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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 108: The Doctor Prescribes Death

    Jun 15, 2024 · 30 min

    In this episode, Professor Arthur Rugby, a psychologist, shares a theory with his publisher, Mr. Hellman, that a person inclined towards suicide can be swayed to commit murder. After convincing a troubled woman named Gladys to kill Hellman, the professor's plan backfires when Gladys recognizes a snapshot of Hellman with the professor's wife. In a twist of events, the professor's obsession for scientific experimentation turns into a pursuit of revenge and ultimately leads to a tragic outcome. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

  2. Episode 83: Death Demands a Payment

    Jun 14, 2024 · 30 min

    In this episode of The Whistler, a tale of avarice and greed unfolds as John Hendricks, an inmate serving time for murder, plans an escape with a fellow inmate, Bill Smith. Five years later, John escapes and, amidst a storm, seeks refuge in a deserted mansion. His encounter with an old lady and her son takes a terrifying turn, leading to a shocking revelation. However, it's revealed that the old lady and her son were not real but a part of a cleverly planned scheme by Bill Smith to scare John and steal the hidden money. Ultimately, the officer's dismissal of the supernatural occurrences is explained by the intricate plot orchestrated by Bill. The episode sheds light on the devious nature of human behavior and the consequences of greed and betrayal. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

  3. Episode 79: Patients for the Doctor

    Jun 13, 2024 · 30 min

    Dr. James Herrick and his wife Mary live in an isolated cabin high in the Snoqualmie mountains. Mary is determined to keep James from tending to his patients during a treacherous storm, which leads to a tense confrontation. Meanwhile, a car carrying Paul, Jane, and Mrs. Whitcomb encounters a dangerous situation on the mountain road, eventually seeking help from Dr. Harris. But as the night unfolds, dark secrets about Dr. Harris come to light, leading to a shocking and tragic conclusion. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

  4. Episode 72: Mirage

    Jun 12, 2024 · 30 min

    Fred Adams, a promising young attorney, becomes entangled in a web of jealousy and revenge when his old flame, Gloria, becomes furious upon discovering his marriage to Brenda. As tensions rise, secrets are revealed and a series of shocking events unfold, leading to unexpected twists and turns. Culminating in a dramatic climax, the consequences of jealousy and betrayal come to a head in a surprising and chilling conclusion. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

  5. Episode 71: Blind Alley

    Jun 11, 2024 · 30 min

    In the episode "Blind Alley," Young Henry Cotterett III finds himself entangled in a web of deceit and extortion after a night of drinking and gambling takes a dark turn. When Henry is involved in a car accident that leads to the supposed death of a man, he becomes a target of blackmail by Nella Goodwin and her brother Jerry. However, it is later revealed that the supposed victim was not dead, and Jerry's scheme to intimidate Henry and Nella into marriage for blackmail purposes unravels as the truth comes to light, clearing Henry's name. The episode concludes with Henry learning an important lesson and the revelation that the supposed victim and Jerry orchestrated the entire plot. The Whistler will be changing its air time to 10:15 p.m. starting on October 3rd. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

  6. Episode 69: Tangled Web

    Jun 10, 2024 · 30 min

    In this eerie episode of The Whistler, tensions run high as Claude and Leta are faced with a predicament involving Aunt Hester's estate. Claude is already married to Pearl and cannot marry Leta without risking his inheritance, while Leta is determined to secure her share of the estate. Faced with the looming threat of losing their inheritance, Claude and Leta consider drastic measures, but their plans take an unexpected turn when Aunt Hester's death reveals a shocking provision in her will. As the truth unravels, the tangled web of deceit and manipulation leads to unforeseen consequences for all involved. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

  7. Episode 68: Destiny

    Jun 9, 2024 · 30 min

    Milton Strong, a long-time office worker, faces frustration and resentment after being unexpectedly retired. His resentment leads to thoughts of murder. In an attempt to escape his destiny, he adopts a new identity, Harry Jacobs, and discovers a large sum of money from a dead man. However, his attempt to evade his past leads him to face his fate in a dramatic and unexpected way, ultimately teaching him a valuable lesson about the complexity of destiny and the consequences of his actions. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

  8. Episode 65: Death in the Air

    Jun 8, 2024 · 30 min

    In this gripping episode of The Whistler, a complicated tale of deceit and revenge unfolds. Fred Blake, a man who believes he is dying, reveals a shocking confession to his wife Anitra and the District Attorney. However, it is later discovered that Fred's illness was merely a ruse orchestrated by Anitra, who is actually Mary Alberti, a woman seeking revenge for her husband's wrongful conviction. Ultimately, the truth is unveiled, leading to a surprising turn of events that exposes Anitra's elaborate plan for justice. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

  9. Episode 60: An Eye for an Eye

    Jun 7, 2024 · 30 min

    In this suspenseful episode of The Whistler, a group of individuals finds themselves trapped on a yacht with a determined scientist, Dr. Paul Durant, who is convinced that one of them is the murderer of his brother. As tension rises and suspicions grow, the situation takes a dark turn when a series of murders occur, leading to a desperate struggle for survival. Ultimately, the true culprits are revealed, and their nefarious motives come to light, leading to a shocking and tragic conclusion. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

