The Whistler, Volume 1

"The Whistler" was one of radio s top mystery programs airing from May 16, 1942 until September 22, 1955. The Whistler was an ominous narrator who opened each episode with, 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. I know the nameless terrors of which they dare not speak. The opening dialog was heard over the echo of footsteps and Wilbur Hatch s...
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"The Whistler" was one of radio s top mystery programs airing from May 16, 1942 until September 22, 1955. The Whistler was an ominous narrator who opened each episode with, 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. I know the nameless terrors of which they dare not speak. The opening dialog was heard over the echo of footsteps and Wilbur Hatch s haunting signature thirteen-note theme, whistled each week by Dorothy Roberts. The stories followed an effective formula in which a person s criminal acts were typically undone by their own missteps. The Whistler narrated, often commenting directly on the action in the manner of a Greek chorus, taunting the criminal from an omniscient perspective.

One of the show s trademarks was the ironic twist endings that helped serve as a payoff for the listener. Bill Forman had the title role of host and narrator the longest. Others who portrayed the Whistler included Gale Gordon, Lucille Ball s future television costar; Joseph Kearns, Mr. Wilson on the television series "Dennis the Menace"; Marvin Miller, soon to be television s Michael Anthony on "The Millionaire"; Bill Johnstone, the Shadow on radio from 1938 1943; and Everett Clarke.