In this New Year’s episode of Information Please, host Clifton Fadiman kicks off 1940 with special guests Gloria Stuart, the elegant star of The Three Musketeers, and Carl Van Doren, Pulitzer Prize-winning biographer of Benjamin Franklin. Alongside regular panelists Franklin P. Adams and John Kieran, the evening’s questions bring humor and challenge with topics ranging from arithmetic problems in nursery rhymes to settings in Pulitzer Prize-winning plays.Stuart’s Hollywood charm and Van Doren’s literary knowledge shine as the panel tackles memorable arithmetic puzzles, scenes from award-winning dramas, and quotations from America’s most famous speeches. Join the experts for a delightful blend of intellect, wit, and friendly banter as they try to avoid being stumped and share their insights with listeners in this entertaining start to 1940! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this December 26, 1939, episode of Information Please, host Clifton Fadiman wraps up the year with an exciting session featuring the distinguished British actor Sir Cedric Hardwicke, soon to open in The Hunchback of Notre Dame. Alongside regulars Franklin P. Adams, John Kieran, and Oscar Levant, Hardwicke brings his theatrical charm to a range of questions, from famous travel destinations in literature to identifying characters in novels with no female roles.The panel faces memorable challenges, including interpreting last words of historic figures, identifying Shakespearean references, and pinpointing destinations from poetic lines. With Hardwicke’s British wit adding depth and humor, this episode offers an engaging blend of literary and cultural trivia. Join in for an intellectual treat filled with wit, humor, and the unique charm of 1930s radio on Information Please! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this festive December 19, 1939, episode of Information Please, host Clifton Fadiman celebrates the holiday season with special guests Christopher Morley, celebrated author of Kitty Foyle, and world-renowned violinist Albert Spalding. Joining regulars Franklin P. Adams and John Kieran, the panel takes on a mix of holiday-themed questions, musical trivia, and literary puzzles, setting a lively and cheerful tone for the evening.Listeners are treated to memorable discussions about holiday gifts referenced in poetry, famous musical compositions, and historical holiday customs. Spalding adds charm with his musical knowledge, while Morley brings his wit to questions involving seasonal songs and classic poems. Join in for an episode filled with laughter, nostalgia, and the warm spirit of the holidays as the experts take on America’s holiday-inspired trivia. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this December 12, 1939, episode of Information Please, host Clifton Fadiman welcomes special guest Walter B. Pitkin, the educator and psychologist famous for his book Life Begins at Forty. Joining regulars Franklin P. Adams, John Kieran, and Oscar Levant, Pitkin contributes his insights as the panel tackles questions spanning music, literature, and curious career milestones.The evening’s trivia covers recent news items conveyed through song, humorous “thank you” quotes, and famous historical figures who achieved greatness before the age of 40. Pitkin’s unique perspective on life’s milestones adds charm and wisdom as the panel navigates topics like political ascensions and poetic expressions of gratitude. Tune in for an engaging blend of intellect, humor, and timeless trivia on this classic episode of Information Please! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this December 5, 1939, episode of Information Please, Clifton Fadiman moderates a session filled with fascinating trivia alongside guests Henry Pringle, Pulitzer Prize-winning biographer, and composer Deems Taylor. Joining regulars Franklin P. Adams and John Kieran, the panel tackles challenging questions, from naming books with celestial titles to identifying famous figures who held multiple political roles in American history.Pringle and Taylor add wit and insight as the experts discuss literary titles related to the cosmos, historical figures like Theodore Roosevelt, and famous opera characters. Join in for an engaging blend of intellect, humor, and the unique charm of Information Please as the panel takes on stumpers that span literature, history, and music. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this November 21, 1939, episode of Information Please, host Clifton Fadiman presents a challenging round of trivia with returning guests Moe Berg, the multilingual baseball catcher and former lawyer, and J.P. McEvoy, the acclaimed humorist and screenwriter. Alongside regulars Franklin P. Adams and John Kieran, Berg and McEvoy tackle questions that span legal terminology, literary initials, and romantic poetry.Berg’s background in law brings an edge to questions on courtroom phrases, while McEvoy adds wit with his knowledge of classic movie trivia and humorous anecdotes. The panel wrestles with everything from famous initials like W.C. Fields to memorable poetic lines involving kisses and cows. Tune in for a delightful mix of intellect, humor, and surprises as the experts attempt to outwit America’s cleverest listeners on this classic episode of Information Please! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this November 14, 1939, episode of Information Please, host Clifton Fadiman brings together a unique panel featuring the U.S. Postmaster General, James Farley, alongside regulars Franklin P. Adams, John Kieran, and Oscar Levant. This lively session delves into a wide array of questions, from historical vice presidents and songs expressing neutrality to tales of famous fugitives and postage stamp figures.Farley shares his insights on American politics, recounting “dark horse” presidential nominees and revealing details about the selection of faces for postage stamps. The panel also faces playful questions on pop culture and music, with Levant’s musical knowledge adding a special flair. Join in for a fun-filled episode rich in history, political trivia, and the trademark humor of Information Please. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this November 7, 1939, episode of Information Please, host Clifton Fadiman brings together a dynamic panel featuring regulars Franklin P. Adams and John Kieran, alongside two esteemed guests: Pulitzer Prize-winning historian Marquis James and novelist Christopher Morley. The panel faces a series of fascinating questions, covering topics from identifying American presidents who were once store clerks to recognizing hobbies associated with obscure terms and puzzling over lines from famous poems.Morley and James bring wit and insight as they join the panel in recalling poetic lines, distinguishing famous marches in American history, and sharing stories of presidents’ early occupations. Tune in for an episode filled with lively banter, historical knowledge, and poetic charm, as the experts attempt to match wits with listeners in this engaging and memorable session of Information Please! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this Halloween episode of Information Please, aired on October 31, 1939, Clifton Fadiman hosts a memorable session featuring the distinguished poet Carl Sandburg. Alongside regulars Franklin P. Adams, John Kieran, and Oscar Levant, Sandburg brings his poetic flair and wit to the evening’s questions, adding depth and charm to the show.The panel tackles an array of intriguing topics, from nursery rhymes set to surprising tunes and naval mottos to literary characters with names inspired by flowers. Sandburg’s insights and humor shine as he navigates whimsical poetry challenges and historical trivia. Tune in for a delightful mix of intellect and laughter, as the panel celebrates Halloween with charm, wit, and timeless trivia on Information Please! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this October 24, 1939, episode of Information Please, host Clifton Fadiman welcomes music critic and composer Deems Taylor alongside poet and anthologist Louis Untermeyer. Joining regulars John Kieran and Franklin P. Adams, the panel takes on a diverse mix of questions covering everything from naval commands and courtroom phrases to poetic associations with occupations.Taylor’s musical expertise and Untermeyer’s literary insights bring depth to the episode as the panel tackles imaginative queries about famous lines linked to bartenders and undertakers, and discusses operas devoid of tenors and sopranos. With lively humor and clever banter, this episode showcases the wit and intelligence that defines Information Please. Join us for an evening filled with intellectual charm, poetic puzzles, and spontaneous fun! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.