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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 143: The Dead Man Laughed

    Jul 10, 2024 · 30 min

    In this episode of The Whistler, titled 'The Dead Man Laughed,' Charles Finch, a man swindled out of his company, seeks revenge on his partner, Malcolm Guthrie. Finch enlists the help of a shabby tramp, Henry Baker, who resembles him, in a plot to stage a murder and disappear using the tramp as a decoy. However, Finch's plan backfires when the tramp's fingerprints are found at the crime scene, leading to his arrest and subsequent execution for a murder he committed to frame himself. The episode culminates in a chilling and ironic end, as Finch, now in the persona of Baker, meets a dark and twisted fate. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

  2. Episode 141: Murder Is Legal

    Jul 9, 2024 · 30 min

    In the episode 'Murder Is Legal,' David Faraday, a swashbuckling movie star, is found dead in his apartment. The famous lawyer, Clifford Carstair, who defended Faraday in a recent trial, is implicated in the murder. As the investigation unfolds, it becomes clear that there are complex relationships and motives at play, including blackmail, past relationships, and a carefully orchestrated plan. The plot thickens as alliances shift, and unexpected revelations come to light, leading to a stunning turn of events. The story unfolds with unexpected twists, ultimately revealing the true orchestrator of the crime. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

  3. Episode 140: Murder on Paper

    Jul 8, 2024 · 30 min

    In this episode of The Whistler, a tale of murder and deception unfolds as Fred Wallace, a struggling writer, becomes entangled in a web of greed and betrayal. After marrying a wealthy widow for her fortune, Fred's gambling habits lead to a dangerous encounter with a gangster. Fearing for his safety, Fred concocts a plan to get rid of his wife. However, his plot takes an unexpected turn when a witness complicates his scheme, leading to a shocking revelation and an eventual confession. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

  4. Episode 139: Seascape

    Jul 7, 2024 · 29 min

    In this episode, a woman named Madeleine confesses to her husband Richard that she is a fugitive from the law, having committed a murder. She reveals her intention to escape, with the help of another man named Blake. As the events unfold, suspicions arise, leading to a series of betrayals and revelations that change the course of their plans. Ultimately, a twist of fate brings about unexpected consequences for all involved. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

  5. Episode 138: Murder Has a Signature

    Jul 6, 2024 · 30 min

    In this episode, 'Murder Has a Signature,' the wealthy and miserly Miss Brewer lives in an old house with her servant, Martha. Miss Brewer's nephew, Harvey, and his wife, Lillian, visit to obtain money from Miss Brewer. Miss Brewer gives them bank securities, but after her death, suspicion arises when the securities require the lawyer's endorsement. As the story unfolds, it is revealed that Martha murdered Miss Brewer and was killed by Harvey, leading to an unexpected turn of events where Harvey is convicted of his aunt's murder, despite inheriting her million-dollar estate. The episode concludes with a reflection on the unnecessary tragedy that unfolded. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

  6. Episode 137: The Body Wouldnt Stay in the Bay

    Jul 5, 2024 · 30 min

    In this episode, the characters are haunted by the mysterious reappearance of a woman named Monica, whose body was previously discovered in the bay six months ago. Jim Mars, the owner of the Skyland Club, is confronted by the unexpected return of Monica, but he soon realizes that she is actually her sister Maria. As tensions rise between Jim and Tony, it becomes clear that Tony orchestrated a scheme to have Jim and Maria eliminated. In a dramatic turn of events, both Jim and Tony end up dead, and the truth behind Monica's reappearance is revealed, leading to a shocking conclusion. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

  7. Episode 136: Two for the Money

    Jul 4, 2024 · 30 min

    In this episode of The Whistler, we follow the story of Tom Barlow, a taxi driver who finds himself in a whirlwind of events after a mysterious passenger leaves $25,000 in his cab. As the story unfolds, we learn about long-standing family tensions, betrayal, and unexpected twists that ultimately lead to a shocking conclusion. Tom's desperation for the money and a vengeful plot from a family member push him to the brink, but in the end, a tragic accident changes the course of events. The episode is a riveting tale of greed, revenge, and the consequences of one's actions. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

  8. Episode 135: Christmas Bonus

    Jul 3, 2024 · 30 min

    In this episode of The Whistler, Michael Cobb, a former convict, is trying to lead a straight life after serving his time in prison. He is happily married and working hard at his job in a department store. However, when money starts going missing from the store, suspicions fall on him due to his criminal past. Despite his efforts to prove his innocence, he is fired and faces accusations. However, a turn of events leads to the real culprit being exposed, clearing Michael's name and allowing him to return to his job with a renewed sense of gratitude for the good in his life. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