  10. Episode 59: The Avengers

    Jun 6, 2024 · 30 min

    In the mining town of Rainbow, a complicated tale of betrayal, revenge, and psychological manipulation unfolds. Frank Maddox expresses fear of his deceased brother, John, and believes he is being haunted by him. Doreen, John's daughter, is brought to town by Frank's assistant, Anthony, in a scheme to exploit Frank's fears and gain control of his fortune. However, it is revealed that Frank was responsible for John's death and has been tormented by guilt and fear. Frank's wife, Melva, confesses to the murder, claiming that Frank had killed John and that the fortune rightfully belongs to Doreen. It is also disclosed that Anthony is the little boy who witnessed Frank's crime and has been manipulating the situation to his advantage. The truth is unveiled, shedding light on the intricate web of deception and betrayal that led to the tragic events. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

  11. Episode 58: The Blank Wall

    Jun 5, 2024 · 29 min

    In this episode of The Whistler, a bespectacled man, Wilson, is at his breaking point as he's forced to continue a life of murder and deception at the behest of his boss, Griskin. Wilson desperately pleads for a break, expressing fear of losing his mind. Griskin agrees to a rest after one final assignment involving framing Olivia Martin for a murder. Wilson meticulously plans the murder, but soon finds himself entangled in a web of deceit and guilt. The plot unfolds in reverse, revealing a web of interconnected events involving Olivia, her husband Fred, Doris Hammond, and Jack Mallory. Ultimately, Wilson realizes that his own plan from six months ago was being used against him by his editor, Griskin, who suggests taking a break. It is revealed that Wilson and Griskin are actually a writer and an editor for a detective story magazine. As the episode concludes, it's announced that The Whistler will air at a new time starting next week: Friday at 9 p.m. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

  12. Episode 57: House of Fear

    Jun 4, 2024 · 29 min

    In this episode, Lana Wallace abruptly ends her engagement with Paul Garson and marries the older Gregory Hellman. After finding the marriage unfulfilling, Lana obtains a divorce and tries to buy the honeymoon villa where she and Hellman stayed. However, the body of Gregory Hellman is discovered in the villa's cellar, and Lana and Paul are accused of murder. Despite Lana's denial, Paul's financial troubles and the discovery of his motive lead to their conviction as accomplices. The truth, however, is revealed: Paul orchestrated the murder, hoping to frame Lana, and they now face execution in the state penitentiary. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

  13. Episode 56: Justice

    Jun 3, 2024 · 30 min

    Elderly farmer John Henderson, recently married to Martha, struggles with his son Matthew's hostility towards his new stepmother. When John dies mysteriously from arsenic poisoning, suspicion falls on Martha and Matthew. As Martha and Henry run the farm and Matthew is convicted of the crime, a surprising twist unfolds when a letter from Martha's safe deposit box exonerates Matthew and incriminates Martha. In a final double-cross, it is revealed that Martha herself was also poisoned. The Whistler narrates this tale of treachery and justice. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

  14. Episode 55: Shadow of a Mind

    Jun 2, 2024 · 30 min

    Dr. William Richter, a brain surgeon turned researcher, conducts an experimental tissue transplantation that goes horribly wrong, leading to a dangerous situation involving his daughter, Elaine, and her fiancé, John. As the experiment unravels, revealing the doctor's ulterior motivations, Elaine's mind becomes a battleground for conflicting wills and memories, eventually leading to a tragic conclusion with fatal consequences for all involved. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

  15. Episode 52: The Man Who Waited

    Jun 1, 2024 · 30 min

    In this shadowy tale of love, betrayal, and tragedy, young Genevieve becomes entangled in a whirlwind of deceit and desperation as she takes on the role of secretary companion to bedridden, manipulative Lydia Bartlett. The arrival of Lydia's son, Barry, sparks an illicit romance with Genevieve, leading to a marriage filled with lies and secret intentions. As the complicated web of relationships unravels, it culminates in a series of shocking events, including a tragic accident that leads to suspicion and ultimate betrayal. Amidst heartache and suspicion, the truth remains elusive, leaving a trail of darkness and despair. What untold secrets will be revealed, and who will bear the burden of their consequences? Tune in to this chilling episode of The Whistler to uncover the truth. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

  16. Episode 51: Death Has a Thirst

    May 31, 2024 · 30 min

    Donna and Harvey take drastic measures to help Victor, who has been struggling with alcoholism and delusions. As they try to find a solution, their situation takes a tragic turn, leading to unexpected consequences. Despite the unsettling events, a newfound love emerges between Harvey and Donna amidst the turmoil, ultimately changing their lives forever. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

