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The Whistler: Classic Radio Drama

Presented by OTR.FM

Welcome to The Whistler: Classic Radio Drama, featuring the complete collection of this iconic suspense series that captivated audiences from 1942 to 1955. The Whistler was a unique radio series where a mysterious narrator, known only as "The Whistler," would introduce stories of ordinary people caught in extraordinary circumstances. Each episode began with his haunting 13-note whistle and the chilling words: "I am the Whistler, and I know many things, for I walk by night." These tales of suspense, murder, and psychological drama featured stories of greed, jealousy, revenge, and the dark corners of the human psyche. What made The Whistler special was its focus on the criminal's perspective, often revealing the perpetrator's thoughts and motivations as their carefully laid plans inevitably unraveled. Join us for this comprehensive collection of classic radio drama, meticulously restored and presented for modern listeners who appreciate timeless storytelling and masterful suspense.

507 episodes

  1. Episode 321: Question of Murder

    Dec 8, 2024 · 30 min

    In a gripping episode of The Whistler, newlywed Carol Randolph becomes increasingly unsettled by strange occurrences and unsettling conversations in her husband Ted's family home. As she tries to piece together the truth behind her husband's first wife's tragic death, Carol's mistrust grows as she discovers hidden secrets and lies, ultimately leading her to make a fateful decision with far-reaching consequences. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

  2. Episode 320: Lady from the Sea

    Dec 7, 2024 · 30 min

    In this episode, Myra Cartwright, a successful Hollywood star, is haunted by a dark secret from her past involving her former lover, Craig Douglas. The story unfolds as she grapples with the consequences of a long-ago crime, the disappearance of Craig, and the search for a hidden knife and a damning note at an auction for the Lady of the Sea Cafe. Tensions rise as Myra's past and present collide in a suspenseful and dramatic series of events. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

  3. Episode 319: Farewell Party

    Dec 6, 2024 · 30 min

    The episode follows Julia Chandler, who, after making up her mind to kill a man, devises a plan to stage his death as an accident. However, her plan is foiled when her husband unexpectedly returns home, leading to a fatal confrontation. As the police investigate the incident, a shocking twist reveals that the real culprit is someone entirely unexpected, leaving Julia to grapple with the consequences of her actions. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

  4. Episode 318: Fatal Appointment

    Dec 5, 2024 · 30 min

    Lee Brand, also known as Julius Belmont, has orchestrated a cunning plan involving Paul Elliott, including a suicide note and a life insurance policy. As events unfold, Paul seeks refuge in a relationship with Barbara, Brand's daughter, to save himself from Brand's clutches. However, things take a surprising turn when Barbara burns the suicide note, raising doubts about Paul's death and putting Brand in a perilous situation. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

  5. Episode 317: Small Town Girl

    Dec 4, 2024 · 30 min

    In this episode of The Whistler, titled 'Small Town Girl,' Derek Marlow attends a party at Mrs. Parkford Smith's and impresses the guests with his charm and stories. However, Bob Leland confronts Derek about his shady business dealings and threatens to expose him. To secure his plans and avoid scrutiny from the immigration authorities, Derek quickly proposes to Allison Kingsley, who later discovers his true intentions and confronts him. In a series of twists and turns, Derek's schemes unravel, leading to a startling and fatal confrontation with unexpected consequences. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

  6. Episode 316: Concerto of Death

    Dec 3, 2024 · 30 min

    In this episode, Victor Carroll, a talented violinist, makes his debut at Symphony Hall. His life's concerto unravels as he reflects on events in Italy and his possession of a rare Del Gesu violin. Struggling with secrets from his past, including the murder of Maestro La Vertu and a confrontational encounter with a mysterious man, Victor's world starts to crumble. As he prepares for an important concert and grapples with the consequences of his past, his future and his prized violin hang in the balance. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

  7. Episode 314: Stranger in the House

    Dec 2, 2024 · 30 min

    In this episode of The Whistler, Helen grapples with the suspense and uncertainty of waiting for her foster brother Ted's return from the Orient. The lingering suspense takes a toll on her, and she becomes increasingly desperate to know what happened to Ted. Despite the long wait, hope finally arrives when a cablegram announces Ted's return. However, when a man claiming to be Ted arrives, Helen becomes suspicious and contacts various authorities to verify his identity. Ultimately, she uncovers the truth and realizes that the man posing as Ted is an imposter who has been involved in a sinister plot to claim Ted's estate. With the help of the FBI, she reveals the imposter's true identity and the shocking truth behind Ted's disappearance. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

