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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 685: The-Blank-Wall

    Aug 22, 2025 · 29 min

    In this episode, a bespectacled little man named Wilson is torn by the emotional toll of murder and death. He seeks to leave behind his role as a professional killer, but his boss, Griskin, insists that he can't back out now. As Wilson plans a murder in reverse to implicate an innocent woman, he grapples with the guilt and fear of losing his mind. However, it is revealed that Wilson is actually a writer for a detective story weekly, and Griskin is his editor. The entire plot is a creative work of fiction that Wilson is crafting for the magazine. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

  2. Episode 682: The Big Prison

    Aug 21, 2025 · 25 min

    In this episode of The Whistler, John Emerson finds himself stuck in a nightmare as he desperately tries to escape the Alaskan wilderness after a series of unfortunate events and a case of mistaken identity. His frantic race against time to avoid being implicated in a murder keeps the tension high as he navigates a dangerous web of lies, close calls, and unexpected obstacles in his quest for freedom. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

  3. Episode 681: Lady in Waiting

    Aug 20, 2025 · 24 min

    In this suspenseful episode of The Whistler, titled 'Lady in Waiting,' a woman named Miss Collins seeks the help of attorney John Bradley to address a troubling situation involving her former boyfriend, Frank Hodgson, who is implicated in criminal activities. As the plot unfolds, secrets and unexpected twists emerge, leading to shocking revelations and a compelling murder mystery that unfolds in a web of deception and hidden motives. The story delves into themes of love, betrayal, and the lengths to which individuals will go to protect themselves and those they care about. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

  4. Episode 678: A Womans Privilege

    Aug 19, 2025 · 24 min

    In this episode of The Whistler, titled 'A Woman's Privilege,' the story unfolds around a pair of priceless paintings and a clever forgery scheme. John Winters, an art broker, becomes entangled in a web of deceit and murder when he gets involved with an artist named Julio Donate and a New York broker named C.L. Brickley. As the plot thickens, Winters discovers the true nature of the paintings and the dangerous game being played. The episode takes unexpected turns as Winters navigates the treacherous path of art fraud and betrayal, ultimately leading to a shocking and deadly revelation. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

  5. Episode 677: The First Year

    Aug 18, 2025 · 25 min

    In this episode of The Whistler, we follow the story of Lydia Winters and her marriage to Elliot Larkin, as it unfolds over the span of one year. It all begins with Lydia's marriage to Elliot, which ends on New Year's Eve at Silver Lake Lodge under mysterious circumstances. As the story progresses, we witness the complexities of their relationship, the revelation of a will with unusual provisions, and the unexpected turn of events that lead to a shocking confession of murder. As the tension builds, Lydia's determination to defeat the terms of the will comes to light. The twist in the tale comes when a news flash unravels a carefully constructed alibi, leading to the revelation of a dark truth. This gripping story takes the audience through the highs and lows of Lydia and Elliot's tumultuous marriage, with unexpected and dramatic consequences. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

  6. Episode 675: A Case for Mister Carrington

    Aug 17, 2025 · 24 min

    In this episode of The Whistler, Gordon Stone finds himself entangled in a love affair with a visiting American beauty while dealing with the complexities of his partnership in a sugar plantation. As tensions rise between the partners, suspicions of foul play emerge, leading to a series of events that culminate in a tragic twist of fate. A chain of deceptions and motives unfolds, ultimately leading to an unexpected and devastating outcome. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

  7. Episode 674: Night Melody

    Aug 16, 2025 · 23 min

    In this episode of The Whistler, Marshall is thrown into a state of confusion as he tries to execute a plan involving his wife, Helen, and her sister Melody. Desperation and dark intentions lead to unexpected twists and a shocking revelation as the characters become entangled in a web of deceit and betrayal. The discovery of a missing body sets off a chain of events that uncovers the truth and leads to a surprising turn of events. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

  8. Episode 673: The Lovely Look

    Aug 15, 2025 · 23 min

    In this episode of The Whistler, Charles Belden, a respectable married man and manager of an importing firm, meets Laurie, a potential housekeeper, whose lovely look captivates him. As Charles becomes increasingly infatuated with Laurie, tensions rise with his wife, Helen. When Charles hatches a plan to be free of Helen, a tragic accident ensues, leading to unexpected revelations and consequences that threaten to unravel his carefully laid plans. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

