The Whistler shared several aspects with other hosts of radio anthology shows, from the Mysterious Traveler to the Hermit in The Hermit’s Cave. Some of this was simply inherent in anthology programs with hosts, each show wanting to give its narrator his or her own personality. The shared characteristics include everything from their roles as passive observers to some sort of trademark laugh or phrase. Perhaps the most glaring comparisons can be made between The Whistler and The Shadow. Both had laughs that struck terror into the hearts of listeners and thrilled them each and every week. Both shows also had unique openings that almost became catch phrases for each of them. And a common characteristic amongst all these types of characters was definitely present in The Whistler - the almost arcane knowledge of the evil that lies in every man’s heart.
The comparisons between The Whistler and The Shadow go even deeper. Both initially have their origins as narrators for crime centered radio anthology shows, The Shadow hosting Detective Story Hour before helming his own program. Although no real physical description was given to The Whistler, the aspects of the character on the radio program lend themselves to the same sort of image The Shadow casts- a dark figure in cloak and hat watching from the shadows, waiting for crime to be committed, for death to come. While The Shadow, however, went on to fight crime, The Whistler was quite pleased simply to continue observing and sharing it with listeners.
Experience the weird justice of The Whistler in this astounding Radio Archives collection. Listen to twelve broadcasts in The Whistler, Volume 18 restored to sparkling digital quality and as originally aired in 1949.
#355 Death of Mr Penny
Sunday, March 20, 1949 - 30:00 - CBS Pacific Network, sponsored by Signal Oil
#356 Beyond the Wall
Sunday, March 27, 1949 - 30:00 - CBS Pacific Network, sponsored by Signal Oil
#357 The Rawhide Coffin
Sunday, April 3, 1949 - 30:00 - CBS Pacific Network, sponsored by Signal Oil
#358 Murder at Twin Pines
Sunday, April 10, 1949 - 30:00 - CBS Pacific Network, sponsored by Signal Oil
#359 Sleep My Pretty One
Sunday, April 17, 1949 - 30:00 - CBS Pacific Network, sponsored by Signal Oil
#360 A Mask for Kinsella
Sunday, April 24, 1949 - 30:00 - CBS Pacific Network, sponsored by Signal Oil
#361 Solid Citizen
Sunday, May 1, 1949 - 30:00 - CBS Pacific Network, sponsored by Signal Oil
#362 Danger Is a Beautiful Blonde
Sunday, May 8, 1949 - 30:00 - CBS Pacific Network, sponsored by Signal Oil
#363 Golden Opportunity
Sunday, May 15, 1949 - 30:00 - CBS Pacific Network, sponsored by Signal Oil
#364 Fatal Fraud
Sunday, May 22, 1949 - 30:00 - CBS Pacific Network, sponsored by Signal Oil
#365 Deal With Death
Sunday, May 29, 1949 - 30:00 - CBS Pacific Network, sponsored by Signal Oil
#366 Letter to Melanie
Sunday, June 5, 1949 - 30:00 - CBS Pacific Network, sponsored by Signal Oil
