The Whistler, Vol. 1

The Whistlerwas one of radio's top mystery programs airing from May 16, 1942 untilSeptember 22, 1955. The Whistler was an ominous narrator who opened eachepisode with, "e;I am the Whistler, and I know many things, for I walk bynight. I know many strange tales, many secrets hidden in the hearts of men andwomen who have stepped into the shadows. I know the nameless terrors of whichthey dare not speak."e; The opening dialog was heard over the echo of footstepsand Wilbur Hatch's haunting signature thirteen-note theme, whistled each weekby Dorothy Roberts. The stories followed an effective formula in which a person'scriminal acts were typically undone by their own missteps. The Whistler narrated,often commenting directly on the action in the manner of a Greek chorus,taunting the criminal from an omniscient perspective.One of the show's trademarks was the ironic twist endingsthat helped serve as a payoff for the listener. Bill Forman had the title roleof host and narrator the longest. Others who portrayed the Whistler includedGale Gordon, Lucille Ball's future television costar; Joseph Kearns, Mr.Wilson on the television series Dennis theMenace; Marvin Miller, soon to be television's Michael Anthony on The Millionaire; Bill Johnstone, theShadow on radio from 1938-1943; and Everett Clarke.Episodes include "e;Night Final,"e; "e;Undertow,"e; "e;Money Is the Root of All Evil,"e; "e;Quiet Suicide,"e; "e;Return Engagement,"e; "e;The Human Catalyst,"e; "e;The Dark Room,"e; "e;Bird of Prey,"e; "e;The Silent City,"e; "e;Tough Guy,"e; "e;Chain Reaction,"e; and "e;Stranger in the House."e;