The Whistler

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 whistling with an orchestra.^[2]

A character known only as the Whistler was the host and narrator of the tales, which focused on crime and fate. He often commented directly upon the action in the manner of a Greek chorus, taunting the characters, guilty or innocent, from an omniscient perspective. The stories followed a formula in which a person’s criminal acts were typically undone either by an overlooked but important detail or by the criminal’s own stupidity. An ironic ending, often grim, was a key feature of each episode. But on rare occasions, such as “Christmas Bonus” broadcast on Christmas Day 1944, the plot’s twist of fate caused the story to end happily for the protagonist.

Bill Forman had the title role of the Whistler for the longest period of time. Others who portrayed the Whistler at various times were Gale Gordon, Joseph Kearns, Marvin Miller (announcer for The Whistler and The Bickersons and later the actor who portrayed 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 Betty Lou Gerson, Hans Conried,^[1] Joseph Kearns,^[1] Cathy Lewis,^[3] Elliott Lewis,^[1] Gerald Mohr,^[1] Lurene Tuttle^[1] and Jack Webb.^[4]

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.