In this August 14, 1942, episode of Information Please, Clifton Fadiman moderates a lively panel featuring Franklin P. Adams, John Kieran, Oscar Levant, and distinguished guest Mildred H. McAfee, President of Wellesley College and Lieutenant Commander of the Women’s Naval Reserve.The panel navigates questions about classical music, military distinctions, and Shakespearean characters, with Mildred McAfee offering insights into the founding of the WAVES (Women Appointed for Volunteer Emergency Service). Highlights include Oscar Levant’s musical wit on lullabies, McAfee’s breakdown of military training institutions, and spirited debates over literary passages and naval traditions.With wit and intellect, this episode blends cultural trivia, military history, and unscripted humor. Tune in for a fascinating hour of lively discussion and engaging banter on Information Please! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this August 7, 1942, episode of Information Please, Clifton Fadiman hosts an entertaining panel featuring Franklin P. Adams, John Kieran, Broadway luminary Russell Crouse, and the inimitably droll Ned Sparks, stepping in with his signature sardonic wit.The panel navigates questions ranging from literary lines and military trivia to casting the perfect sourpuss in a movie. Russell Crouse shares insights from his theatrical expertise, while Ned Sparks charms with his self-deprecating humor. Highlights include debates on Shakespeare’s cross-garters, identifying famous sourpusses, and a lively discussion on poetic professions like bakers and shoemakers.With a delightful mix of quizzical banter and theatrical flair, this episode delivers both laughs and learning. Tune in for a memorable hour of wit, wisdom, and whimsical trivia on Information Please! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this July 24, 1942, episode of Information Please, Clifton Fadiman leads a panel featuring Franklin P. Adams, John Kieran, sportswriter Paul Gallico, and prominent attorney Arthur Garfield Hayes. Together, they navigate a wide range of questions spanning legal history, literary trinities, and baseball trivia.Arthur Garfield Hayes delves into famous trials, from Sir Roger Casement’s high treason to the libel case of John Ruskin. Paul Gallico impresses with his knowledge of sports and even identifies famous bassoon passages in classical music. The panel debates Chekhov’s Three Sisters, tackles Shakespearean songs, and unravels the curious world of breaches of promise and Russian plays.With wit, intellect, and charm, this episode blends legal insights, literary gems, and musical musings. Tune in for a delightful hour of spirited banter and cultural exploration on Information Please! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this July 17, 1942, episode of Information Please, Clifton Fadiman hosts a panel featuring Franklin P. Adams, John Kieran, Oscar Levant, and special guest Senator Henry Cabot Lodge Jr., fresh from his service in the U.S. Army Tank Corps. Together, they navigate questions ranging from military tactics to musical trivia.Senator Lodge shares insights on armored warfare, including how tank crews use whistle signals and intercoms to communicate during battle. The panel tackles questions about famous sailors, U.S. Presidents, and Shakespeare’s timeless verses. Oscar Levant adds his musical expertise to the mix, identifying melodies and their hidden geographic references.With lively discussions about literary ordnance, military strategy, and historical figures, this episode combines intellect, humor, and war-era patriotism. Tune in for a captivating hour of unscripted brilliance and spirited camaraderie on Information Please! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this July 10, 1942, episode of Information Please, Clifton Fadiman moderates a playful and intellectual discussion featuring regulars Franklin P. Adams and John Kieran, alongside composer and critic Deems Taylor and humorist H.I. Phillips. Together, they navigate through musical trivia, poetic puzzles, and even a surprising debate about deciduous teeth.Listeners are treated to whimsical moments like identifying songs inspired by Shakespeare, recounting mischievous poetry, and exploring the odd names of naval ships. Deems Taylor offers sharp musical insights, while H.I. Phillips contributes his signature wit, lightening the mood with his clever banter.From the mysteries of baby teeth to the violence of literary murders, this episode offers a blend of culture, humor, and lively conversation. Tune in for an hour of unscripted brilliance and laughter on Information Please! