October 18, 1943: Pittsburgh Pride and Literary Artists with Marcia Davenport

In this October 18, 1943, episode of Information Please, host Clifton Fadiman welcomes a distinguished panel featuring Franklin P. Adams, Oscar Levant, John Kieran, and special guest Marcia Davenport, acclaimed novelist and biographer. Broadcasting live from the Syria Mosque Theater in Pittsburgh, the episode celebrates the city’s cultural heritage while supporting the National War Fund campaign. The lively discussion features Pittsburgh trivia, with Levant and the panel recalling the city’s musical geniuses and playwrights, and identifying famous natives such as George Kaufman and Adolph Mongeau. The conversation then turns to poetry, songs, and operatic characters who feign death, sparking playful debates and witty banter. Marcia Davenport shares her insights on the arts, hats in literature, and the origins of spices, drawing from her expertise and her novel set in Pittsburgh. Other highlights include questions on historical events in Sicily and Italy, memorable song lyrics, pig Latin and jive talk, and the artistry of fictional characters. The program also features a special wartime message from Wendell Wilkie and an address by H.J. Heinz II, emphasizing the importance of humanitarian efforts during World War II. With humor, cultural knowledge, and camaraderie, this episode delivers an engaging hour of trivia and intellectual entertainment, offering a unique snapshot of American life during wartime. Tune in for an informative and delightful evening on Information Please!