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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 261: Fateful Friday

    Oct 18, 2024 · 30 min

    The episode follows the mundane life of Mr. Brown, a bookkeeper, until he unexpectedly finds $40,000 in his mailbox. As he grapples with the decision of what to do with the money, he encounters a series of strange events, including a mistaken identity and a murder. In a twist of fate, it becomes clear that the money belonged to a man named Victor Marco, not Mr. Brown. Despite his attempts to keep the money and live a lavish lifestyle, Mr. Brown's expensive purchases and lifestyle ultimately lead to his downfall when the true owner of the money confronts him. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

  2. Episode 260: Hasty Conclusion

    Oct 17, 2024 · 30 min

    In the episode 'Hasty Conclusion' of The Whistler, Professor Wagner becomes suspicious after reading an article that seems familiar to him. He discovers that Dean Emerson has plagiarized research from a deceased graduate student, Lloyd Nielsen. Wagner confronts Emerson, leading to a tense exchange in which Wagner demands Emerson's resignation. However, later in the story, it is revealed that Wagner's hasty conclusion about Emerson poisoning him was incorrect, and that Wagner's own medical emergency further complicates the situation. The story ends with a dramatic turn of events as Wagner faces a life-threatening health issue. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

  3. Episode 259: 18 Bowden Lane

    Oct 16, 2024 · 30 min

    In this episode of The Whistler, Edgar Merkel meticulously plans an elaborate scheme to escape his mundane life and kill his wife, Edith, at Cape Defiance. He plots every detail, from renting a cottage to forging letters to frame her suicide, but his plan unravels as his brother-in-law, Freddy, and the sheriff begin to uncover inconsistencies in his story, ultimately exposing his deception and revealing the true nature of his carefully orchestrated scheme. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

  4. Episode 258: Windfall

    Oct 15, 2024 · 30 min

    In this episode of The Whistler, titled 'Windfall,' a man discovers a dead body under a bridge and finds a checkbook with a balance of over $104,000. He teams up with a woman to forge the signature and access the money, but their plans unravel when the man is mistaken for the deceased and becomes a suspect in the murder. As the truth comes to light, the shocking revelations lead to a surprising turn of events. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

  5. Episode 257: The Black Book

    Oct 14, 2024 · 30 min

    In this episode, Paul, a talented dancer, experiences a momentous opening night in Philadelphia only to have his dreams shattered by his employer's unexpected hiring of Catherine Valadon, a renowned choreographer from London. The history between Paul and Catherine is fraught with tension and a past accident, leading to a revenge plot that culminates in a dramatic showdown in San Francisco. However, Paul's intricate plan to frame Catherine for her own death unravels when a crucial oversight exposes the truth and leads to a surprising resolution. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

  6. Episode 256: Backlash

    Oct 13, 2024 · 30 min

    In this episode, George Turner finds himself in a difficult situation living with his wife and her dominating aunt Irene. Tension builds as George grapples with his hatred for Irene and the prospect of his wife leaving to visit her ailing uncle. A furtive meeting introduces a new possibility to George, but as events unfold, he realizes that things may not be as they seem. The story takes a dark turn with unexpected twists and a shocking outcome involving George, his brother Ed, and the murder of Aunt Irene. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

  7. Episode 255: Maid of Honor

    Oct 12, 2024 · 30 min

    Elaine, a cunning radio actress, becomes embroiled in a murder mystery when her friend Nancy is found dead. Blaming Nancy's fiancé, Bill, Elaine concocts a suicide note and a fake phone call to frame him. However, when Nancy's sister Margaret becomes suspicious, Elaine resorts to drastic measures to silence her. As a district attorney arrives to investigate, Margaret bravely admits to her mistake, exposing Elaine's deceit and clearing Bill's name. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

  8. Episode 254: The Sheriffs Assistant

    Oct 11, 2024 · 30 min

    Willard Rowley is faced with a difficult decision after his wife unexpectedly inherits a large sum of money, which puts his secret affair with Nan Parker at risk. The situation escalates when Nan threatens to reveal the affair, leading Willard to take drastic measures to silence her. However, his plan goes awry, and he ends up being caught in a web of deceit and deceitful intentions that lead to a shocking revelation. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

  9. Episode 253: The Blank Wall

    Oct 10, 2024 · 30 min

    In this episode of The Whistler, Walter Mason is preparing for his daughter Kathy's engagement party, feeling elated about her upcoming marriage to the son of Alfred Crane. However, a past he thought was buried resurfaces when a former acquaintance, Roy Sharp, approaches him demanding $10,000. Unable to come up with the full amount, Walter finds himself in a difficult position and contemplates desperate measures. As events unfold and secrets come to light, Walter is faced with a life-altering decision that will irreversibly affect his family. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