  17. Episode 50: The Killers

    May 30, 2024 · 30 min

    In the episode entitled "The Killers," a young killer has been tried and convicted of a brutal slaying. He stands before the judge, and the court decides to commit him to a state institution for the insane. Meanwhile, on a farm belonging to a widow named Agatha Mayberry, her niece, Della, contemplates leaving and expresses her disdain for farm work. When Agatha makes a deal with her neighbor, Mr. Dalton, for the sale of part of her land, a series of events unravel, ultimately leading to a dramatic and unexpected revelation. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

  18. Episode 46: The Penalty

    May 29, 2024 · 30 min

    In this episode of The Whistler, young attorney Alan Harper is approached by John Blake, who requests him to draw up a will and deliver a letter to his brother, Hillary. The story takes a dark turn as John's disappearance leads to suspicions of kidnapping or suicide. However, shocking revelations come to light when Wilbur Martin uncovers a web of deceit, revealing John's embezzlement and his elaborate scheme to escape the consequences. The mistaken identity of a body, the discovery of forged letters, and the unraveling of John's elaborate plan expose the truth, leading to startling arrests and a surprise twist in this gripping and intricate tale of greed and deception. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

  19. Episode 41: Fools Gold

    May 28, 2024 · 30 min

    Herbert Lang, a bank teller, has meticulously planned a 10-year scheme to amass $50,000 and escape to South America. However, his plan is jeopardized when he is placed on an extended vacation and faces a sudden shortage in the bank. As he tries to secure his ill-gotten gains, a sequence of events unfolds, leading to fatal consequences and a tragic end to Herbert's once meticulous plan. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

  20. Episode 40: Legacy of Death

    May 27, 2024 · 30 min

    In this episode of The Whistler, the story revolves around Martha Holliston, who is ill and on her deathbed, revealing a family secret to her husband Henry. Martha warns Henry about their daughter Doreen's inherited tendency towards murder. Henry makes promises to protect Doreen. Later, when a Hollywood writer named Clyde visits, Doreen falls in love with him. Henry's assistant Irving, who also loves Doreen, becomes jealous of Clyde. Tragedy strikes when Clyde is found murdered, leading to a complex web of deceit and secrets being uncovered before the real culprit is revealed. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

  21. Episode 39: In the Dark

    May 26, 2024 · 28 min

    Thomas Northcutt, a marine architect, is working long hours and suffering from severe headaches and eye problems. His physician, Dr. Elston, warns him to quit work or risk going blind. Northcutt plans a cruise with Dr. Elston, his wife Elizabeth, and others, but a series of misunderstandings and suspicions leads to a tragic accident and a revelation. In the end, Northcutt's own deceitful plan backfires, and he is left to face the consequences of his actions. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

  22. Episode 38: The Confession

    May 25, 2024 · 30 min

    In this gripping episode of The Whistler, attorney William Marshall becomes entangled in a web of secrets when a beautiful young girl, Jean Marshall, and a gangster named Frank Gerard seek his legal counsel. As the story unfolds, Jean becomes infatuated with Gerard, leading to a series of dramatic events including a murder and suspicion cast upon the characters. The episode culminates in a surprising revelation, leaving the audience intrigued and eager for more. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

  23. Episode 37: Mind over Matter

    May 24, 2024 · 29 min

    Herbert Randall, a student of parapsychology, receives a mysterious message from Thomas Banning in his dream, urging him to find an unfinished manuscript titled 'Mind over Matter'. Suspecting foul play, Herbert begins his quest to locate Banning and the manuscript, which leads him to a mysterious estate. After uncovering the truth behind Banning's family and the sinister plot to obtain his fortune, Herbert makes a shocking discovery that reveals his own connection to Thomas Banning. The episode unravels a complex and intriguing tale of mind reading, telepathy, and unexpected family ties. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

  24. Episode 36: The Thief

    May 23, 2024 · 30 min

    Catherine Ford, married to wealthy manufacturer Andrew Ford, is confronted by Harry Jones, who claims to be the brother of her long-lost husband. He reveals that her first husband was a safe cracker and had a child with her before disappearing. Jones presents her with their son, Jerry, and demands money in exchange for the child. Catherine agrees to the arrangement, but as the situation unfolds, it becomes evident that Jerry and Jones are involved in a scheme to extort money from Catherine. The mystery unfolds as it is ultimately revealed that Jerry, with the help of Paul, the secretary, orchestrated a plan to manipulate Catherine and deceive her into providing him with access to her husband's safe. The truth comes to light as Jerry is apprehended by the police while attempting to sell stolen jewelry, leading to a series of shocking revelations and a dramatic conclusion. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

  25. Episode 35: The Nemesis

    May 22, 2024 · 29 min

    In this episode of The Whistler, a famous magician named Cartier gets entangled in a web of deceit, betrayal, and tragedy. Cartier's financial troubles lead him to a confrontation with Grohlberg, a menacing figure from his past. As the story unfolds, dark secrets, hypnotism, and a mysterious woman named Sandra come to light. The plot takes unexpected turns as the characters' fates become intertwined, ultimately leading to a shocking and tragic conclusion. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.