I had heard of the radio show INFORMATION PLEASE, in which Clifford Fadiman chaired three regulars and a guest panelist. People would send in questions, for which they were paid $5; if the panelists were stumped, they'd get another $10. This ran from 1938 through 1952.

This is the first I have heard that it was also a series of short movies. Again we have writer Fadiman, regulars Franklin P. Adams, Oscar Levant, and John Kieran, with Boris Karloff as the guest panelist. Just about all the questions call for extensive visual clues, which was not, I imagine, as ubiquitous as on the air.

The performances make it appear that the panel has not been prepared at all, and the production looks very inexpensive.

The documentary is a form of non-fiction storytelling that aims to present factual information, insights, and perspectives on real-world subjects, events, issues, or people. Documentaries can cover a wide range of topics, including history, science, culture, social issues, nature, biographies, and more.

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The short form refers to creative works characterized by their brevity and concise storytelling. Unlike full-length feature films, short films have a running time of less than 45 minutes, while TV shorts have a running time of less than 22 minutes.

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The talk show TV series genre features discussions, conversations, and interviews on various topics, often involving guests who are experts, celebrities, or individuals with unique experiences. These shows can cover a wide range of subjects, including current events, entertainment, politics, lifestyle, human interest stories, and more.

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Boris Karloff, popular screen scarer, makes a return appearance with the board of Quiz experts. Clifton Fadiman, inquisitor, starts the session with a query about murders of fact and fiction. Also, pantomime acts and nursery rhyme acts.

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Information Please (1940-1941 season) (#12)

Information Please: Series 2, No. 12

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