  10. Episode 252: The Lady and the Knife

    Oct 9, 2024 · 30 min

    In this episode of The Whistler, Morley Carr befriends a talkative man named Sam Ryan, who claims to have a quarter million dollars in his pocket. After Ryan mysteriously dies, Morley discovers a valuable baggage claim check and investigates a woman named Lucille Lacey. He uncovers a smuggling operation involving diamonds and narrowly escapes suspicion for the murder of Zach Chambers. The story is filled with suspense and unexpected twists. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

  11. Episode 251: Mavis Cameron Disappears

    Oct 8, 2024 · 30 min

    In this episode of The Whistler, Mavis Cameron, a filing clerk in a bank, is lured into a dangerous situation by a gambler named Dan Spinelli. Following a night of reckless behavior, Mavis finds herself in a compromising position and makes a pact with Dan to save her life. Fearing for her safety, Mavis goes into hiding, changes her identity, and starts a new life. However, her past catches up with her when Dan resurfaces. Ultimately, a detective approaches her, and in a surprising turn of events, Mavis learns that her tormentor, Dan, is actually dead, and she is free from his grasp. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

  12. Episode 250: Murder of Byron Blake

    Oct 7, 2024 · 30 min

    In this episode of The Whistler, the story begins with Julie Lane and Gus Hackett sitting in a restaurant reflecting on recent events. Julie has been through a tumultuous time, dealing with the aftermath of Leo Sanders' actions. Leo, an aspiring actor, had re-entered Julie's life in New York and sought her help in furthering his career. However, things take a dark turn when Leo manipulates the situation and his past catches up with him, leading to a tragic outcome. As Julie and Gus grapple with the aftermath, they reflect on the role they played in the events and try to come to terms with the consequences of Leo's actions. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

  13. Episode 249: Blue Legend

    Oct 6, 2024 · 30 min

    A man named George Cantor strikes a deal with miner Big Mike Brennan to share ownership of the Blue Legend mine. Cantor gradually reveals his hidden desire for the mine and for Mike's wife, Helen. Finding an opportunity to eliminate Mike, Cantor poisons a bottle of bourbon with assay fluid, hoping Mike will drink from it at the mine. However, upon learning that an autopsy has been performed, demonstrating that Mike died of natural causes, Cantor's plans are ultimately foiled. After a plane crash and a head injury, Cantor is nearly poisoned with the same bourbon he tampered with. Cantor is left feeling defeated, as Mike's death is ruled as heart failure, and he realizes that his plot has failed. The Blue Legend mine and Helen remain out of his grasp, and he is left to contemplate what might have been. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

  14. Episode 248: Eight to Twelve

    Oct 5, 2024 · 30 min

    In this episode of The Whistler, Danny Brine, a former crime reporter, finds himself out of a job and at odds with his former boss, Martin Graves. As events unfold, Danny becomes embroiled in a web of deceit and murder, ultimately leading to a desperate struggle to clear his name. With the aid of a carefully orchestrated alibi, he believes he has evaded suspicion, only to be confronted with evidence that places him at the scene of the crime. As the tension mounts, Danny realizes the perilous situation he's in, with no clear way out. Will he be able to prove his innocence and escape the grip of suspicion? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

  15. Episode 247: A Womans Privilege

    Oct 4, 2024 · 30 min

    In this episode of The Whistler, John Winters, an art broker, becomes embroiled in a dangerous plot involving valuable paintings and forgery. After a series of unexpected twists and deadly encounters, Winters takes matters into his own hands to protect his interests and confront the cunning antagonist, C.L. Brickley. The story culminates in a tense confrontation, revealing the true nature of the characters and the lengths they are willing to go for wealth and survival. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

  16. Episode 246: Safety in Numbers

    Oct 3, 2024 · 30 min

    Irene Thorpe, miserable with her husband's criminal enterprises, seeks solace with Marty Krueger. After a confrontation with her husband, Tom, turns deadly, Irene and Marty must cover up the murder. However, their plan is thwarted when they are apprehended by the police. As the authorities confront Irene, they reveal that the gambling ship they were involved in was actually used for illegal arms dealings and has sunk in an explosion. Irene's initial crime is now overshadowed by the larger-scale tragedy, leaving her shocked and bewildered by the unexpected turn of events. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

  17. Episode 245: Seven Steps to Murder

    Oct 2, 2024 · 30 min

    In this episode of The Whistler, the Atkins-Clayton affair takes a deadly turn as Archer Atkins, a renowned critic, finds himself entangled in a web of deceit and revenge with his rival, Everett Clayton. As their feud escalates, it leads to unexpected consequences and ends in a shocking revelation. The intertwined lives of these two men unfold through betrayal, manipulation, and ultimately, murder in a chilling tale of literary vendetta. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