  9. Episode 134: Windfall

    Jul 2, 2024 · 29 min

    In this episode of The Whistler, Robert Bradley, a struggling young man, unexpectedly becomes the sole heir to a fortune after his cousin's tragic death. However, as he becomes entangled in a series of suspicious events and deals with a manipulative associate, his newfound windfall leads him down a dark and treacherous path, with unforeseen consequences that ultimately unravel his carefully laid plans. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

  10. Episode 133: Lie or Consequences

    Jul 1, 2024 · 28 min

    In this episode of The Whistler, veteran detective Mark Huskins faces unexpected consequences after a narcotics operation goes awry. As Huskins grapples with the aftermath, including suspicions of murder, he discovers crucial evidence that points to an unexpected culprit. Faced with a twist of fate, Huskins is forced to reassess his assumptions and confront the truth in order to clear his name. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

  11. Episode 132: Doctor Operates in Crime

    Jun 30, 2024 · 30 min

    In this episode of The Whistler, a man named Tony Angelo seeks out the services of Dr. Julius J. Weber for complete plastic surgery to change his identity. However, Dr. Weber has a sinister plan to blackmail his patients, including Tony and another man named Huey James, for hush money for the rest of their lives. When Tony discovers the doctor's scheme, he attempts to outsmart him, but his plan backfires, leading to a deadly confrontation with Huey and the doctor. In the end, it is revealed that the real mastermind behind the blackmail racket was Huey James, and the doctor is arrested for his illegal activities. The story serves as a cautionary tale about the consequences of involving oneself in criminal activities. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

  12. Episode 131: Death Walks a Tightwire

    Jun 29, 2024 · 30 min

    In this episode of The Whistler, Enrico, a former tightwire artist, seeks revenge for the death of his son by targeting Marie Savini, a young circus performer. Enrico manipulates Marie into attempting a dangerous high-wire act without a safety net, leading to a tragic accident. However, it is revealed that Marie never existed and was a persona created by Enrico's own delusions. His vengeful act becomes a chilling and tragic revelation, leaving a haunting impact on the circus and its performers. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

  13. Episode 130: Death Sees Double

    Jun 28, 2024 · 30 min

    Identical twin sisters, Mona and Martha Spencer, lead seemingly perfect lives until Martha becomes consumed by jealousy and hatches a dangerous plan. As the sisters' identities become intertwined, a series of shocking events unfold, ultimately leading to a tragic and unexpected outcome. Meanwhile, Bill Everett, the man caught in the middle, harbors a chilling secret that brings about a fateful and unforgettable conclusion. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

  14. Episode 129: Beware the Bridegroom

    Jun 27, 2024 · 30 min

    John Lane and Biff Allen, down on their luck in New York, meet Julie Warren, a supposed heiress. They concoct a plan to marry her for her wealth, but the plan backfires when they discover she is not wealthy. Lane decides to murder her for the insurance money, but is caught by the police due to Joe, the bartender, and Allen. Additionally, Julie turns out to actually be wealthy, and Lane is subsequently convicted for the murder. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

  15. Episode 128: The Beloved Fraud

    Jun 26, 2024 · 30 min

    In the episode 'The Beloved Fraud' of The Whistler, Constance and Emma Woodford, two sisters living in a New England town, have a strained relationship. Constance longs for freedom and romance, and when she meets a man named Julian, she sees an opportunity to escape her domineering sister. However, as the situation unfolds, it becomes clear that not everything is as it seems, and the sisters' fates are intertwined in unexpected ways. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

  16. Episode 127: Death Carries a Lunch Kit ephorn in opening

    Jun 25, 2024 · 29 min

    In this episode, a man named Peters is offered a lot of money to betray his country during wartime. He becomes involved in a dangerous plot involving a lunch kit containing a deadly explosive. As the tension builds, Peters navigates through a series of close calls and near disasters, ultimately leading to a dramatic escape from a dangerous situation. The episode highlights the moral dilemma of choosing between personal gain and loyalty to one's country in a time of war. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

  17. Episode 126: The Tale The Dead Man Told

    Jun 24, 2024 · 30 min

    In this episode of The Whistler, Bert and Sandra plan to capitalize on a tragic event for financial gain, but their scheme takes a dark turn when Sandra is convicted of the murder of her husband. As Bert tries to clear Sandra's name, he ends up in a mental institution, haunted by the consequences of their actions. The truth about the murder is revealed, but it's too late for Bert, who suffers the consequences of his own deception. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