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this June 19, 1942, episode of Information Please, Clifton Fadiman moderates a delightful panel featuring Franklin P. Adams, John Kieran, acclaimed author Christopher Morley, and actress-writer Cornelia Otis Skinner. Together, they explore a variety of questions spanning literature, Shakespearean soliloquies, and musical geography.The panel debates poetic coats, literary nurses like Dickens’ Sairy Gamp, and fictional characters beginning new lives in far-off lands like Siberia and Tahiti. Cornelia Otis Skinner adds theatrical flair, while Christopher Morley brings his literary wit to the discussion.With lively debates about classic songs, poetic lines, and even the musings of Wagner’s Rhine Maidens, this episode offers an engaging mix of humor, intellect, and charm. Tune in for an hour of lighthearted trivia and cultural exploration on Information Please! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this May 22, 1942, episode of Information Please, Clifton Fadiman hosts a stellar panel featuring Franklin P. Adams, John Kieran, composer and critic Deems Taylor, and stage and screen star Roland Young. Together, they tackle an eclectic mix of trivia spanning music, literature, and naval mysteries.The panel explores lines of poetry about snails, moths, and ants, deciphers musical selections tied to flowers, and debates the virtues of Shakespearean violets. Deems Taylor charms with his musical insights, while Roland Young adds his signature wit, penning clever rhymes about bounding fleas and mischievous ants.With questions ranging from fictional disguises to naval ship classifications, this episode blends humor, intellect, and delightful spontaneity. Tune in for a captivating hour of literary riddles, musical musings, and theatrical flair on Information Please! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this May 8, 1942, episode of Information Please, Clifton Fadiman moderates a panel featuring Franklin P. Adams, John Kieran, Margaret Webster—renowned Shakespearean director and author of Shakespeare Without Tears—and Broadway’s premier press agent, Richard Maney. Together, they deliver a masterclass in trivia and wit.The panel explores the compass directions of historical rides, corrects poetic misquotes, and deciphers Shakespearean dilemmas, such as Polonius’ advice to Laertes and the pity of Macbeth’s soliloquy. Margaret Webster’s theatrical insights shine as she analyzes literary and dramatic references, while Richard Maney contributes sharp humor and Broadway flair.From deciphering famous paintings in literature to unraveling Shakespearean mysteries, this episode is a delightful mix of culture, humor, and unscripted brilliance. Tune in for an hour of engaging conversation and literary treasure! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this April 17, 1942, episode of Information Please, Clifton Fadiman is joined by regulars John Kieran, Franklin P. Adams, and Oscar Levant, along with special guest Grantland Rice, the legendary sportswriter. Together, they deliver a lively mix of sports trivia, poetry, and humor.The panel tackles everything from iconic sports moments, like Gabby Hartnett’s famous home run, to poetic challenges involving rivers like the Congo and the Chattahoochee. Grantland Rice shares his insights on sports history, including tales of athletes like Gene Sarazen and Matt McGrath. Meanwhile, the group debates fictional events and literary quotes with their characteristic wit and charm.Whether you’re a sports enthusiast, a poetry lover, or a trivia buff, this episode offers a delightful blend of knowledge and entertainment. Tune in for a nostalgic hour of spontaneous brilliance! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this March 20, 1942, episode of Information Please, Clifton Fadiman hosts an engaging panel featuring Franklin P. Adams, John Kieran, celebrated actor John Carradine, and the esteemed conductor Sir Thomas Beecham. Together, they tackle an eclectic mix of cultural, musical, and literary trivia with humor and charm.Topics range from poetic lines inspired by music to the scrap metal contributions of literary and mythical characters like Brunhilde and the ghost of Marley. Sir Thomas Beecham’s musical expertise shines as he identifies operatic nuances, while John Carradine’s theatrical flair adds a dramatic touch to the proceedings.With discussions about Shakespearean characters, historical clichés, and conspiracies in opera, this episode offers a delightful blend of highbrow knowledge and witty banter. Tune in for a captivating hour of unscripted brilliance and lively conversation! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.