March 29, 1943: Philippine Valor and Literary Detectives with Carlos P. Romulo

In this March 29, 1943, episode of Information Please, Clifton Fadiman hosts a distinguished panel including Franklin P. Adams, John Kieran, Oscar Levant, and special guest Colonel Carlos P. Romulo—Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist and author of I Saw the Fall of the Philippines.

The panel delves into global geography, historical conflicts, and literary references, with Colonel Romulo providing firsthand insight into the Pacific theater of World War II. Highlights include discussions of famous wartime messages, fictional professions, and symbolic phrases like “soft belly of the Axis” and “unsinkable aircraft carrier.” Romulo recounts heroic missions such as the SS Legaspi’s blockade run and sheds light on Filipino contributions and culture.

With lively exchanges and sharp wit, the episode blends wartime commentary, musical trivia, and classic literature. It’s an illuminating and spirited installment of Information Please, where intellect meets entertainment.