"The Weakling" (Aired January 3, 1943)
The Whistler is one of American radio's most popular mystery dramas, with a 13-year run from May 16, 1942 until September 22, 1955.The Whistler was the most popular West Coast-originated program with its listeners for many years. It was sponsored by the Signal Oil Company: "That whistle is your signal for the Signal Oil program, The Whistler." Each episode of The Whistler began with the sound of footsteps and a person whistling. (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 performing the whistling with the orchestra. The stories followed an effective formula in which a person's criminal acts were typically undone either by an overlooked but important detail or by their own stupidity. On rare occasions a curious twist of fate caused the story to end happily for the episode's protagonist. Ironic twist endings were a key feature of each episode. The Whistler himself narrated, often commenting directly upon the action in the manner of a Greek chorus, taunting the criminal from an omniscient perspective. Show Notes From The Old Time Radio Researcher's Group.
THIS EPISODE:
January 3, 1943. CBS network. "The Weakling". Sustaining. Will the honest District Attorney prosecute his own son for murder? Gerald Mohr, Hans Conried, Wilbur Hatch (composer, conductor). 29:54. Episode Notes From The Radio Gold Index.
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