  9. Episode 671: Incident at Chalk Point

    Aug 13, 2025 · 25 min

    At Chalk Point, a man from the sea claims to be the owner of Jaeger House, shocking Kay Fallon who has never seen him before. As strange occurrences unfold, Kay discovers a smuggling operation involving Mrs. Jaeger and her partner, Captain Norton. When Norton attempts to kill Kay, she is saved by Deputy Sheriff Jess Williams. The Whistler concludes with an interesting naval historical fact. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

  10. Episode 668: The Ambassador

    Aug 12, 2025 · 20 min

    In this episode, Gerald Wells, a diplomatic officer, attends a high-profile party hosted by Mrs. Helena Forsythe, hoping for a career-boosting appointment. A power struggle ensues between Gerald and Eric Thomas, a fellow diplomat, and escalates into a deadly confrontation as both vie for the coveted position. As the tension unfolds, underlying ulterior motives come to light, revealing a web of deceit and manipulation orchestrated by Mrs. Forsythe. Gerald resorts to extreme measures to secure the appointment, but a shocking revelation ultimately unravels his plans and exposes the true intentions of those involved. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

  11. Episode 667: Backfire

    Aug 11, 2025 · 21 min

    In this episode, titled 'Backfire,' set in the club Madrid, tensions rise as a love triangle involving Amy, her husband Arnold, and the chauffeur Carl unfolds. Carl, harboring intense hatred for Arnold and feeling used, meticulously plans to frame Amy for Arnold's murder. However, his scheme backfires when a witness mistakenly identifies Amy as the culprit in a hit-and-run case, leading to a shocking turn of events and the unraveling of Carl's carefully laid plans. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

  12. Episode 665: Seven Steps to Murder

    Aug 10, 2025 · 25 min

    In this episode of The Whistler, titled Seven Steps to Murder, Archer Atkins, a famous New York drama critic, finds himself entangled in a web of betrayal and revenge with his best friend, playwright Everett Clayton. As their relationship takes a dark turn, a series of calculated steps leads to a shocking conclusion that no one saw coming. The seven steps between a seemingly cordial relationship and a murder are laid out in a gripping tale of deceit, ambition, and the dark side of artistic rivalry. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

  13. Episode 664: The Alibi

    Aug 9, 2025 · 29 min

    Henry Farrington, worn down by his wife Agatha's controlling nature and the failure of his business ventures, feels trapped. In desperation, he seeks $2,000 from a dubious oil lease deal with lawyer Joe Hammond. Meanwhile, tensions rise in the household as Agatha's niece, Janet, brings her new husband, Grant, home to stay. Grant's arrival triggers a fateful chain of events that culminates in Agatha's death. As the police investigate, it becomes apparent that, despite confusion and misdirection, Grant's actions ultimately led to the tragic outcome. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

  14. Episode 663: Bright Boy

    Aug 8, 2025 · 25 min

    In this episode of The Whistler, private detective Steve Carson gets caught up in a web of blackmail and murder involving a woman named Werner and her accomplice, Randy Summers. As the plot thickens, Carson finds himself a suspect in Werner's murder, but ultimately holds a trump card that may help him clear his name. However, a shocking turn of events involving a key player, Charles W. Ralston, leaves Carson in a precarious position, and the truth unravels in a surprising twist of fate. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

  15. Episode 662: Undercurrent

    Aug 7, 2025 · 24 min

    On the SS Java Queen, a man named Chris Horton becomes suspicious when he encounters a stranger posing as Mr. Ashcroft. His search for the truth leads him to take drastic actions, and back in San Francisco, he and Linda Ashcroft uncover a smuggling operation tied to the ship's captain and crew. As they plan to take advantage of the situation, they are unexpectedly confronted by Lieutenant Stoddard, who reveals shocking details about their actions. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

  16. Episode 661: Element X

    Aug 6, 2025 · 21 min

    In this episode titled 'Element X' of The Whistler, Attorney Grant Forbes finds himself drawn into a deadly intrigue after witnessing a murder. As he navigates a web of deceit and greed, he becomes entangled with Lydia Markham, a woman involved in the killing. With unexpected twists and turns, Forbes finds himself caught in a dangerous game where nothing is as it seems, leading to a shocking and unpredictable conclusion. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

  17. Episode 660: Whirlpool

    Aug 5, 2025 · 24 min

    Stephen Hastings is rescued from a shipwreck and finds himself confused and disoriented, surrounded by strangers who claim to know him. Among them is a woman named Lucille, who insists that Stephen is her husband. As the events unfold, it becomes clear that there is a sinister plot involving mistaken identities, blackmail, and a dangerous game of deceit. Stephen, now known as Marty South, finds himself entangled in a web of lies and schemes, ultimately leading to a shocking turn of events in Singapore. The story is filled with suspense, intrigue, and unexpected twists, showcasing the dark and treacherous side of human nature. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

