 The
Whistler
(30 min)
Show Description
“I am the Whistler and I know many things, for I
walk by night.” Our new stories deal with time honored themes of greed,
revenge, jealousy, betrayal and murder. And, yes, the bad guy or girl
never gets away with the crime. The finely-crafted plot twist at the end
metes out justice.
Show History
The Whistler was one of radio’s most
popular mystery dramas, as indicated by the lengthy 13-year run of the
series from May 16, 1942
until September 22, 1955.
Writer-producer J. Donald Wilson established the tone of the show during
its first two years, and he was followed in 1944 by producer-director
George Allen. Other directors included Sterling Tracy and Sherman Marks
with final scripts by Joel Malone and Harold Swanton. A total of 692
episodes were produced, yet despite the series’ fame, over 200 episodes
are lost today.
At night, glowing car radios illuminated
dashboards, and drivers traveled dark highways while the Whistler began
his ominous narration: “I am the Whistler, and I know many things, for I
walk by night. I know many strange tales, many secrets hidden in the
hearts of men and women who have stepped into the shadows. Yes, I know
the nameless terrors of which they dare not speak.” That opening was
intoned along with the echo of footsteps and Wilbur Hatch‘s
haunting theme, whistled weekly by Dorothy Roberts for 13 years. Spike
Jones provided the parody: “I am the Whistler, and I know many things,
for I walk by night. I have to – I can’t sleep.”
Bill Forman had the title role of host and
narrator. Others who portrayed the Whistler at various times were Gale
Gordon, Joseph Kearns, Marvin Miller, Bill Johnstone and Everett Clarke.
The stories followed an effective formula in which a person’s criminal
acts were typically undone by their own stupidity; ironic twist endings
were common. The Whistler narrated, often commenting directly upon the
action in the manner of a Greek chorus, taunting the criminal from an
omniscient perspective. Unlike Suspense, The Whistler
never featured any major Hollywood stars. But the quality of its writing
and performance made it a radio mainstay that is greatly admired to this
day.
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