Information Please, the popular radio quiz program that played experts for fall guys, was capital, dependable, adult radio fun for more than a decade (1938 1952). The fast-cracking experts John Kieran, omniscient sports columnist for the New York Times; Franklin Pierce Adams, New York Post columnist; Oscar Levant, composer, pianist, gag-stacked Broadwayfarer were acknowledged by listeners as the most knowing of know-it-alls. Master of Ceremonies Clifton Fadiman was famous for beating the experts to the pun while he picked the questions submitted each week by listeners. Information Please spawned a short-lived series of film shorts (1940-1943), a summer-run television program (1952), at least two card games, and the long-running Information Please Almanac. This book includes: -Documentary on the making of the broadcasts, and background production. --Sponsor and Cast contracts are reprinted. --Day-by-day information about the 1945 Information Please European Tour. -Chapter documenting the history of the 18 RKO Information Please Shorts (1939-1942). -Chapter documenting the short-lived 1952 television series. -Chapter documenting the radio program's involvement with the Information Please Almanac. -A complete episode guide listing each and every radio broadcast, television broadcast and movie short. Radio historian Martin Grams, Jr. really scores heavily with his history of Information, Please! The book details, in a lively, chatty way, the history of the show, incorporating mishaps, memorable moments, and quotes from the witty participants. Oscar Levant, for me, gives this book its comic edge, with his always unforgettable humor ("Now that Marilyn Monroe is kosher, Arthur Miller can eat her."). Considering all the great information that Grams has compiled, it's surprising that this is the first book on the show. His work is so complete, however, there need not be another. In addition to the great anecdotes, insider history and biographical data, this volume reprints letters sent to the show, many from celebrities trying to stump the experts, and a complete radio log for the program. RKO did a series of eighteen shorts based on Information, Please!, and the author covers that, as well as the short-lived television version. This book is very entertaining. I was largely unfamiliar with the program, but this gave me everything I need to know. It's done with style, wit and enthusiasm, just like the show. --Classic Images Martin Grams, Jr. is the author and co-author of numerous books about Old-Time Radio and Old-Time Television, including The Have Gun Will Travel Companion (2000), The History of the Cavalcade of America (1999), The Alfred Hitchcock Presents Companion (2001), Radio Drama: American Programs (2000), Invitation to Learning (2002), Suspense: Twenty Years of Thrills and Chills (1998), The Sound of Detection: Ellery Queens Adventures in Radio (2002), Inner Sanctum Mysteries: Behind the Creaking Door (2003), The CBS Radio Mystery Theater: An Episode Guide and Handbook (1999), and more magazine articles than could possibly be counted. To the average fan of Old-Time Radio, Mr. Grams is no stranger and his many of his books come to mind at the sound of his name. His publications have even been acknowledged by Leonard Maltin (Entertainment Tonight) and Her Majesty, Queen Elizabeth (by letter via Royal Mail). Mr. Grams has already gained access to the private collections of Dan Golenpaul, the creator of the Information Please series, including other definitive sources that will provide superb historical documentation. Used Book in Good Condition