  18. Episode 658: One Dark Night

    Aug 4, 2025 · 27 min

    In this episode of The Whistler, titled 'One Dark Night,' Frank Jayton finds himself in a series of disturbing events after his wife, Cora, disappears. The strange occurrences escalate as the police get involved and suspicion falls on Frank. With the help of his neighbor, Doris, Frank concocts a plan to incriminate Cora's brother, Harry, in her disappearance. However, their plan goes awry as the lieutenant uncovers the truth and apprehends the two murderers. The episode unfolds with a gripping sequence of events that lead to a surprising and suspenseful ending. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

  19. Episode 652: The Prosecutor

    Aug 3, 2025 · 30 min

    In this episode of The Whistler, Assistant District Attorney Philip Graham faces a moral dilemma as he successfully convicts a man he believes to be innocent. Despite his growing attraction to a woman named Corinne, Philip struggles with the consequences of his choices. When a murder occurs, Philip must navigate a complex web of deceit and betrayal to protect his reputation, his family, and his own freedom. As the truth unravels, the unexpected return of his son, David, leads to a shocking revelation and a dramatic climax. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

  20. Episode 644: Last Request

    Aug 2, 2025 · 30 min

    In this episode of The Whistler, Dr. Rourke, on his deathbed, reveals a shocking secret to his son about a dangerous criminal named Tony Delgano. The story unfolds as Tony assumes a new identity on a ship and encounters Dr. Rourke, who knows his dark past. Dr. Rourke finds himself in a difficult position when Tony blackmails him and sets in motion a deadly plan that ends with a shocking twist in the final resting place of a friend. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

  21. Episode 642: Stolen Letter

    Aug 1, 2025 · 25 min

    Ambitious actress Susan Hayes receives a letter from her ailing uncle inviting her to visit him and learn more about her inheritance. Upon arrival, she is met with suspicion and hostility from her cousin and uncle's secretary. Soon, her uncle dies under suspicious circumstances, and Susan becomes the prime suspect. Fearing for her life and career, Susan disappears and transforms into a successful actress in New York. However, her past catches up with her when her uncle's secretary, Patricia Meadows, resurfaces and threatens to expose her true identity. A dramatic turn of events leads to a life-threatening situation, but ultimately, the truth about Susan's innocence is revealed. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

  22. Episode 640: Song Team

    Jul 31, 2025 · 23 min

    In this episode of The Whistler, titled 'Song Team,' a successful songwriting partnership turns deadly when one partner's jealousy and greed lead to murder. Ted Gray, a talented composer, hatches a plan to dispose of his partner and claim sole ownership of their songs. But his carefully constructed alibis begin to unravel when his partner's girlfriend, Corinne, becomes suspicious and ultimately exposes the truth. In a shocking turn of events, it is revealed that Ted's alibi-claiming lines were in fact written by Corinne, leading to his arrest for the murder of his partner, Al Wilson. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

  23. Episode 637: Quadrangle

    Jul 30, 2025 · 22 min

    In this episode, Jeffrey Channing becomes deeply involved with an attractive young artist, Leah Munson, while maintaining a close relationship with his aunt, Agnes Channing. As Agnes plans to tear down a particular wall surrounding their home, Jeffrey becomes increasingly anxious due to a dark secret hidden within it. Seeking to free himself of the secret and win Leah's affection, Jeffrey finds himself facing a precarious situation that ultimately leads to a shocking revelation and a tragic series of events. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

  24. Episode 636: Traveling Companion

    Jul 29, 2025 · 27 min

    Clara Marshall, wanted by the police for minor swindles, has evaded capture and taken advantage of a chance meeting with wealthy Harriet Wilson. While on a tour of Europe, Clara is offered a partnership by a man named Raymond Hungate to handle stolen jewels. After a disagreement, Clara ends up killing Raymond, and is later confronted by the police with evidence linking her to the crime. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

  25. Episode 633: Borrowed Future

    Jul 28, 2025 · 25 min

    In this episode of The Whistler, Phil Hodges finds himself in a desperate situation when he borrows $10,000 from his company's safe to help his old friend Jim Welch. As he struggles to find a way to replace the money, Phil faces moral dilemmas and considers drastic measures before finally making a decision that will have lasting consequences. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.