In this July 12, 1943, episode of Information Please, Clifton Fadiman hosts the show from San Francisco’s War Memorial Opera House, capping off a season of patriotic war bond tours. The panel includes regulars Franklin P. Adams, John Kieran, and Oscar Levant, joined by the charming guest Jan Struther, best known as the creator of Mrs. Miniver.

Together, they tackle an array of questions with wit and brilliance—from literary quotes involving color combinations like “purple and gold” to musical themes inspired by chimes and taxi horns. Struther brings her literary flair to the mix, while Levant offers his sharp musical insight and humor. The episode also delves into poetic toolkits, famous fictional characters aboard boats, and a quiz on parental literary and theatrical duos.

The evening ends on a reflective note as the panel bids farewell for an eight-week summer hiatus, celebrating their successful bond-raising tour across major American cities. Join the experts for one last rich blend of intellect and entertainment before their well-earned vacation on Information Please!

In this June 28, 1943, episode of Information Please, host Clifton Fadiman welcomes an enthusiastic audience at the Civic Opera House in Chicago, where every attendee purchased a war bond for admission. The expert panel—Franklin P. Adams, John Kieran, and Oscar Levant—is joined by special guest Walter Yust, editor-in-chief of the Encyclopedia Britannica.

The panel dives into a rich mix of literary, musical, scientific, and geographical trivia. Highlights include discussions on Chicago’s literary settings, poetic phrases like “zephyr” and “whirlwind,” and curious place names like East St. Louis and West New York. Yust engages deftly with references to his encyclopedic domain, even fielding questions on capillary action and historical figures with alias transformations.

With humor, quick wit, and intellectual camaraderie, this episode offers a delightful blend of culture and wartime patriotism. Tune in for a special evening that combines knowledge, entertainment, and national spirit on Information Please!

In this June 21, 1943, episode of Information Please, host Clifton Fadiman welcomes a dynamic panel including John Kieran, Franklin P. Adams, and guest experts Christopher Morley, the celebrated author, and Dr. C. Mildred Thompson, esteemed dean of Vassar College. Together, they tackle a broad range of questions that blend history, literature, politics, and linguistics.

Listeners are treated to vibrant exchanges on Civil War generals who served foreign causes, literary chapter titles from Twain to Tarkington, and surprising diplomatic trivia involving military men and women. Morley’s literary depth and Thompson’s scholarly insight shine through as they parse complex quotations and trace the philosophical influences on American leaders from Jefferson to Lincoln.

From deciphering poetic lines like “fairer than the evening air” to uncovering the meaning behind phrases like “rob Peter to pay Paul,” this episode serves up intellectual stimulation with characteristic wit and charm. A must-listen for lovers of language, literature, and lively debate.

In this June 14, 1943, episode of Information Please, host Clifton Fadiman welcomes Hilary St. George Saunders, the noted British author and co-creator of the pen names Francis Beeding and David Pilgrim. Saunders joins regular panelists Franklin P. Adams, John Kieran, and Oscar Levant for a rich and varied evening of trivia and humor.

Topics span World War II military campaigns such as the Battle of Britain and the Tunisian campaign, along with literary quizzes featuring heavy drinkers in fiction and scenes involving flirtation and gambling from classics like Vanity Fair and Casablanca. Saunders offers firsthand insights into commando operations and British customs, while the panel delves into geographical challenges, classical music references, and whimsical hat traditions.

Blending serious wartime reflections with light-hearted banter and deep cultural knowledge, this episode delivers another delightful installment of Information Please.

In this June 7, 1943, episode of Information Please, host Clifton Fadiman leads an entertaining panel featuring regulars Franklin P. Adams and John Kieran, joined by special guests Marcia Davenport, author of The Valley of Decision, and renowned composer and commentator Deems Taylor.

The episode offers an eclectic blend of literary, musical, and mythological trivia. Highlights include lively discussions about operatic scenes from Tosca, The Valkyrie, and Porgy and Bess, plus tales of legendary rides—from Mazepa’s wild flight to Europa’s journey on a bull. The panel also unpacks culinary curiosities like clambakes and planked fish, and navigates poetry, historical references, and peculiar hiding spots in literature.

With sharp wit and cultural insight, Davenport and Taylor add charm and depth to this spirited hour of spontaneous fun. Don’t miss this vibrant blend of intellect and humor on Information Please!

In this May 31, 1943, episode of Information Please, host Clifton Fadiman leads a brilliant panel featuring Oscar Levant, Franklin P. Adams, John Kieran, and their distinguished guest, Sir Thomas Beecham—the celebrated conductor and author of A Mingled Chime. This lively session brims with classical music insights, theatrical references, and historical musings.

