The Whistler: Classic Radio Drama

Episode 452: Trade Mark

In this episode, Martha Collins, a partner in Cecile Dumas' cosmetics firm, finds herself in a desperate situation when her theft from the company is discovered. After a confrontation with Cecile, Martha resorts to a cunning plan to frame the caretaker, old Sam, for Cecile's murder. She carefully orchestrates an alibi and stages the crime scene, confident that she has committed the perfect murder. However, Martha's plan unravels when a private detective, Ned Fuller, exposes her as the true culprit using a rare lipstick trademark as evidence. In the end, Martha's attempt to escape justice fails, as she is confronted by the sheriff and ultimately faces the consequences of her actions.

Episode 453: Murder over Burma

Cliff Benton, a pilot for the Far East Importing Company, finds himself in trouble when he owes gambling boss Burma Charlie $5,000 and also becomes entangled in a dangerous situation involving the casino's featured vocalist, Lila. As the pressure mounts, Cliff devises a plan to pay off his debt and escape with Lila. However, his actions take a dark turn as he resorts to treacherous tactics to resolve his financial and personal dilemmas, leading to a fatal outcome. Ultimately, his devious actions are revealed by a determined witness, resulting in a dramatic and costly end to his twisted scheme.

Episode 454: Spell in Green

Nola Norton, a newspaper writer, brings a bottle of liquor to her colleague Chuck to coax him into finishing a column on time. After a heated exchange, Chuck accuses Nola of inserting scandalous content into his articles, leading to a confrontation that turns deadly. Six months later, Nola attends a party and encounters suspicions from her peers. When her colleague Paul reveals a shocking truth, Nola's carefully constructed facade begins to crumble, leading to a tragic and unexpected end.

Episode 455: Man in the Storm

During a raging storm in Groves Landing, the town faces imminent danger as the river threatens to flood and destroy the recreation center. City treasurer, Reed Gordon, is determined to prevent this at all costs, even at the risk of his own life. As the storm comes to an end, Reed's desperation leads to questionable decisions, and he finds himself entangled in a web of deceit and betrayal. After a series of events, including a daring escape and a shocking revelation, the aftermath of the storm brings unexpected consequences that will alter Reed's fate. This gripping tale unfolds with twists and turns, leaving Reed at a precarious crossroads with a daunting choice ahead.

Episode 456: Murder Arrangement

In this episode of The Whistler, Larry narrowly escapes an attempted car murder and seeks refuge at Mildred's apartment. He confides that Fred Belton, recently out on parole, tried to kill him, but Mildred tries to calm his fears. As the story unfolds, Mildred schemes to frame Fred for the murder of Larry by planting the murder weapon in Fred's apartment and arranging to meet Fred at the park. However, her plan unravels when the parole officer reveals that Fred had been in police custody at the time of the murder, and Mrs. Elkins had reported the presence of a gun at Fred's apartment. Mildred's attempt to incriminate Fred backfires, leading to a shocking turn of events.

Episode 457: Helping Hand

Kirk Gordon, after committing a crime at the Quinlan Estate, finds himself in a struggle to maintain his perfect crime as unexpected events and suspicions arise. As Kirk tries to outmaneuver suspicions and police interrogation, his attempts to hide evidence are thwarted by a sequence of events involving a small bag and a private investigator. The tension escalates as Kirk's worries grow, leading to a surprising turn of events when Phelps and Lieutenant Riggs confront him, putting an end to his plans.

Episode 458: High Death

In this intense episode of The Whistler, titled 'High Death', Jim Mason finds himself in a web of mystery and danger as he navigates the Swiss Alps with his wife Laura, and their friends Mona and Peter. As fears and tensions rise, a fatal incident on a treacherous climb leads to a shocking turn of events, leaving the group grappling with the repercussions and searching for answers. Jim's inner turmoil and the interplay of relationships create a gripping and suspenseful narrative that keeps the listener on edge throughout.

Episode 459: Jackson Street Affair

In this episode of The Whistler, a rooming house owner named Catherine Marley becomes increasingly nervous after a man named Fred Rawlings arrives looking for his friend, Carl Pennell. Catherine and her accomplice, Alex, had recently murdered Carl and hidden his body in a trunk. They become deeply troubled by Rawlings' unexpected arrival and fear that he may discover the truth. They attempt to get rid of the trunk, but their plans are foiled when Rawlings unexpectedly changes his plans and leaves town. However, their relief is short-lived when the police arrive at their rooming house and uncover the truth about the murder. The episode ends with Catherine and Alex in custody, realizing their plans have been exposed.

Episode 460: His Own Reward

Arnold, a government investigator, grapples with inner tension and financial troubles while hosting a delightful party. When a musician leaves an intriguing note and offers a handsome reward, Arnold finds himself drawn into a complex web of betrayal and espionage. As he navigates dangerous deals and secures a pivotal appointment, Arnold's fortunes rise, only to ultimately spiral into a haunting struggle with isolation and shame. The episode draws parallels to the historical figure of Benedict Arnold and underlines the dangers of ideologies that undermine America's way of life.

Episode 461: Man in a Corner

In this episode of The Whistler, titled 'Man in a Corner,' Vance Lawrence becomes suspicious of his wife Lydia and business partner Frank Parris. Through secretive maneuvering, he sets up a plan to eavesdrop on Lydia and ultimately discovers a plot involving past shady dealings and plans to force Vance to give up his share of the business. Taking matters into his own hands, Vance carefully orchestrates a scene to incriminate Frank for the murder of Lydia. However, just as he attempts to leave the house, he is caught off guard by the unexpected return of a Lieutenant, revealing that his plan has backfired.