Information Please

In this October 31, 1941, Halloween-themed episode of Information Please, Clifton Fadiman welcomes two exceptional guests: the legendary comedian Groucho Marx and composer Deems Taylor. Joined by regular panelists Franklin P. Adams, John Kieran, and Oscar Levant, the panel embarks on a lively trivia adventure featuring vaudeville acts, classic musical arias, and Shakespearean mysteries.Marx’s quick wit shines as he improvises responses to theatrical and literary riddles, while Taylor impresses with his deep musical knowledge, including Gilbert and Sullivan choruses. From solving poetic puzzles to recalling famous nicknamed figures like Gloomy Gus, this episode is packed with laughter, intellect, and timeless charm. Tune in for a memorable evening of humor and trivia on Information Please!  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this October 24, 1941, episode of Information Please, Clifton Fadiman leads a captivating session featuring two literary titans: Russell Crouse, co-author of Life with Father, and C. S. Forester, creator of Horatio Hornblower. Joined by regulars Franklin P. Adams and John Kieran, the panel dives into questions about nautical terminology, court trials in literature, and historical naval battles.Forester’s maritime expertise shines as the team discusses the Battle of Trafalgar and the role of soundings on a ship, while Crouse’s wit adds flair to explorations of courtroom burlesques and Shakespearean oaths. With lively debates and humorous exchanges, this episode offers a delightful mix of literary and historical trivia. Tune in for an engaging evening of wit and knowledge on Information Please! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this October 17, 1941, episode of Information Please, Clifton Fadiman welcomes back the incomparable Fred Allen for a night filled with humor and quick wit. Regular panelists Franklin P. Adams, John Kieran, and Oscar Levant join Allen in tackling quirky questions about whimsical crimes, literary riddles, and the sources of famous book titles.Allen’s sharp comedic timing shines in an imaginary murder mystery involving Jack Benny and a violin. The panel also explores nursery rhymes, Shakespearean wordplay, and the origins of classic quotes. Tune in for a laughter-filled session of trivia, wit, and timeless radio charm on Information Please! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this October 10, 1941, episode of Information Please, Clifton Fadiman hosts a memorable session featuring Fiorello La Guardia, the charismatic mayor of New York City, and Deems Taylor, the celebrated composer and music critic. With regular panelists Franklin P. Adams, John Kieran, and Oscar Levant, the evening’s questions span topics from poetic references to bodies of water to unique moments in mayoral history.La Guardia’s humor and Taylor’s musical expertise shine as they identify literary lakes, debate historical mayors, and unravel riddles from mythology. With witty exchanges and intellectual flair, this episode offers a delightful blend of trivia, charm, and insight. Tune in for an engaging evening of classic radio on Information Please! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this October 3, 1941, episode of Information Please, Clifton Fadiman hosts a spirited trivia session featuring legendary New York Yankees pitcher Lefty Gomez. Regular panelists Franklin P. Adams, John Kieran, and Oscar Levant join Gomez to explore a variety of topics, from famous World Series moments and baseball slang to Shakespearean weather references and iconic nursery rhyme characters.Gomez’s charm and sports expertise shine as he recalls pivotal moments in Yankees history, shares insights into colorful baseball expressions, and tackles historical questions with humor. With lively banter and engaging trivia, this episode is a home run of wit, knowledge, and entertainment. Tune in for a delightful session on Information Please!  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this September 26, 1941, episode of Information Please, Clifton Fadiman hosts a captivating trivia session featuring Sir Thomas Beecham, the legendary conductor, and Jan Struther, the delightful author of Mrs. Miniver. Alongside regulars Franklin P. Adams and John Kieran, the panel tackles a broad range of topics, from etymology and musical cadenzas to the mysteries of Shakespeare’s characters.Beecham’s musical expertise shines as he identifies excerpts from Brahms and Rimsky-Korsakov, while Struther’s wit adds charm to discussions about literary illustrations and classic lines of advice. With playful banter and intellectual depth, this episode is a brilliant blend of music, literature, and humor. Tune in for an engaging evening where knowledge and entertainment converge on Information Please! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this September 19, 1941, episode of Information Please, Clifton Fadiman welcomes the Pulitzer Prize-winning poet and author Stephen Vincent Benét, known for The Devil and Daniel Webster. Regular panelists Franklin P. Adams, John Kieran, and Oscar Levant join in to tackle a delightful range of topics, including the poets behind famous musical compositions, literary farming heroes, and memorable baseball stats.Benét’s literary flair adds depth to discussions on Shakespearean metaphors, mythical dragons, and poetic objects found in bedrooms. With humor and wit, the panel navigates questions that blend music, literature, and history. Tune in for a captivating evening of intellectual charm and cultural trivia on Information Please! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this September 12, 1941, episode of Information Please, Clifton Fadiman welcomes Pulitzer Prize-winning historian Margaret Leech and acclaimed novelist Louis Bromfield. Joining regular panelists Franklin P. Adams and John Kieran, the team tackles an eclectic mix of questions, from the fates of literary villains like Uriah Heep and Iago to identifying geographic treasures in India, Canada, and Russia.Leech and Bromfield bring wit and depth to lively discussions on historical figures, nursery rhyme menus, and poetic adjectives in classic American verses. With humor and sharp intellect, the panel delivers an evening of engaging trivia and timeless charm. Tune in for an unforgettable session where knowledge meets fun on Information Please!  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this September 5, 1941, episode of Information Please, Clifton Fadiman hosts a lively trivia session featuring composer and music critic Deems Taylor. Alongside regular panelists Franklin P. Adams, John Kieran, and Oscar Levant, the team dives into an eclectic mix of topics, from musical pieces every child learns to questions about literary characters and historical anecdotes.Taylor’s musical expertise shines as the panel tackles challenges identifying pieces like Für Elise and decoding cryptic compositions. The group also explores culinary riddles and the origins of poetic lines with humor and wit. Tune in for a delightful evening of music, literature, and spirited debates on this timeless episode of Information Please!  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this August 15, 1941, episode of Information Please, Clifton Fadiman hosts a lively and humorous session featuring Russell Crouse, co-author of Life with Father, and the returning Deems Taylor, renowned composer and music critic. Joining regular panelists Franklin P. Adams and John Kieran, the panel tackles an eclectic mix of questions ranging from crafting literary-inspired cocktails to unraveling Shakespearean characters.Crouse’s quick wit and Taylor’s musical knowledge shine as the team explores topics like poetic metaphors, historical military ranks, and creative uses of literary references in mixology. This episode blends humor, intellectual curiosity, and timeless charm. Tune in for a delightful evening of spontaneous trivia and engaging banter on Information Please!  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.