Information Please

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.

In this March 6, 1942, episode of Information Please, Clifton Fadiman leads a panel featuring Franklin P. Adams, John Kieran, and two distinguished guests: Jan Struther, author of Mrs. Miniver, and Julian Huxley, world-renowned biologist. The episode is a delightful blend of literary wit and scientific insight.The panel tackles questions ranging from poetic “ifs” and mythical borogoves to the peculiar courting rituals of fiddler crabs and penguins. Huxley offers fascinating zoological anecdotes, while Struther charms with her literary flair, even identifying a chiropodist in a humorous musical riddle.With lively discussions about heredity, Shakespearean guilt, and even the biology of raisins versus grapes, this episode is both enlightening and entertaining. Tune in for a unique mix of science, literature, and humor in this exceptional installment of Information Please! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this February 27, 1942, episode of Information Please, Clifton Fadiman hosts a distinguished panel including regulars Franklin P. Adams, Oscar Levant, and John Kieran, alongside guest of honor Emil Ludwig, the renowned author and biographer of historical figures like Napoleon and Bolívar.The panel embarks on a journey through history, music, and literature, exploring topics such as the first presidents of nations, Beethoven’s Eroica symphony, and Washington’s Four Freedoms. Emil Ludwig offers insightful perspectives on global leaders, while Oscar Levant delights with musical trivia. The episode also dives into Chaucer’s knights, wine pairings, and questions about mythical creatures.With Ludwig’s historical expertise and the panel’s witty banter, this episode delivers an engaging mix of intellectual discussions and lighthearted trivia. Tune in for a fascinating hour of unscripted brilliance! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this February 20, 1942, episode of Information Please, Clifton Fadiman leads a spirited and unscripted panel featuring regulars Franklin P. Adams and John Kieran, joined by two iconic Hollywood stars: John Carradine, celebrated for his menacing roles, and Boris Karloff, the legendary master of horror. The episode dives into a lively mix of questions spanning Shakespearean monologues, infamous historical figures, and legendary spiders.Listeners will delight in Carradine and Karloff’s theatrical flair as they discuss treacherous deeds in Shakespeare, the perseverance of Bruce’s spider, and the chilling story of Robin Hood’s demise. From riddles about famous slaves to debates on the elusive end of rainbows, this episode offers wit, drama, and a touch of gothic charm. Tune in for a captivating blend of trivia, humor, and villainous camaraderie in this unforgettable episode of Information Please! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.