Information Please

In this October 15, 1940, episode of Information Please, host Clifton Fadiman is joined by historian Louis Hacker, author of The Triumph of American Capitalism, along with regulars Franklin P. Adams, John Kieran, and Oscar Levant. Together, the panel faces a mix of intellectual challenges, from reciting lines about coy mistresses in poetry to explaining the curious origins of early American “wildcat” banks and currency.Hacker’s expertise shines as he discusses historical financial terms and famous vice presidents with unique ambitions. The episode explores poetic quotes, classic card games, and historical events, blending humor and insight in this engaging session. Join the experts for a lively evening of trivia that brings literature, history, and a touch of wit to the forefront in Information Please! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this October 8, 1940, episode of Information Please, Clifton Fadiman hosts an intellectually rich session featuring novelist Louis Bromfield, known for The Rains Came, and British author Jan Struther, creator of Mrs. Miniver. Joining regulars Franklin P. Adams and John Kieran, the panel faces questions that delve into literary proposals, Mother Goose rhymes, and animals named after British Isles.Struther’s wit and Bromfield’s literary insight shine as the panel tackles whimsical challenges involving nursery rhymes, famous book characters, and the origins of alcoholic drink names. Join in for a delightful evening filled with poetic charm, humor, and curious trivia in this memorable episode of Information Please! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this October 1, 1940, episode of Information Please, host Clifton Fadiman welcomes acclaimed journalist and playwright Clare Boothe, author of The Women and Europe in the Spring. With regulars Franklin P. Adams, John Kieran, and Oscar Levant, the panel tackles an intriguing variety of questions, from identifying characters in plays who use wheelchairs to the role of women’s names in wartime codes.Boothe’s insights bring depth to questions about famous fictional Catherines and historical figures known for their anti-smoking stance. Join the panel for a delightful mix of literary references, historical tidbits, and the humorous exchanges that make Information Please a beloved classic. Test your own knowledge as the experts face questions designed to stump even the brightest minds! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this lively September 24, 1940, episode of Information Please, the panel is led by Franklin P. Adams, who steps in as host while Clifton Fadiman recovers. The lineup includes Pulitzer Prize-winning playwright Marc Connelly and journalist Alva Johnston, who join regulars John Kieran and Oscar Levant. Together, they tackle questions covering everything from classic toys named after presidents to historic battles and political cartoons.Connelly and Johnston lend their wit and insight as the experts guess the origins of famous toys, recall legendary Senate duels, and interpret iconic political caricatures. With a playful mix of humor and intellect, this episode captures the charm and spontaneity that makes Information Please a timeless classic. Tune in for an evening of historical trivia, witty banter, and fascinating stories! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this September 17, 1940, episode of Information Please, host Clifton Fadiman moderates an engaging evening of trivia featuring Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist Otto Tolischus, known for his reporting on global affairs. Regular panelists Franklin P. Adams, John Kieran, and Oscar Levant join Tolischus as they explore topics ranging from epic rivers and patriotic anthems to dreams of a united Europe.Tolischus offers insightful commentary as the panel tackles questions about historical proposals for European unity, the geography of the Danube River, and famous phrases from American songs. With humor and wit, the experts test their knowledge on both literature and history. Tune in to join the fun and intellectual challenge in this episode of Information Please!  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this September 10, 1940, episode of Information Please, host Clifton Fadiman brings together an international panel featuring journalist and foreign correspondent John Gunther, known for his insightful works on world affairs, and Jan Struther, celebrated British author of Mrs. Miniver. Alongside regulars Franklin P. Adams and John Kieran, the panel faces an array of intriguing questions that range from recent royal abdications to famous groups of sisters in literature.Struther’s and Gunther’s expertise shine as they discuss European events, identify notable fictional siblings, and recall historical figures with unique epithets. With lighthearted humor and intellectual depth, this episode captures the wit and charm that define Information Please. Tune in to test your knowledge and enjoy an engaging mix of history, literature, and classic 1940s trivia! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this September 3, 1940, episode of Information Please, Clifton Fadiman hosts an intellectually stimulating session with Henry Beetle Hough, editor of the Vineyard Gazette and author of Country Editor. Joined by regulars Franklin P. Adams, John Kieran, and Oscar Levant, the panel tackles an array of questions, from deciphering cryptic letter combinations to identifying islands with names rooted in legend and history.Hough’s insights add depth to discussions about American Indian history on Martha’s Vineyard, and the panel’s knowledge is tested on everything from poetic characters involved in elopements to abbreviations that hint at telegraph terms. Join in for a mix of humor, knowledge, and clever banter in this engaging and classic episode of Information Please! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this August 27, 1940, episode of Information Please, host Clifton Fadiman brings together two special guests: celebrated author Christopher Morley and James Roosevelt, son of President Franklin D. Roosevelt and a notable film producer. Regular panelists Franklin P. Adams and John Kieran join in as the team tackles a variety of questions, from famous mythical heroes and their presidential aspirations to curious historical details about racehorses and family legacies.The panel’s knowledge and humor shine through as they answer questions involving Native American folklore, literary pairings, and notable political figures. Roosevelt’s political insights and Morley’s literary expertise create a lively and insightful episode. Tune in for a classic mix of humor, intellect, and a bit of political fun in this engaging episode of Information Please! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this August 20, 1940, episode of Information Please, Clifton Fadiman welcomes distinguished Hollywood producer Walter Wanger, known for his work on Foreign Correspondent, directed by Alfred Hitchcock. With regular panelists Franklin P. Adams, John Kieran, and Oscar Levant, the panel tackles an intriguing series of questions, from famous film settings and patriotic speeches to nursery rhymes and historical locations featured in iconic plays.Wanger’s cinematic insights add depth as the panel identifies scenes from popular movies, recites famous lines from historic speeches, and answers whimsical questions involving nursery rhymes. Join in for a lively session where Hollywood glamour meets intellectual trivia, creating an unforgettable mix of humor, knowledge, and charm on Information Please!  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this August 13, 1940, episode of Information Please, host Clifton Fadiman brings together two distinguished guests: Secretary of the Interior Harold Ickes and New York County Chairman Kenneth Simpson. Alongside regulars Franklin P. Adams and John Kieran, the panel tackles questions that range from biblical tales of survival to political trivia and classic literary rivalries.Ickes and Simpson share insights as they navigate historical elections, curious presidential trivia, and literary characters who survived extreme challenges. With lively debates and humorous exchanges, this episode offers a blend of political wit, literary knowledge, and engaging trivia. Tune in to enjoy the wit and wisdom of Information Please, where intellect and humor meet for a timeless radio experience! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.