit with a mix of cultural and literary questions.Highlights include tales of spy rings hidden in windmills, memorable movie murder cases, and debates over the culinary uses of tripe, sweetbreads, and giblets. Hitchcock shares insights into his own films, including Foreign Correspondent and Saboteur, while the panel identifies Shakespearean soliloquies and famous operatic compositions like Midsummer Night’s Dream and La Arlésienne.With lively humor, cinematic reflections, and intellectual banter, this episode offers a thrilling hour of unscripted fun. Tune in for a unique blend of trivia and suspense on Information Please! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

January 15, 1943: Shakespearean Serenades and Musical Requests with Charles Coburn and Deems Taylor

In this January 15, 1943, episode of Information Please, Clifton Fadiman hosts a lively panel featuring Franklin P. Adams, John Kieran, and two distinguished guests: stage and screen actor Charles Coburn and composer and music critic Deems Taylor. Together, they explore a mix of literary, musical, and historical trivia.The panel debates Shakespearean quotes, solves musical riddles like identifying melodies from Don Giovanni and Tchaikovsky’s Pathétique Symphony, and deciphers historical messages from figures like Blondie Ryan. Coburn’s theatrical flair and Taylor’s sharp wit add depth and humor to the conversation.From cultural insights to unscripted laughs, this episode blends intellectual trivia with spontaneous fun. Tune in for an engaging hour of knowledge and wit on Information Please! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

January 8, 1943: Parachute Calls and Musical Mysteries with Will Rogers Jr.

In this January 8, 1943, episode of Information Please, Clifton Fadiman hosts a special broadcast from the Academy of Music in Philadelphia. Joining regulars Franklin P. Adams, John Kieran, and Oscar Levant is guest Will Rogers Jr., congressman and former tank destroyer lieutenant. Together, they tackle an array of topics, blending humor, history, and wartime insights.The panel explores curious military terms like “Geronimo” and “bazooka,” debates poetic characters who meet unusual fates, and deciphers musical codes tied to nations in the war effort. Rogers shares anecdotes from his military service, while Levant impresses with his musical expertise, identifying compositions from Sibelius and Tchaikovsky.With lively discussions and patriotic fervor, this episode offers a compelling mix of trivia and camaraderie. Tune in for an hour of wit, knowledge, and wartime spirit on Information Please! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

January 1, 1943: Matrimonial Mishaps and Musical Masterpieces with Gregory Ratoff

In this New Year’s Day episode of Information Please, Clifton Fadiman welcomes regulars Franklin P. Adams, John Kieran, and Oscar Levant, alongside guest Gregory Ratoff, the dynamic actor, producer, and director. Together, they tackle topics ranging from literary love triangles to classical compositions, all with a witty and celebratory tone.Highlights include debates on famous literary runaways like Anna Karenina, culinary challenges with Victory-themed meals, and humorous reflections on historical figures like Natasha Rostov. Ratoff charms the audience with his humor and sharp insights, while Levant impresses with his musical expertise, identifying pieces like Tchaikovsky’s Nutcracker Suite and Enescu’s Romanian Rhapsody.With a blend of intellectual humor and cultural trivia, this episode is the perfect way to start the year. Tune in for a lively mix of laughter, learning, and New Year cheer on Information Please! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

December 25, 1942: Christmas Quips and Courtroom Tales with Leon Henderson and Judge James Wallace

In this festive Christmas Day episode of Information Please, Clifton Fadiman moderates a warm and witty panel featuring Franklin P. Adams, John Kieran, and guests Leon Henderson, Director of the Office of Price Administration, and Judge James Wallace of the New York Court of General Sessions. Together, they navigate holiday-themed trivia, historical anecdotes, and courtroom humor.Highlights include songs about Christmas gifts, debates on historical figures like Joan of Arc and Little Red Riding Hood, and lively discussions about courtroom salaries and legal trivia. Judge Wallace offers sharp insights with a touch of humor, while Leon Henderson charms the audience with his wartime wit.With a blend of holiday cheer, intellectual banter, and spontaneous fun, this episode captures the spirit of Christmas 1942. Tune in for a nostalgic and entertaining hour on Information Please! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.