April 5, 1943: Courtships and Corsets with Cornelia Otis Skinner and Jan Struther

What this episode covers

In this April 5, 1943, episode of <i>Information Please</i>, Clifton Fadiman returns to host a witty and vibrant panel with regulars Franklin P. Adams and John Kieran, joined by two sharp and entertaining guests: Cornelia Otis Skinner, actress and co-author of <i>Our Hearts Were Young and Gay</i>, and Jan Struther, creator of <i>Mrs. Miniver</i>. <br />This spirited episode pits the men against the women in a battle of brains and banter. The panel tackles an eclectic mix of questions—from the meanings of “bisque,” “basque,” and “busk,” to the literary nuances of Shakespeare, Chaucer, and Tennyson. Discussions include a whimsical examination of clothing etymology, courtship plot twists in <i>Little Women</i> and <i>Henry Esmond</i>, and the various fates of fictional lovers who failed to keep their dates. <br />Highlights also include playful musical trivia, biblical references, and cultural insights into famous figures like Churchill, Stalin, and Chiang Kai-shek. With humor, charm, and clever repartee, Skinner and Struther shine in their intellectual sparring, ultimately triumphing over their male counterparts. <br />Tune in for a delightful hour of engaging questions, literary wit, and laughter on <i>Information Please</i>!