Information Please

September 18, 1942: Shakespearean Sorcery and Fictional Detectives with Christopher Morley and Orson Welles

In this September 18, 1942, episode of Information Please, Clifton Fadiman moderates a panel featuring Franklin P. Adams, John Kieran, and special guests Christopher Morley, literary critic and novelist, and Orson Welles, the multitalented director and actor. Together, they tackle a variety of topics, blending wit, culture, and theatrical flair.Highlights include debates over Shakespearean tragedies, such as Othello and Macbeth, discussions about famous fictional detectives like Father Brown and Arsène Lupin, and humorous recollections of Welles’ infamous Martian broadcast. Christopher Morley shares his literary insights, while Orson Welles captivates with his sharp humor and theatrical expertise.This episode offers a delightful mix of highbrow trivia, humor, and cultural depth. Tune in for an unforgettable hour of unscripted brilliance and lively banter on Information Please! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

September 11, 1942: Literary Quips and Musical Birds with Alva Johnston

In this September 11, 1942, episode of Information Please, Clifton Fadiman leads a lively panel featuring Franklin P. Adams, John Kieran, Oscar Levant, and guest Alva Johnston, the celebrated author and humorist. Together, they tackle a mix of Shakespearean riddles, musical trivia, and historical insights.Highlights include discussions on Shakespeare’s answers to moonlit promises, the birds of famous melodies like The Nightingale Sang in Berkeley Square, and the paradox of the Purple Heart. Alva Johnston brings his sharp wit to debates about famous in-law relationships and literary alliances.Blending humor, intellect, and cultural nostalgia, this episode offers an engaging mix of lively trivia and spirited banter. Tune in for a captivating hour of unscripted brilliance on Information Please! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

September 4, 1942: Naval Feats and Poetic Puns with C.S. Forester and Jan Struther

In this September 4, 1942, episode of Information Please, Clifton Fadiman leads a delightful panel featuring regulars Franklin P. Adams and John Kieran, joined by C.S. Forester, author of Captain Horatio Hornblower, and Jan Struther, the creator of Mrs. Miniver. Together, they tackle a mix of naval history, literary devices, and clever trivia.Highlights include the retelling of legendary maritime escapes, the origins of spoonerisms, and an exploration of poetic paradoxes from Shelley and Lowell. Struther’s wit and Forester’s nautical expertise add a fresh perspective to the panel’s usual charm.With a blend of cultural depth, humor, and fascinating anecdotes, this episode offers an engaging hour of spontaneous fun. Tune in for a journey through history, literature, and the high seas on Information Please! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

August 28, 1942: Literary Bites and Global Conflicts with Quincy Howe

In this August 28, 1942, episode of Information Please, Clifton Fadiman leads a panel featuring Franklin P. Adams, John Kieran, Oscar Levant, and special guest Quincy Howe, the renowned author and radio news commentator. Together, they tackle a wide range of questions spanning literature, history, and global geography.The panel explores “famous bites” in literature, from Moby Dick to the Garden of Eden, engages in spirited debates about wartime invasions and their significance, and muses over musical themes from Schubert and Brahms. Quincy Howe’s sharp wit and deep historical knowledge shine throughout the discussions.With a blend of cultural trivia, intellectual banter, and humor, this episode offers an engaging and thought-provoking hour. Tune in for a fascinating journey through the literary and historical realms on Information Please! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

August 21, 1942: Economic Wit and Wartime Tunes with Raymond Clapper and Leon Henderson

In this August 21, 1942, episode of Information Please, Clifton Fadiman leads a spirited panel featuring Franklin P. Adams, John Kieran, and special guests Raymond Clapper, Scripps-Howard correspondent, and Leon Henderson, the director of the Office of Price Administration. Together, they navigate an engaging mix of literary, musical, and historical trivia.The panel explores collaborations in history, sings wartime classics like “Over There” and “Keep the Home Fires Burning,” and debates questions about Purple Hearts, war songs, and poetic materials. Henderson’s dynamic humor and Clapper’s journalistic sharpness shine as they tackle challenging questions with wit and charm.From historical speeches to patriotic anthems, this episode blends cultural trivia, wartime context, and unscripted humor. Tune in for a nostalgic hour of lively discussion and laughter on Information Please! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