  18. Episode 125: Finders Weepers

    Jun 23, 2024 · 29 min

    In this episode of The Whistler, the story revolves around the search for Celia Peters, who stands to inherit a large fortune if she returns by her 21st birthday. As her father, AR Peters, lies unconscious, two men, Alan Fairmont and John Blackburn, vie to find Celia first. The plot thickens as it is revealed that AR Peters has been murdered, and Fairmont's ulterior motives come to light. In a surprising turn of events, Marukian, a detective, unravels the truth and holds a key to the resolution of this intriguing mystery. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

  19. Episode 124: Not If I Kill You First

    Jun 22, 2024 · 30 min

    In this episode of The Whistler, Albert Easley gets drawn into a deadly game of murder. After a jewel robbery, tensions rise between Albert and his business partner, Sammy Copeland. As the two engage in a power struggle, their conflict takes a deadly turn. Ultimately, Albert believes he has outsmarted Sammy by creating a perfect alibi, but he soon realizes that Sammy has already gotten to him first, leading to a surprising twist in this strange tale of deceit and betrayal. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

  20. Episode 123: Married to Murder

    Jun 21, 2024 · 30 min

    In this episode of The Whistler, titled 'Married to Murder', a man named Rick finds himself embroiled in a murder investigation when his former lover Maureen is found dead on the rocks below a cliff. His current girlfriend, Sally, knows more about the situation than she lets on, and as the investigation unfolds, it becomes clear that Sally may have ulterior motives of her own. When the truth about each character's intentions and actions come to light, it leads to unexpected consequences and a tragic ending. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

  21. Episode 122: Black Magic

    Jun 20, 2024 · 30 min

    In this episode of The Whistler, set in the vast wilderness of equatorial Africa, a small village is plagued by a deadly form of malaria. Dr. Kent and his wife Nora arrive to assist, but tensions arise as old relationships resurface. As the mysterious illness escalates, a web of deceit, betrayal, and murder unfolds, ultimately leading to a shocking turn of events for the characters involved. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

  22. Episode 121: Local Storm

    Jun 19, 2024 · 29 min

    In the episode 'Local Storm' of The Whistler, the story unfolds in the remote village of Stone Cross in Devon, where an invalid widow, Mrs. Wentworth, lives a lonely life. Her interactions with her masseur, Dr. Brooks, and her maid, Olive, take a dark turn as a series of events lead to a frightening and unexpected twist. As the storm rages outside, the unexpected arrival of the police from Scotland Yard reveals shocking secrets and uncovers a sinister plan, ultimately leading to unforeseen consequences for all involved. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

  23. Episode 120: Practically Foolproof

    Jun 18, 2024 · 30 min

    In this episode of The Whistler, Edward Bowman and Marco Lorenz plan a carefully orchestrated robbery with Shorty Johnson, but their plan goes awry when Shorty murders Mrs. Miles and is subsequently shot by Eddie and Marco. However, Shorty survives and becomes a hopeless paralytic, while Eddie and Marco are wrongly accused of the murder and face the consequences. The episode ends with Shorty escaping punishment but living as a paralytic, and Eddie and Marco facing the consequences of a crime they didn't commit. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

  24. Episode 115: Till Death Do Us Part

    Jun 17, 2024 · 28 min

    Roy Layton, living in a cheap boarding house, meets Linda McKelvey, who offers him $5,000 to marry her before her 25th birthday to inherit a quarter of a million dollars. They marry, but Roy's attempt to make Linda fall in love with him fails, so he plots to kill her. His first attempt fails, and his second plan, to loosen the handrail on the balcony, ultimately leads to his arrest when he confesses his motive to the police. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

  25. Episode 114: Last of the Devereaux

    Jun 16, 2024 · 30 min

    In this episode of The Whistler, Paul Vertel aims to take possession of the Cypresses estate from the Devereaux family by means of a foreclosure. However, he meets resistance from the elderly Master Devereaux, and a mysterious curse seems to hang over the estate. After a series of unsettling events and Devereaux's untimely death, Paul marries Anne, only to discover that she is actually Anne Devereaux, seeking revenge for her father's murder. A deadly game of cat and mouse ensues, ultimately leading to Anne's insanity and a tragic outcome for them both. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.