Listeners are treated to questions about the settings of famous plays, the magic of operatic and symphonic compositions, and seasonal poetry. Sir Thomas Beecham shares witty commentary on musical works and cultural trivia, including the origins of The Blue Boy painting and Richard Strauss’s Intermezzo. The panel also explores proverb-inspired menus, literary sequels from Esmond to The Virginians, and whimsical queries about famous uncles and fictional prisoners.

A delightful blend of erudition and charm, this episode captures the wit and wisdom of its guests while offering a window into the arts, literature, and music of the time. Tune in for a thoughtful and entertaining journey with Information Please!

In this May 24, 1943, episode of Information Please, Clifton Fadiman welcomes the distinguished Ethel Barrymore, star of The Corn Is Green, and theatrical publicist Richard Maney to join regulars John Kieran and Franklin P. Adams. The panel serves up literary wit, historical savvy, and theatrical charm in a lively session filled with poems, plays, and playful banter.

Barrymore and Maney shine as they field questions on literary quotes, baseball trivia, and poetic riddles. From “Time, you old gypsy man” to “Out, out, brief candle,” the conversation spans Shakespeare, Longfellow, and even Rudy Vallée. The group dissects limericks, tracks famous elopers in fiction, and solves detective story mysteries with flair.

Theatrical questions suit Barrymore perfectly, including one about her own performances, while Maney impresses with quick recall on baseball managers and stage families. Cultural connections abound—from Cicero to Yamanoto, and from The Hound of the Baskervilles to The Murder of Roger Ackroyd.

This episode brims with classic charm, deep literary references, and Barrymore’s commanding elegance. Tune in for an enriching and spirited hour on Information Please!

In this May 17, 1943, fifth-anniversary episode of Information Please, Clifton Fadiman leads a cross-continental session featuring panelists John Kieran and Franklin P. Adams in New York, while Jan Struther, author of Mrs. Miniver, and Boris Karloff, the master of movie monsters, join from a Hollywood studio. Using Harpo Marx’s horn and Frankenstein’s growl as buzzers, the guests bring both humor and horror to this uniquely entertaining episode.

Listeners are treated to playful explorations of vampires, zombies, and ogres, distinctions between pirates and mutineers, and chilling tales from literature like The Monkey’s Paw and The Tell-Tale Heart. Karloff’s gothic expertise lends authenticity, while Struther’s dry British wit keeps the panel on its toes.

The episode also celebrates the show’s fifth birthday with questions on nursery rhymes, romantic endearments, classical legends, and seasonal poetry. In a nod to wartime, it includes discussions on European unity and heroic mythologies.

Brimming with literary references, theatrical flair, and comedic chemistry, this milestone edition of Information Please is a rich tapestry of culture and fun. Tune in for a birthday episode that blends brains and the bizarre!

In this May 10, 1943, episode of Information Please, Clifton Fadiman leads a thoughtful and wide-ranging discussion with regular panelists Franklin P. Adams, John Kieran, Oscar Levant, and special guest George V. Denny Jr., moderator of America’s Town Meeting of the Air. The episode is rich with political insight, musical flair, and historical context.

Listeners are treated to a clever musical guessing game connecting famous songs to potential Allied invasion points, followed by debates inspired by imaginary matchups on Denny’s own Town Meeting program. The panel explores historical quotes, presidential speeches, and enduring myths—from Lafayette’s welcome in France to Parson Weems’ cherry tree tale. Denny’s political acumen shines in questions on cabinet appointments and wartime plans like the Rummel Plan.

Trivia ranges from poetic lines on loneliness to contests for spouses and valets in literature and opera. The panel’s humor and quick thinking bring levity to topics like wartime advertising, literary partnerships, and American geography.

This episode blends patriotic themes, intellectual play, and historical reflection. Tune in for another engaging hour with Information Please!

In this April 26, 1943, episode of Information Please, Clifton Fadiman moderates from Cleveland, the fourth stop on the show’s war bond tour, where over $250 million in bonds have been raised. Regular panelists Franklin P. Adams, John Kieran, and Oscar Levant welcome back returning guest Leon Henderson, former head of the Office of Price Administration.

The panel entertains a vibrant crowd with a mix of historical, musical, literary, and political questions. Henderson proves his mettle with sharp answers on Mark Hanna, Ruth Bryan Owen, and the Wilson Peace Commission. Levant dominates musical trivia, including inventive links between Shakespearean characters and popular songs like “My One and Only.” The group recalls Gilded Age socialites in Peacock Alley and pinpoints poetic phrases from Whitman and Byron with style and humor.

Highlights include quizzes on presidential ages, tree-based expressions, and cocktails like the Horse’s Neck. Amid laughs and learning, the show maintains its patriotic edge, reminding listeners of the ongoing war bond drive.

Join Information Please for a high-spirited hour of intellect, trivia, and wartime purpose!