The There was no shortage of sinister storytellers during the Golden Age of radio.

Raymond on Inner Sanctum, the mysterious traveler, and the man in black on suspense all introduced tales of mystery and

murder to listeners. Even the Shadow, one of the era's most popular detectives

began as the master of ceremonies for Street and Smith's detective

story hour. But one of the best, in fact my favorite from the crowd, was the Whistler. Radio historian John Dunning called the Whistler. the and his stories kept listeners on the edge of their seats for 13 years.

Ushered in by an eerie 13-note tune, the Whistler introduced himself to listeners with one of the

era's greatest opening lines.

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.

Given that intro, it should come as no surprise that the protagonists of the Whistler's mysteries were not upstanding police officers and determined private eyes.

The Whistler cast the spotlight on the culprit, the thief or murderer who thought he had plotted a perfect crime.

As the Whistler narrated, the killer executed his plan

and appeared to be headed for a clean getaway

until his fate was sealed by one final twist at the end of the story.

Those twists surprise endings were the bread and butter of the Whistler.

Announcer Marvin Miller billed the series as the Mystery Program unique among all Mystery Programs,

because even when you know who's guilty, you always receive a startling surprise at the final curtain.

Just like Colombo on television, the identity of

the murderer on the Whistler was never in doubt. The suspense was generated from

walking in the shoes of the criminal and wondering just how he or she

would be undone. These were mysteries, very well plotted murder mysteries, even if the

...