  18. Episode 244: Night Melody

    Oct 1, 2024 · 30 min

    In this episode of The Whistler, titled 'Night Melody,' Marshall is nervous as he calls his wife, Helen, to confirm their plan. After mixing poison into her drink, he returns to the apartment and finds her missing. As suspicions and accusations fly, the truth comes to light when the night man confesses to accidentally causing Helen's death and trying to hide the body. The plan to frame Marshall collapses, and the truth prevails. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

  19. Episode 243: Last Curtain

    Sep 30, 2024 · 30 min

    Evelyn and Keith, both desperate in their careers, hatch a plan to regain their former glory. Keith's unforeseen death and the discovery of his buried body shift the power dynamics. Evelyn becomes entangled in a web of blackmail and deceit, leading to a dramatic turn of events involving Perry Dahlgren, as the police close in on the truth. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

  20. Episode 242: The Choice

    Sep 29, 2024 · 30 min

    In this episode of The Whistler, office manager Mark Fallon finds himself entangled in a series of dangerous events as he tries to cover up his involvement in financial fraud. When his accomplice, Samuels, is murdered, Fallon attempts to frame himself for an attempted murder in a desperate bid to avoid the gas chamber. However, it turns out that Samuels was actually sitting in the desk of Harry Cheng, the intended target, at the time of the shooting. In the end, Fallon's plan backfires as he is implicated in the murder and fraud, leading to his eventual downfall. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

  21. Episode 241: Dear Roger

    Sep 28, 2024 · 30 min

    In this episode of The Whistler, Ann Martin's husband, Phil, has the opportunity for an important political appointment, but Ann is hiding a secret of her own. When she is blackmailed for old love letters by Roger Henderson, she desperately seeks a way to protect her marriage and her husband's career. However, when Henderson is found murdered, private detective Joe Burton suspects Ann's involvement. As she tries to retrieve the letters, she finds herself entangled in a dangerous situation and uncovers unexpected truths. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

  22. Episode 240: Murder on Rourke Island

    Sep 27, 2024 · 30 min

    In this episode, Keith Brandon's life takes a drastic turn after the death of his father, leading to a complex web of family drama and financial complications. As Keith grapples with the terms of his father's will and the controlling influence of his uncle, a dark plan begins to take shape. The story unfolds with tensions building towards a fateful trip to Rourke Island, where a shocking twist reveals the true extent of Keith's predicament. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

  23. Episode 239: Next Year Is Mine

    Sep 26, 2024 · 30 min

    In this episode of The Whistler, Johnny Hale, a newspaper editor in a prison, struggles to meet the Christmas edition deadline. He is haunted by the sounds of a quartet practicing Christmas carols and reflects on the stark contrast between the holiday cheer outside and the desolation inside the prison. When his cellmate, Ed, falls gravely ill, Johnny confronts the warden about the mistreatment of Ed's cherished letters from his beloved in England. After a violent altercation with a trustee, Johnny ends up in solitary confinement. The revelation that Ed's sweetheart had passed away years ago and the heartfelt exchange between Johnny and the warden lead to an unexpected turn of events as Johnny plans to expose the prison's harsh conditions once he's released. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

  24. Episode 237: With My Own Eyes

    Sep 25, 2024 · 27 min

    Christine McKay, seeking rest for her nerves, arrives in Florida and finds a room in a grand house offered by Mrs. Drake at an incredibly low price. However, her stay takes a dark turn when she witnesses a man carrying the body of Mrs. Drake with a scarf tied around her neck. Convinced of the murder, Christine reports it to the police, only to be met with disbelief. As she tries to unravel the truth, she discovers the existence of another Mrs. Drake and confronts the husband, Henry Drake, who admits the planned murder and tries to silence her. Mrs. Drake intervenes, revealing that she was aware of her husband's illicit affair. Christine's actions ultimately lead to justice being served. In the end, the truth emerges, and justice prevails. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

  25. Episode 235: Two Year Plan

    Sep 24, 2024 · 30 min

    Eddie Davis sets up his own law practice to represent the wealthy Peter Jackson, who trusts Eddie with his $5 million. After Peter decides to marry, Eddie realizes that his chances of inheriting the money are slim. The plot thickens when Eddie discovers that Peter's new fiancee, Marsha McElroy, is after the inheritance. Eddie and Marsha eventually confess their feelings for each other, but after Peter's sudden death, Eddie learns that Marsha is actually Shelby Gordon, the rightful heir to the estate. In the end, Marsha outsmarts Eddie by legally changing her name and securing the inheritance, leaving Eddie to realize he was outwitted by someone smarter than him. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.