Information Please

December 18, 1942: Literary Lumps and Regal Romances with Ilka Chase

In this December 18, 1942, episode of Information Please, Clifton Fadiman hosts a delightful panel featuring Franklin P. Adams, John Kieran, Oscar Levant, and the witty actress and author Ilka Chase. Together, they tackle a variety of topics spanning literature, music, and regal romances.The panel identifies love-struck princesses in Shakespeare’s The Merchant of Venice and the play The Swan, deciphers poetic lines involving honor, and hilariously debates items a lady might keep in her purse—suggested by musical titles like Kitten on the Keys. Ilka Chase adds charm and sharp humor to the lively banter.With topics ranging from African campaign geography to cartoon characters and literary insults, this episode blends wit, culture, and spontaneous fun. Tune in for an engaging and nostalgic hour on Information Please! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

December 11, 1942: Rivers of Words and Fictional Detectives with William L. Shirer and Christopher Morley

In this December 11, 1942, episode of Information Please, Clifton Fadiman welcomes panel regulars Franklin P. Adams and John Kieran, along with renowned radio commentator William L. Shirer and literary great Christopher Morley. Together, they tackle an engaging blend of trivia spanning literature, history, and music.Highlights include identifying writers associated with rivers like the Styx and the Yukon, recounting pivotal historical events such as the signing of the Atlantic Charter, and debating famous fictional detectives like Mycroft Holmes and Charlie Chan. With humor and intellectual depth, the panel also dives into poetic first lines and musical excerpts from Scheherazade and Danse Macabre.Blending cultural wit and intellectual banter, this episode offers a nostalgic and thought-provoking hour of trivia and conversation. Tune in for a lively and entertaining installment of Information Please! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

December 4, 1942: Patriotic Poetry and Boston Brains with Senator Henry Cabot Lodge Jr.

In this December 4, 1942, episode of Information Please, Clifton Fadiman moderates an exceptional panel featuring Franklin P. Adams, John Kieran, Oscar Levant, and guest Senator Henry Cabot Lodge Jr., live from Symphony Hall in Boston. The audience, composed entirely of war bond purchasers, contributes to the war effort with over $4 million raised in bonds.The panel tackles questions about Boston’s history, literary poetry such as Wordsworth’s The Solitary Reaper, and imaginative trivia like which baseball teams Adolf Hitler might dislike. Senator Lodge’s sharp wit and knowledge shine as he delves into military ranks, bugle calls, and the economic impact of war.Blending patriotic fervor, cultural trivia, and humor, this special live broadcast offers an engaging hour of historical insight and lively conversation. Tune in for a memorable installment of Information Please! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

November 27, 1942: Ration Recipes and Subversive Songs with Leon Henderson and Wilma Lord Perkins

In this November 27, 1942, episode of Information Please, Clifton Fadiman hosts a unique panel featuring regulars Franklin P. Adams and John Kieran, alongside guests Leon Henderson, Director of the Office of Price Administration, and Wilma Lord Perkins, editor of the Fannie Farmer Cookbook. Together, they explore wartime rationing, culinary creativity, and musical trivia with humor and insight.The panel delves into Mother Goose-inspired ration adjustments, creative uses for cabbage, and recipes like sauerkraut and clam bakes. Musical interludes add humor as the group speculates which government agency would challenge subversive songs like “I Didn’t Raise My Boy to Be a Soldier.”With a perfect blend of cultural nostalgia, wartime practicality, and unscripted wit, this episode offers a delightful hour of engaging conversation. Tune in for a mix of culinary tips, trivia, and laughter on Information Please! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

November 20, 1942: Literary Marches and Nocturnal Variations with Louis Bromfield

In this November 20, 1942, episode of Information Please, Clifton Fadiman welcomes Franklin P. Adams, John Kieran, Oscar Levant, and celebrated novelist Louis Bromfield as the guest of the evening. Together, the panel navigates questions ranging from Shakespeare to scientific riddles with their characteristic wit and charm.Highlights include lively debates on literary characters named March from Little Women and Middlemarch, musical trivia tied to Bach’s Goldberg Variations, and discussions on naval strongholds like Buna and Guadalcanal. Bromfield’s literary insights and humor shine as he engages with topics spanning poetry, science, and geopolitics.With an engaging blend of cultural trivia, historical references, and unscripted laughter, this episode offers a nostalgic glimpse into the golden age of radio. Tune in for an hour of thoughtful exploration and spontaneous brilliance on Information Please! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