  8. Episode 312: Murder on Margin

    Dec 1, 2024 · 30 min

    In this episode of The Whistler, Edward Jameson confesses to murder at the 7th Precinct Station. He recalls a series of events that led to this moment, involving infidelity, financial schemes, and betrayal. However, when the suspect, Susan Leeds, is brought in, it is revealed that she is still alive and her husband, Barney, was the one who was killed. The truth behind the murder becomes more complicated, leaving Edward deeply confused and shocked by the unexpected turn of events. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

  9. Episode 311: Chain Reaction

    Nov 30, 2024 · 30 min

    In this episode of The Whistler, Johnny Turner, a pilot, is offered a job by Diana and her husband, Frank Walsh, to fly a plane for Continental Salvage Corporation in the Caribbean to salvage gold. However, as the plan unfolds, Johnny realizes the true dangers of the task and finds himself entangled in a web of deceit and murder. Betrayal and greed lead to unexpected consequences, leaving Johnny and Diana with a half a million dollars and a perilous fate as they attempt to escape the consequences of their actions. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

  10. Episode 309: Tough Guy

    Nov 29, 2024 · 30 min

    In episode 309 of The Whistler titled 'Tough Guy,' Larry Sands, a pilot sent to supervise the building of a new airfield in South America, becomes suspicious of the people around him and seeks to uncover a dangerous plot. As the events unfold, his past comes back to haunt him, leading to a shocking revelation and a confrontation with his former friend, Antonio. The episode delves into themes of betrayal, espionage, and the consequences of past actions. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

  11. Episode 308: Silent City

    Nov 28, 2024 · 30 min

    George Malcolm, a frustrated reader for Latimer Publishing Company, dreams of becoming a successful writer. When he chances upon a promising manuscript by Mary Jordan, he sees an opportunity to fulfill his ambition. Convincing Mary to let him help rewrite her novel, 'The Silent City,' George sees it as his ticket to success. However, when Mary discovers his true intentions and dedicates the book to him in gratitude, George resorts to desperate measures to cover up his deception. As the novel is released with his name, the truth begins to unravel, leading to a chilling revelation and a deadly consequence. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

  12. Episode 307: Till Death Do Us Part

    Nov 27, 2024 · 30 min

    Norman Grayson, an art dealer, sells German manuscripts to Richard Morris for $50,000. After Morris unexpectedly dies, Norman suspects Morris's wife, Janet, of foul play. Janet then offers to sell the forgeries back to Norman for the same amount. When Norman visits Janet to retrieve the manuscripts, she falls asleep after ingesting a poison-laced drink. Norman takes the manuscripts and leaves, only to be confronted by a police lieutenant who accuses him of poisoning both Richard and Janet. The lieutenant reveals that Janet has also died from poison, implicating Norman in the crimes. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

  13. Episode 306: What Makes a Murderer

    Nov 26, 2024 · 30 min

    In this episode of The Whistler, Arthur Winslow, a respectable man leading a drab life, becomes disillusioned with his routine and takes a chance on a horse race, winning a significant amount of money. This windfall leads him to Miami, where he meets Vivian Brewster and falls in love. However, his plans are thwarted when his wife, Ethel, tracks him down. As he contemplates drastic measures, a twist of fate changes everything, leading to a surprising turn of events. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

  14. Episode 305: Bird of Prey

    Nov 25, 2024 · 30 min

    Eddie Smith tracks down the elusive J.C. Raven and becomes involved in a mysterious literary world. After discovering the truth about J.C. Raven's identity, Eddie concocts a plan to take over Raven's position. However, his plan takes a dark turn when his assistant Veronica threatens to expose him. In a twist of fate, Eddie takes matters into his own hands to silence Veronica, only to be confronted by the police soon after. As the truth about Raven's murder is revealed, Eddie learns that Veronica herself was responsible for the crime, ultimately facing the consequences of her actions. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

  15. Episode 304: The Dark Room

    Nov 24, 2024 · 30 min

    Stephen Lacey, a successful public defender, has just won a high-stakes case against the district attorney, his girlfriend's uncle, but celebrations are cut short when Lacey is implicated in a murder. As he grapples with blackouts and missing time, Lacey begins to suspect that the district attorney is framing him to further his political ambitions. When evidence points to Lacey's guilt, he must track down the real culprit to clear his name and avoid a wrongful conviction. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

  16. Episode 303: The Human Catalyst

    Nov 23, 2024 · 30 min

    In this episode of The Whistler, a tale of murder and deceit unfolds as orchestra leader Vic Stanfield tries to cover up his crime. His plans are unraveling as a 17-year-old girl, Arlene Foster, inadvertently becomes a catalyst in the chain of events. Vic's perfect murder starts to crumble when his wife's strange behavior prompts suspicions, leading to a tragic and unexpected end. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