August 14, 1942: Naval Waves and Gloomy Tunes with Mildred H. McAfee

In this August 14, 1942, episode of Information Please, Clifton Fadiman moderates a lively panel featuring Franklin P. Adams, John Kieran, Oscar Levant, and distinguished guest Mildred H. McAfee, President of Wellesley College and Lieutenant Commander of the Women’s Naval Reserve.The panel navigates questions about classical music, military distinctions, and Shakespearean characters, with Mildred McAfee offering insights into the founding of the WAVES (Women Appointed for Volunteer Emergency Service). Highlights include Oscar Levant’s musical wit on lullabies, McAfee’s breakdown of military training institutions, and spirited debates over literary passages and naval traditions.With wit and intellect, this episode blends cultural trivia, military history, and unscripted humor. Tune in for a fascinating hour of lively discussion and engaging banter on Information Please! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

August 7, 1942: Theater Talk and Gloomy Quips with Russell Crouse and Ned Sparks

In this August 7, 1942, episode of Information Please, Clifton Fadiman hosts an entertaining panel featuring Franklin P. Adams, John Kieran, Broadway luminary Russell Crouse, and the inimitably droll Ned Sparks, stepping in with his signature sardonic wit.The panel navigates questions ranging from literary lines and military trivia to casting the perfect sourpuss in a movie. Russell Crouse shares insights from his theatrical expertise, while Ned Sparks charms with his self-deprecating humor. Highlights include debates on Shakespeare’s cross-garters, identifying famous sourpusses, and a lively discussion on poetic professions like bakers and shoemakers.With a delightful mix of quizzical banter and theatrical flair, this episode delivers both laughs and learning. Tune in for a memorable hour of wit, wisdom, and whimsical trivia on Information Please! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

July 24, 1942: Legal Minds and Musical Missteps with Paul Gallico and Arthur Garfield Hayes

In this July 24, 1942, episode of Information Please, Clifton Fadiman leads a panel featuring Franklin P. Adams, John Kieran, sportswriter Paul Gallico, and prominent attorney Arthur Garfield Hayes. Together, they navigate a wide range of questions spanning legal history, literary trinities, and baseball trivia.Arthur Garfield Hayes delves into famous trials, from Sir Roger Casement’s high treason to the libel case of John Ruskin. Paul Gallico impresses with his knowledge of sports and even identifies famous bassoon passages in classical music. The panel debates Chekhov’s Three Sisters, tackles Shakespearean songs, and unravels the curious world of breaches of promise and Russian plays.With wit, intellect, and charm, this episode blends legal insights, literary gems, and musical musings. Tune in for a delightful hour of spirited banter and cultural exploration on Information Please! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

July 17, 1942: Tanks, Tunes, and Tactical Triumphs with Senator Henry Cabot Lodge Jr.

In this July 17, 1942, episode of Information Please, Clifton Fadiman hosts a panel featuring Franklin P. Adams, John Kieran, Oscar Levant, and special guest Senator Henry Cabot Lodge Jr., fresh from his service in the U.S. Army Tank Corps. Together, they navigate questions ranging from military tactics to musical trivia.Senator Lodge shares insights on armored warfare, including how tank crews use whistle signals and intercoms to communicate during battle. The panel tackles questions about famous sailors, U.S. Presidents, and Shakespeare’s timeless verses. Oscar Levant adds his musical expertise to the mix, identifying melodies and their hidden geographic references.With lively discussions about literary ordnance, military strategy, and historical figures, this episode combines intellect, humor, and war-era patriotism. Tune in for a captivating hour of unscripted brilliance and spirited camaraderie on Information Please! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

July 10, 1942: Musical Teeth and Mischievous Poetry with H.I. Phillips and Deems Taylor

In this July 10, 1942, episode of Information Please, Clifton Fadiman moderates a playful and intellectual discussion featuring regulars Franklin P. Adams and John Kieran, alongside composer and critic Deems Taylor and humorist H.I. Phillips. Together, they navigate through musical trivia, poetic puzzles, and even a surprising debate about deciduous teeth.Listeners are treated to whimsical moments like identifying songs inspired by Shakespeare, recounting mischievous poetry, and exploring the odd names of naval ships. Deems Taylor offers sharp musical insights, while H.I. Phillips contributes his signature wit, lightening the mood with his clever banter.From the mysteries of baby teeth to the violence of literary murders, this episode offers a blend of culture, humor, and lively conversation. Tune in for an hour of unscripted brilliance and laughter on Information Please! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.