November 6, 1942: Wartime Wit and Naval Quips with Hanson W. Baldwin

In this November 6, 1942, episode of Information Please, Clifton Fadiman moderates a lively panel featuring regulars Franklin P. Adams, John Kieran, and Oscar Levant, joined by special guest Hanson W. Baldwin, military editor of The New York Times. Together, they navigate trivia spanning literature, naval history, and military tactics.Highlights include questions about Romeo and Juliet’s Friar Laurence, riddles on forgotten passwords in Ali Baba and the Forty Thieves, and musical clues tied to military branches like the Navy and Cavalry. Baldwin provides insightful commentary on current wartime strategies, including the critical role of air power and tank superiority in the British campaigns.Blending humor, intellect, and wartime context, this episode offers a fascinating hour of cultural trivia and historical reflections. Tune in for a thoughtful and entertaining journey through knowledge on Information Please! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

October 30, 1942: Poetic Reds and Literary Beards with Carl Sandburg and Christopher Morley

In this October 30, 1942, episode of Information Please, Clifton Fadiman moderates a panel featuring regulars Franklin P. Adams and John Kieran, joined by Pulitzer Prize-winning poet Carl Sandburg and celebrated author Christopher Morley. Together, they tackle trivia spanning poetry, history, and literature.Highlights include witty debates on poetic references to the color red, literary depictions of beards, and the marital challenges of fictional characters like Ham Peggotty and Little Emily. Sandburg’s poetic insights and Morley’s literary charm shine as they discuss historical anecdotes and Lincoln lore.With a delightful mix of cultural trivia, humor, and thoughtful reflections, this episode offers a nostalgic journey through history and literature. Tune in for an engaging hour of intellectual banter and literary exploration on Information Please! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

October 9, 1942: Russian Humor and Ragamuffin Royals with Gregory Ratoff

In this October 9, 1942, episode of Information Please, Clifton Fadiman welcomes a lively panel featuring Franklin P. Adams, John Kieran, Oscar Levant, and special guest Gregory Ratoff, the Hollywood director known for his quick wit and colorful anecdotes. Together, they dive into trivia spanning literature, cuisine, and music.The panel debates culinary delights like Eggs Benedict and Chicken Tetrazzini, recalls literary depictions of ragamuffins and shepherds, and identifies fictional characters who went on unusual quests. Ratoff’s humor shines as he spins tales of Russian generals and imparts wisdom on blending whiskey and vodka.With witty banter, cultural insights, and a touch of theatrical flair, this episode promises an engaging mix of humor and intellectual fun. Tune in for an hour of spontaneous brilliance on Information Please! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

October 2, 1942: Historical Quizzes and Musical Fawns with Robert St. John and Deems Taylor

In this October 2, 1942, episode of Information Please, Clifton Fadiman leads a panel featuring Franklin P. Adams, John Kieran, and guests Deems Taylor, celebrated music critic, and Robert St. John, NBC London commentator and author. Together, they navigate an eclectic mix of topics blending history, literature, and music.Highlights include identifying cities like Oslo and Stalingrad by their former names, discussing the fateful leg injury of Benedict Arnold, and exploring operatic deaths, from Verdi’s Othello to Cavalleria Rusticana. Deems Taylor offers musical insights, while Robert St. John shares perspectives from war-torn Europe.With witty debates on kings, composers, and the afternoon musings of fauns, this episode offers a delightful hour of cultural exploration. Tune in for an engaging blend of humor, history, and trivia on Information Please! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

September 25, 1942: Wartime Quips and Musical Trivia with Leon Henderson

In this September 25, 1942, episode of Information Please, Clifton Fadiman moderates a panel featuring Franklin P. Adams, John Kieran, Oscar Levant, and guest Leon Henderson, baritone and director of the Office of Price Administration. Together, they navigate an array of topics blending humor, cultural insight, and wartime trivia.Highlights include questions about percentages in wartime news, poetic references to military ranks, and memorable moments in literature and song. Henderson’s wit shines as the panel discusses rationing, scrap metal slang, and beloved musical compositions like Beethoven’s Fifth Symphony.With a mix of intellectual debates, humor, and cultural nostalgia, this episode offers a captivating hour of lively conversation and unscripted brilliance. Tune in for a thoughtful and entertaining exploration of wartime culture on Information Please! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.