  17. Episode 302: Return Engagement

    Nov 22, 2024 · 30 min

    In this episode of The Whistler, titled 'Return Engagement,' a once successful actor named Elliott Dorn faces the demise of his career after a harsh review from drama critic Sheldon Craig. Fueled by a burning desire for revenge, Elliott considers taking drastic measures to resolve his situation. As events unfold, Elliott's choices lead to unexpected consequences, ultimately challenging his priorities and exposing the complexities of his relationships with those around him. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

  18. Episode 301: Boiling Point

    Nov 21, 2024 · 30 min

    Kelly never knew exactly when he decided to kill her. Thinking it over afterward, he realized that murder is something like a pot boiling over. The fire's underneath for a long time and nothing happens. Then all at once, the heat reaches a certain point and there it blows. The odd thing, of course, was that right to the end, it wasn't that he hated Janet. She had a kind of charm. She was capable. And she was attractive enough that on the right kind of a spring day, with the sunlight filtering through the leaves of an oak tree, hitting her face just right, a fellow like Kelly might think he was in love with her. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

  19. Episode 300: Meeting on Tenth Street

    Nov 20, 2024 · 30 min

    In this episode of The Whistler, a man named Gerald Wright takes on a dangerous task to challenge the city's organized crime. As the story unfolds, Gerald's actions lead to unexpected consequences with a mysterious twist that ultimately leads to a heroic sacrifice and brings about the downfall of the murder incorporated ring. The episode is a thrilling tale of bravery, sacrifice, and the complexities of human nature. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

  20. Episode 299: Quiet Suicide

    Nov 19, 2024 · 30 min

    Frank Reynolds finds himself in a desperate situation, torn between two lives and facing the prospect of murder. With his marriage to Diane in New York and another marriage in Los Angeles, Frank must carefully navigate his way to avoid the consequences of bigamy. As his plans for a quiet suicide to free himself from one marriage are set in motion, unexpected events lead to a shocking turn of events. As Lieutenant Pearson investigates Diane's death, Frank's alibi begins to crumble, forcing him to think quickly to avoid being implicated in her death. The truth about Diane's visit to Los Angeles comes to light, ultimately saving Frank from suspicion, but leaving him to grapple with the darkness of his own actions. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

  21. Episode 298: Money Is The Root Of All Evil

    Nov 18, 2024 · 30 min

    In this episode of The Whistler, Frank Davidson, a purchasing agent at Davidson Manufacturing Company, is engaged in dishonest activities to accumulate money. His schemes collide with a ruthless gangster named Jim Duran. To escape his financial troubles and secure his inheritance, Frank concocts a plan to create suspicion between his uncle and a fellow employee, leading to a plot involving a staged murder attempt. However, his scheme unravels when law enforcement intervenes, revealing the truth and clearing the air of deceit. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

  22. Episode 297: Undertow

    Nov 17, 2024 · 30 min

    During a leisurely coastal drive, John Digby becomes enamored with swimming and meets a mysterious woman named Sandra Merrivale. As their relationship develops, John learns of Sandra's marriage to a man named Harrison. Manipulated by Sandra, John is drawn into a web of deceit and betrayal, ultimately leading to a series of tragic events and a startling revelation about the true nature of their relationship. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

  23. Episode 296: Night Final

    Nov 16, 2024 · 30 min

    Helen Conover, a divorced newspaper woman, finds herself in a complex situation after her divorce is granted. She soon gets entangled in a web of jealousy, betrayal, and murder. As she tries to navigate the aftermath of her divorce and her former husband's discoveries, she becomes embroiled in a plot involving her former lover, Paul Wilson. Helen's carefully planned actions culminate in fatal consequences, leading to a shocking revelation and her ultimate downfall. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

  24. Episode 295: Twelve Portraits of Marcia

    Nov 15, 2024 · 30 min

    In this episode of The Whistler, artist Ralph paints twelve portraits of his model, Marcia, each revealing different emotions and stages of their relationship. When Marcia tragically takes her own life after feeling unappreciated, Ralph faces suspicion from an art dealer, Sidney. As Ralph's paintings gain popularity, Sidney manipulates and betrays him with a staged scenario, exposing Ralph as the murderer of Marcia. Ultimately, Sidney's cunning plan is revealed, highlighting the power of perception and the sinister consequences of playing with emotions and art. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

  25. Episode 294: Silent Partner

    Nov 14, 2024 · 30 min

    In this episode of The Whistler, titled 'Silent Partner,' the story unfolds in Saunders Junction, where Matt Robertson is confronted with changes brought about by his partner Wilk Haines. As tensions rise and secrets unravel, a series of intrigues involving the Robertson Ranch, a disagreement with a stranger named Charlie Breck, and the murder of Wilk Haines lead to a dramatic turn of events. Matt's carefully orchestrated plan to eliminate Wilk takes an unexpected turn when he realizes he has lost track of time, and the truth comes to light in a surprising twist of fate. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.