The Whistler was one of radio's top mystery programs airing from May 16, 1942 until September 22, 1955. The Whistler was an ominous narrator who opened each episode with, 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. I know the nameless terrors of which they dare not speak. The opening dialog was heard over the echo of footsteps and Wilbur Hatch's haunting signature thirteen-note theme, whistled each week by Dorothy Roberts. The stories followed an effective formula in which a person's criminal acts were typically undone by their own missteps. The Whistler narrated, often commenting directly on the action in the manner of a Greek chorus, taunting the criminal from an omniscient perspective.

One of the show's trademarks was the ironic twist endings that helped serve as a payoff for the listener. Bill Forman had the title role of host and narrator the longest. Others who portrayed the Whistler included Gale Gordon, Lucille Ball's future television costar; Joseph Kearns, Mr. Wilson on the television series Dennis the Menace; Marvin Miller, soon to be television's Michael Anthony on The Millionaire; Bill Johnstone, the Shadow on radio from 1938-1943; and Everett Clarke.

Episodes include Night Melody, Seven Steps to Murder, Safety in Numbers, A Woman's Privilege, Mavis Cameron Disappears, The Lady and the Knife, The Blank Wall, Backlash, The Black Book, Fateful Friday, Caesar's Wife, and Juggernaut.