One of the most important aspects of a show like The Whistler, often proved to be its opening. Something different, something engaging was needed to pull listeners into a program, particularly one that did not have much of a recurring cast, save the chilling narrator himself. Although most of the episodes contained strong stories, there still needed to be something that captured an audience’s attention.
Even before The Whistler voiced his own well remembered introduction, the show’s entrance had already entranced those listening. Footsteps reverberating off of unseen walls, backed up by a faint, strange tune being whistled. The whistling would grow louder until it finally combined with Wilbur Hatch’s orchestra for a shrill climax. Before The Whistler spoke, the program already had its fans hooked, ready to be thrilled and chilled.
Although often described as a mystery program, The Whistler was really much more of a straight crime drama, with the added creepy aspect of the omniscient narrator. More times than not, the identity of the protagonist who had committed whatever crime had taken place, usually, murder, was not hidden from the listening audience. The show’s theme was more about how and why someone who led a seemingly normal life could become a killer or criminal, not about who it was. Listeners loved to hear how a regular joe could become a murderer, perhaps identifying with the poor souls in a way, and were particularly thrilled by the usual twist at the end that meant the demise of the central character.
Listen as The Whistler exposes the darkness of men’s souls in this chilling Radio Archives collection. Thrill to twelve broadcasts in The Whistler, Volume 24, restored to sparkling digital quality and as originally aired in 1950.
#435 Dear Diary
Sunday, October 1, 1950 - 30:00 - CBS Pacific Network, sponsored by Signal Oil
#436 Fatal Action
Sunday, October 8, 1950 - 30:00 - CBS Pacific Network, sponsored by Signal Oil
#437 Smart Boy
Sunday, October 15, 1950 - 30:00 - CBS Pacific Network, sponsored by Signal Oil
#438 The Wall
Sunday, October 22, 1950 - 30:00 - CBS Pacific Network, sponsored by Signal Oil
#439 The Intruder
Sunday, October 29, 1950 - 30:00 - CBS Pacific Network, sponsored by Signal Oil
#440 Just Like a Man
Sunday, November 5, 1950 - 30:00 - CBS Pacific Network, sponsored by Signal Oil
#441 A Friendly Case of Blackmail
Sunday, November 12, 1950 - 30:00 - CBS Pacific Network, sponsored by Signal Oil
#442 Warm Reception
Sunday, November 19, 1950 - 30:00 - CBS Pacific Network, sponsored by Signal Oil
#443 Till Death Do Us Part
Sunday, November 26, 1950 - 30:00 - CBS Pacific Network, sponsored by Signal Oil
#444 The Lady With the Knife
Sunday, December 3, 1950 - 30:00 - CBS Pacific Network, sponsored by Signal Oil
#445 The Clock on the Tower
Sunday, December 10, 1950 - 30:00 - CBS Pacific Network, sponsored by Signal Oil
#446 Flee From Evil
Sunday, December 17, 1950 - 30:00 - CBS Pacific Network, sponsored by Signal Oil
