Information Please

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.

In this October 17, 1939, episode of Information Please, host Clifton Fadiman is joined by the ever-enigmatic Moe Berg, linguist and former major league catcher known for his intelligence and diverse knowledge. Alongside regular panelists Franklin P. Adams, John Kieran, and Oscar Levant, Berg lends his unique flair to a lively trivia session covering everything from linguistic translations to world geography and classic sports trivia.Berg showcases his sharp wit as the panel tackles questions involving literal name translations, geographical locations matched to famous musical pieces, and the origins of historical groups. With a blend of humor, intellect, and Moe Berg’s distinct charm, this episode is filled with intellectual surprises and laughter. Tune in to test your own knowledge and enjoy the wit that makes Information Please a timeless classic! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this October 10, 1939, episode of Information Please, host Clifton Fadiman is joined by two renowned guests: the witty novelist Christopher Morley, author of Kitty Foyle, and John T. Flynn, economic commentator and biographer of John D. Rockefeller. Regulars Franklin P. Adams and John Kieran complete the lively panel, tackling a range of questions that mix literary knowledge with clever economic references.The experts face challenges like identifying flowers in book titles, discussing historical Shakespearean lines, and recognizing famous economists with unique personal stories. With Morley’s humor and Flynn’s sharp economic insights, the episode offers an enjoyable blend of literature, humor, and wit. Tune in to test your knowledge on everything from famous literary flowers to clever quotes from Shakespeare in this engaging and intellectual episode of Information Please! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this October 3, 1939, episode of Information Please, host Clifton Fadiman welcomes the esteemed C. Mildred Thompson, Dean of Vassar College and expert in post-Civil War American history. Alongside regular panelists Franklin P. Adams, John Kieran, and Oscar Levant, Thompson brings her depth of knowledge to a session that explores topics from American collegiate customs to famous pseudonyms in literature.The panel faces unique questions, such as the reasoning behind Vassar College’s original clothing rules and the peculiar identities of famous “Smiths” in history. Thompson’s academic insights shine as the team discusses literary figures, American education traditions, and historic women who broke social conventions. Tune in for a lively mix of intellectual discussion, humor, and the classic wit that defines Information Please, as the experts compete to answer America’s trickiest questions! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.