The overall tone of The Whistler over its thirteen year run focused on crime and the undoing of those involved in such heinous acts. Normally average citizens, the characters portrayed in The Whistler, were often drawn to commit their crimes by one poor decision, circumstances, or even on occasion, happenstance. Sheer stupidity or lack of control often played into the series of events that would unfold and eventually destroy the characters. The Whistler’s sardonic comments, dark humor, and illicit irony kept such stories from becoming maudlin and made them great thrillers instead.
The one constant in every story told on The Whistler was its mysterious narrator. Never named, never described, The Whistler hardly ever interfered or even interacted in the stories of dark crime and impending death, and only did so in the first two years. Although multiple actors would portray him, no clues were ever given to who, or even what The Whistler might be. The embodiment of ironic Justice, perhaps, waiting for the final act in which the guilty paid their dues. Or some instrument of Fate, simply there to chronicle the eventual outcome of all poor decisions. Regardless, The Whistler remains one of the most evocative, mysterious characters of classic radio.
While the Whistler’s identity was a mystery, other voices on the program were well known by its listeners. Actors on the program included Gerald Mohr, Hans Conried, Lurene Tuttle, Cathy and Elliot Lewis, and other names especially well known in radio.
Thrill to chilling tales of crime told only as The Whistler can in this remarkable Radio Archives collection. The Whistler Volume 22, featuring twelve broadcasts restored to sparkling digital quality, as originally aired in 1950.
#404 Appointment for Murder
Sunday, February 26, 1950 - 30:00 - CBS Pacific Network, sponsored by Signal Oil
#405 The Chinese Elephant Puzzle
Sunday, March 5, 1950 - 30:00 - CBS Pacific Network, sponsored by Signal Oil
#406 Strange Meeting
Sunday, March 12, 1950 - 30:00 - CBS Pacific Network, sponsored by Signal Oil
#407 The Oriana Affair
Sunday, March 19, 1950 - 30:00 - CBS Pacific Network, sponsored by Signal Oil
#408 The Lady in the Snow
Sunday, March 26, 1950 - 30:00 - CBS Pacific Network, sponsored by Signal Oil
#409 Lady With a Key
Sunday, April 2, 1950 - 30:00 - CBS Pacific Network, sponsored by Signal Oil
#410 Dark Voyage
Sunday, April 9, 1950 - 30:00 - CBS Pacific Network, sponsored by Signal Oil
#411 Murder in Mind
Sunday, April 16, 1950 - 30:00 - CBS Pacific Network, sponsored by Signal Oil
#412 Returned With the Spray
Sunday, April 23, 1950 - 30:00 - CBS Pacific Network, sponsored by Signal Oil
#414 Fatal Error
Sunday, May 7, 1950 - 30:00 - CBS Pacific Network, sponsored by Signal Oil
#415 Blue Alibi
Sunday, May 14, 1950 - 30:00 - CBS Pacific Network, sponsored by Signal Oil
#416 The Return
Sunday, May 21, 1950 - 30:00 - CBS Pacific Network, sponsored by Signal Oil
