"The Whistler" was a popular and long-running American radio mystery drama that aired from May 16, 1942, until September 22, 1955, primarily on the west-coast regional CBS radio network. It was known for its unique format, atmospheric suspense, and often ironic twist endings.

Plot Summary: Each episode of "The Whistler" was a self-contained story, typically focusing on individuals driven to crime by greed, jealousy, or desperation. Unlike traditional detective stories that focused on solving a crime, "The Whistler" often revealed the culprit early on, and the suspense came from watching the characters grapple with the consequences of their actions and try to evade justice. The show was characterized by themes of fate and poetic justice, with criminals often undone by their own stupidity or an overlooked detail.

The Narrator: The central figure of the show was "The Whistler" himself, an unseen, omniscient, and somewhat sinister narrator. He would begin each episode with the distinctive sound of footsteps and a haunting whistled theme, followed by his iconic opening line: "I am the Whistler, and I know many things, for I walk by night. I know many strange tales, many secrets 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!" The Whistler often acted as a Greek chorus, commenting directly on the action and taunting the characters, whether guilty or innocent.

Main Actors and Voice of The Whistler: While the show featured a rotating cast of talented radio actors in each story, the voice of "The Whistler" was portrayed by several individuals over its long run. The actor most associated with the role, having the title role for the longest period, was Bill Forman. Other actors who portrayed The Whistler at various times included Gale Gordon, Joseph Kearns, Marvin Miller, and Bill Johnstone.

The recurring cast members who appeared in various roles throughout the series included Betty Lou Gerson, Hans Conried, Joseph Kearns, Cathy Lewis, Elliott Lewis, Gerald Mohr, Lurene Tuttle, and Jack Webb.

Beyond the Radio Show: "The Whistler" was so popular that it was adapted into a film noir series of eight films by Columbia Pictures between 1944 and 1948. There was also a short-lived syndicated TV version in 1954, with Bill Forman reprising his role as The Whistler.

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