Notes On Murder

Classic Radio Series CD Albums - Clearence Sale

The Whistler
Notes On Murder

 $39.95
  $26.95
 

“I…am the Whistler...and I know many things...for I walk by night. I know many strange tales hidden in the hearts of men and women who have stepped into the shadows.”

Radio Spirits brings you classic tales of mystery, crime and suspense featuring everyday individuals caught in a web of their own making, and tripped up by a twist of fate in the end. And heard throughout each radio play, as the events become a tangled web of crime, is that shadowy voice-of-fate, your host… The Whistler!

Dripping with sarcasm, The Whistler follows the murderers’ slow descent into destruction while cautioning listeners about the futility of the criminal act they just heard.

This collection features 20 episodes of this classic series digitally restored and remastered for your listening pleasure. Bill Forman stars as The Whistler, with appearances by noted radio actors Gerald Mohr, John Dehner, Joseph Kearns, Virginia Gregg, and Raymond Burr. Also included is a Program Guide by radio historian Jim Widner with photographs and background information about the shows.

EPISODES INCLUDE:

1. Hit and Run 01-07-51
2. Trademark 01-28-51
3. High Death 03-11-51
4.  Kind Thought 04-22-51
5. The Clayton Affair 04-29-51
6. The Man in the Trench Coat 06-17-51
7. The House on Hainsley Boulevard 07-01-51
8. Autumn Song 07-22-51
9. Design for Murder 08-05-51
10. A Matter of Patience 09-16-51
11. Two Smart People 09-30-51
12. Three Minus One Equals Murder 11-11-51
13. The Clay Tree 11-25-51
14. Curiosity Killed the Cat 12-16-51
15. A Matter of Odds 05-11-52
16. Night Flight 06-29-52
17. You Can’t Trust A Stranger 07-27-52
18. Dark Island 08-03-52
19. Final Papers 08-24-52
20. The Secret of Chalk Point 09-07-52

About The Whistler

The Whistler is one of American radio's most popular mystery dramas, with a 13-year run from May 16, 1942 until September 22, 1955.The Whistler was the most popular West Coast-originated program with its listeners for many years. It was sponsored by the Signal Oil Company: "That whistle is your signal for the Signal Oil program, The Whistler."

I am the Whistler, and I know many things, for I walk by night. I know many strange tales, hidden in the hearts of men and women who have stepped into the shadows. Yes ... I know the nameless terrors of which they dare not speak.

Each episode of The Whistler began with the sound of footsteps and a person whistling.[1] (The Saint radio series with Vincent Price used a similar opening.) The haunting signature theme tune was composed by Wilbur Hatch and featured Dorothy Roberts performing the whistling with the orchestra.

The stories followed an effective formula in which a person's criminal acts were typically undone either by an overlooked but important detail or by their own stupidity. On rare occasions a curious twist of fate caused the story to end happily for the episode's protagonist. Ironic twist endings were a key feature of each episode. The Whistler himself narrated, often commenting directly upon the action in the manner of a Greek chorus, taunting the criminal from an omniscient perspective.

Bill Forman had the title role of host and narrator. Others who portrayed the Whistler at various times were Gale Gordon, Joseph Kearns, Marvin Miller (announcer for The Whistler and The Bickersons and later as Michael Anthony on TV's The Millionaire), Bill Johnstone (who had the title role on radio's The Shadow from 1938 to 1943) and Everett Clarke. Cast members included Hans Conried,Joseph Kearns, Cathy Lewis, Elliott Lewis, Gerald Mohr, Lurene Tuttle and Jack Webb.

Writer-producer J. Donald Wilson established the tone of the show during its first two years, and he was followed in 1944 by producer-director George Allen. Other directors included Sterling Tracy and Sherman Marks with final scripts by Joel Malone and Harold Swanton. Of the 692 episodes, over 200 no longer exist./p>