GREAT DETECTIVES & PEOPLE OF MYSTERY #52

THE WHISTLER

 "The Whistler" was an American radio drama that ran from May 16, 1942, until September 22, 1955, on the west-coast regional CBS network.  The show was also broadcast in Chicago and over the Armed Forces Radio.  It was sponsored by the Signal Oil Company  ("That whistle is your signal for the Signal Oil program, The Whistler...").  There were two attempts to bring the program to the east coast - July 3 to September 25, 1946, when it was sponsored by Campbell's soup, and March 26, 1947 to September 29, 1948 when it was sponsored by Household Finance.  In 1946, Chicago's WBBM radio produced their own version of "The Whistler" with local actors, and the show was sponsored by Meister Brau.

Each episode of "The Whistler" began with the sound of footsteps and a person whistling an eerie tune.  The narrator would then speak, saying, "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, as host and narrator, would make comments about the drama as it unfolded, each tale focusing on crime and fate.  772 episodes were produced over the years but only about 200 still exist today.  In the 1990 film "The Two Jakes", the sequel to "Chinatown", Jack Nicholson as private eye Jake Gittes is seen driving his car while listening to the introduction of "The Whistler" on his radio.

FILMS

"The Whistler" was adapted into a series of 8 films by Columbia.  The narration was provided by an uncredited Otto Forrest.  In the first seven films veteran actor Richard Dix played the lead role in the story, appearing as a different character in each film.  The movies were budgeted at $65,000 - $75,000 per film, and were well received by the audience and critics alike.  Dix suffered from high blood pressure resulting in shortness of breath and a flushed face.  After filming the seventh picture his health began to seriously fail.  The picture proved to be his last.  In October 1948 Dix suffered a massive heart attack.  He sold his Santa Monica ranch and set sail for Europe with his wife.  In August 1949 he had a fatal heart attack aboard ship in Cherbourg.  He was kept alive and sent back to California where he died September 20, 1949, in Hollywood.

"The Whistler" Columbia, 1944.  Dix, Gloria Stuart, J. Carroll Naish, Alan Dinehart.  Director: William Castle.  A wealthy industrialist filled with grief and guilt over his wife's death, arranges for a hit man to end his life.  When the industrialist learns that his wife is still alive, he's unable to call off the hit, while being stalked by a killer.

"The Mark of the Whistler" Columbia, 1944.  Dix, Janis Carter, Porter Hall, Paul Guilfoyle.  Director: Castle.  Based on the story "Dormant Account" by Cornell Woolrich.  A drifter claims the money in a dormant bank account by assuming another man's identity.  Later he becomes the target of men out to get him, thinking he is the "other man".

"The Power of the Whistler" Columbia, 1945.  Dix, Carter, Jeff Donnell, Tala Birell.  Director: Lew Landers.  Dix plays an amnesiac who learns about his name and past with the help of an amateur fortune teller, who begins to fear for her life.

"Voice of the Whistler" Columbia, 1945.  Dix, Lynn Merrick, Rhys Williams, James Cardwell.  Director: Castle.  A dying millionaire, trying to do good, marries his penniless young nurse so she can inherit his wealth.  He then miraculously recovers, and trouble begins for both of them.

"Mysterious Intruder" Columbia, 1946.  Dix, Barton MacLane, Nina Vale, Regis Toomey, Mike Mazurki.  Director: Castle.  The aged proprietor of a music store hires a private eye to find a girl who went missing years earlier, hinting that finding her could make them both rich.

"The Secret of the Whistler" Columbia, 1946.  Dix, Leslie Brooks, Michael Duane, Mary Currier, Mona Barrie.  Director: George Sherman.  Dix is married to a wealthy woman in poor health and finds consoling companionship with an unscrupulous gold-digger.  Murder ensues.

"The Thirteenth Hour" Columbia, 1947.  Dix, Karen Morley, John Kellogg, Jim Bannon, Regis Toomey.  Director: William Clemens.  A truck driver is involved in a nasty business rivalry, and he gets assaulted by a masked bandit who hijacks his truck.

"The Return of the Whistler" Columbia, 1948.  Michael Duane, Lenora Aubert, Dick Lane.  Director: D. Ross Lederman.  Based on the story "All at Once, No Alice" by Cornell Woolrich.  A man intends to marry a French girl he's only known for a few weeks.  When the girl unaccountably disappears he searches frantically for her.

TELEVISION

"The Whistler" was a syndicated series sponsored by Signal Oil and Lipton Tea, that ran for 39 episodes from July 13, 1954, until June 24, 1955.  Guest stars included Lon Chaney, Jr., Maureen O'Sullivan, Miriam Hopkins, Howard Duff, John Ireland, Paul Kelly, Richard Arlen, Martha Vickers, Audrey Totter, Marie Windsor, Craig Stevens, and Charles McGraw.