On demand
Information Please
Presented by OTRPODS
Rediscover the wit and wisdom of Information Please!—the classic American radio quiz show that captivated audiences from 1938 to 1951. Hosted by the brilliant Clifton Fadiman, a former literary editor, this iconic show brought together an esteemed panel of experts, including Oscar Levant, Franklin P. Adams, and John Kieran, each known for their intellect and humor. Listeners submitted questions in hopes of stumping the quick-witted panel, and with celebrity guests like Groucho Marx and Orson Welles, each episode delivered a unique blend of knowledge and laughter. From poetry and sports to music and history, Information Please! entertained with lively debates, clever puns, and spontaneous humor. Now re-broadcasted for a new generation, this show is perfect for trivia lovers, history buffs, and fans of vintage radio. Tune in and enjoy a true gem from radio’s golden age! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
229 episodes
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July 26, 1938: Planetary Puzzles and Political Figures with John Gunther
Jul 26, 2020 · 30 min
In this engaging July 26, 1938, episode of Information Please, Clifton Fadiman hosts a lively panel featuring science educator Bernard Jaffe, pianist and composer Oscar Levant, and special guest John Gunther, the renowned foreign correspondent and author of Inside Europe. The experts face a variety of questions that range from astronomy to global politics and even tackle musical trivia along the way.This episode kicks off with mind-bending queries about aging on different planets, requiring the panel to imagine May Robson’s age if she lived on Neptune and Shirley Temple’s hypothetical years on Mercury. The panel navigates through questions about world leaders, from the Shah of Persia to Japanese ministers, and identifies animals in literature and favorite songs from the silver screen. With Gunther’s insight into international affairs and Levant’s musical expertise, this episode offers an entertaining blend of knowledge and quick wit.Tune in for a fascinating mix of science, politics, and pop culture as listeners challenge the experts, aiming to win the $5 prize for each unanswered question! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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July 19, 1938: Art, Wit, and Tricky Trivia with Ben Hecht and Thomas Craven
Jul 19, 2020 · 30 min
In this July 19, 1938, episode of Information Please, host Clifton Fadiman moderates a lively quiz featuring regulars Marcus Duffield and John Kieran, alongside special guests Ben Hecht, celebrated writer and wit, and Thomas Craven, noted art critic and author. This all-star panel faces a range of questions designed to test their knowledge and wit, from completing classic limericks to identifying cartoon characters and answering art-inspired riddles.This episode delves into eclectic trivia, such as the democratic countries where women can’t vote, famous literary servants, and historical stops on Howard Hughes’ round-the-world flight. The experts’ knowledge of art is put to the test with questions on famous artists known for painting ballet dancers, street urchins, and even “melting pocket watches.” With Hecht’s humor and Craven’s expertise, this show brings laughter and intellectual challenge to all.Tune in to see if the panel can identify the names behind famous art pieces, recall memorable quotes, and meet the challenge posed by listeners’ questions. A unique and engaging episode for all trivia and classic radio fans! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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July 12, 1938: Broadway Wit and Tough Trivia with George S. Kaufman
Jul 12, 2020 · 29 min
In this July 12, 1938, episode of Information Please, host Clifton Fadiman guides an exciting trivia session with a panel featuring returning experts John Kieran and Bernard Jaffe, along with special guests Quincy Howe, an authority on international affairs, and George S. Kaufman, celebrated Broadway playwright and wit. This lively panel is challenged by listeners’ questions on everything from Shakespearean characters and Greek mythology to surprising scientific facts about everyday materials.The questions take the panel through a whirlwind of topics, including famous bonehead plays in baseball, the origins of classic nursery rhymes, and memorable apples in literature and mythology. Kaufman’s sharp humor adds flair to the show, while the panel wrestles with tricky questions like identifying political phrases, folklore birds, and even a New Zealand parrot. Will they remember why Little Boy Blue couldn’t be woken up, or will the listeners win the $5 prize?Dive into this vintage episode and enjoy a mix of quick wit, intellectual sparring, and entertaining banter as the experts strive to keep up with the listeners’ toughest challenges! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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July 5, 1938: Musical Hits, Folklore, and Famous Quotes with Oscar Levant
Jul 5, 2020 · 29 min
Join us for the July 5, 1938, episode of Information Please, where host Clifton Fadiman guides another round of brilliant trivia. This week, the panel features columnist Franklin P. Adams, sports writer John Kieran, editor Marcus Duffield, and special guest Oscar Levant, celebrated composer and wit. Together, they tackle a wide range of challenging questions from listeners, with topics covering everything from symphonic music and baseball slang to famous literary quotes and folklore characters.The panel must identify the famous performers of classic songs, explain unique political phrases, and even quote verses from Omar Khayyam. In one segment, the experts dig into fictional characters known for specific traits, while another has them guessing which “silver” items belong in a group. With Levant’s sharp wit and the panel’s lively banter, this episode brims with humor and surprises. Tune in to see how many questions the experts can answer and if the listeners manage to stump them for the $5 prize. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.