Information Please

In this September 26, 1939, episode of Information Please, host Clifton Fadiman brings together a fascinating panel featuring renowned author Rex Stout, creator of the Nero Wolfe detective series, and respected literary critic Carl Van Doren. Alongside regulars Franklin P. Adams and John Kieran, Stout and Van Doren tackle a mix of historical mysteries and literary challenges that range from colonial foods used by Native Americans to famous fictional detectives.With Stout’s detective expertise and Van Doren’s literary insights, the panel faces questions about mystery novels, American history, and unexpected etymologies. They navigate topics like famous detectives who team up with family members, vegetables native to the Americas, and surprising etymological origins of familiar words. Tune in for an evening filled with intellectual curiosity, wit, and the unique charm of Information Please, as the experts aim to avoid being stumped and claim victory over America’s trickiest trivia questions! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this lively September 19, 1939, episode of Information Please, host Clifton Fadiman is joined by bridge expert and games enthusiast P. Hal Sims, alongside regular panelists Franklin P. Adams, John Kieran, and Oscar Levant. The evening’s trivia takes the panel through a whirlwind of topics, from fictional characters who play musical instruments to unique sporting terms and iconic fashion references in popular songs.Sims brings his knowledge of games and strategy, adding depth as the panel tackles questions involving chess, golf, and bowling terminology. The experts also explore literary figures known for their musical talents, identifying characters from classic novels and plays who took up the violin, tuba, and saxophone. Join us for a captivating blend of humor, music, and intellectual challenge as Information Please presents another memorable night of trivia! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this September 12, 1939, episode of Information Please, host Clifton Fadiman leads a trivia-filled evening featuring tennis champion Alice Marble and science writer Bernard Jaffe. Alongside regulars Franklin P. Adams and John Kieran, the panel dives into questions spanning the worlds of sports, literature, and science, from identifying famous tennis strokes to explaining elemental mixtures.Marble’s athletic insight shines as she discusses the techniques of tennis greats, while Jaffe offers his scientific expertise on curious mixtures and natural phenomena. The panel faces lively challenges such as recognizing “fat” characters in literature and recalling famous fictional rescues. Join in for an entertaining blend of wit, knowledge, and humor in this classic episode where sports and science collide! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this September 5, 1939, episode of Information Please, host Clifton Fadiman welcomes esteemed news commentator Raymond Gram Swing as the guest of honor, joining regulars Franklin P. Adams, John Kieran, and Oscar Levant. Together, the panel tackles an engaging array of questions that range from popular songs with distressing titles to historical events marked by exact times and dates.Swing’s insight into current events adds a serious yet fascinating edge as the panel navigates questions about the significance of certain times in the escalating European crisis. Levant lightens the mood by answering musical challenges, while Kieran and Adams bring their usual wit to literary references and poetic riddles. Tune in for an evening of humor, history, and a touch of musical mastery in this thought-provoking and entertaining episode of Information Please! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this August 29, 1939, episode of Information Please, host Clifton Fadiman leads an evening filled with wit and wordplay. The distinguished guests include Wilfred Funk, lexicographer and publisher, and Rex Stout, famed author of the Nero Wolfe mysteries. Regulars John Kieran and Franklin P. Adams join the fun as the panel takes on questions about hybrid fruits, memorable quotes, and characters in detective fiction.Funk’s lexicon expertise and Stout’s storytelling prowess shine through as the panel attempts to answer questions involving literary quotations, mythical roles, and quirky etymologies. With topics that span classical mythology, vegetable hybrids, and famous Sherlock Holmes cases, this episode is a delightful showcase of humor and intellectual charm. Tune in for an evening where words come to life and every answer is an adventure! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this August 22, 1939, episode of Information Please, host Clifton Fadiman leads a fascinating evening of trivia with guest panelist H. Napier Moore, editor of Maclean’s magazine, alongside regulars Franklin P. Adams, John Kieran, and Oscar Levant. Together, they tackle a range of intriguing questions, from famous first jobs and nursery rhyme origins to identifying musical pieces by sound effects, making for an engaging quiz full of surprising challenges.Moore’s Canadian insights add a unique flavor to the discussions, as the panel navigates topics like the early careers of historical figures, catchy popular songs, and classical compositions inspired by everyday sounds. With witty exchanges and spontaneous laughter, this episode is a delightful mix of knowledge, humor, and the charm of 1930s radio. Tune in for a memorable session of Information Please, where intellectual curiosity and playful banter create an unforgettable evening! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this August 1, 1939, episode of Information Please, host Clifton Fadiman invites a lively panel featuring regulars Franklin P. Adams and John Kieran, joined by special guests Russell Crouse, the celebrated Broadway playwright, and James Kieran, the press secretary to the Mayor of New York and John Kieran’s brother. Together, they tackle quirky and clever questions involving common slang phrases, famous house addresses in literature, and historical tests of character.Crouse and the Kierans add humor and insight as the panel faces challenges such as identifying addresses like 221-B Baker Street and recalling iconic moments from folklore and history. With witty banter and competitive spirit between the brothers, this episode delivers a mix of humor, intellect, and spontaneous charm. Tune in for a delightful evening as the experts match wits on everything from slangy sayings to literary and historical trivia! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this July 25, 1939, episode of Information Please, Clifton Fadiman hosts a lively quiz session featuring Maury Maverick, the outspoken mayor of San Antonio and a defender of American individualism. Joining regulars Franklin P. Adams, John Kieran, and Oscar Levant, Maverick brings his colorful personality and knowledge of American history to the panel, sharing the origins of the term “maverick” and stories of his family’s storied past.The experts tackle a variety of questions, from identifying characters in folklore who were rescued by animals to exploring American constitutional law and historical trivia. With humor and wit, the panel dives into topics like the origin of patriotic phrases, real and fictional characters known for their independence, and mythical rescues involving geese, mice, and ravens. Join in for a delightful blend of trivia, history, and humor as Maverick and the panelists showcase the charm and intellect that make Information Please a beloved classic. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this exciting July 18, 1939, episode of Information Please, host Clifton Fadiman brings together an eclectic panel featuring renowned naturalist William Beebe and popular novelist Clarence Budington Kelland. Alongside regulars Franklin P. Adams and John Kieran, this episode dives into questions that range from the mysteries of South American piranhas and quirky American slang to memorable scenes in classic literature and music.Beebe captivates the audience with insights into wildlife, explaining everything from the anatomy of a stingray to the unexpected dangers lurking in South American waters. Meanwhile, Kelland’s wit and storytelling charm shine through as the panel tackles sports trivia, American folklore, and famous musical theater songs. Join in for an evening filled with wit, curiosity, and laughter as the experts take on America’s toughest trivia questions in this delightful episode of Information Please! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this July 11, 1939, episode of Information Please, host Clifton Fadiman welcomes Elliott Roosevelt, son of President Franklin D. Roosevelt, to join the panel of experts. Alongside regulars Franklin P. Adams, John Kieran, and Oscar Levant, Roosevelt brings his unique perspective as the team tackles a diverse range of questions, from identifying historical figures by their first names to recalling memorable fictional characters and classic American idioms.Roosevelt’s insights blend with the wit of the panel as they navigate topics like notable political figures, curious expressions involving measurements, and musical trivia. Join in for a lively evening filled with humor, historical knowledge, and the ever-entertaining mix of trivia and banter that defines Information Please. A classic episode showcasing the charm and intellect of 1930s radio! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.