The Whistler was one of radio's most popular mystery dramas, as indicated by the lengthy 13-year run of the series from May 16, 1942 until September 22, 1955. Writer-producer J. Donald Wilson established the tone of the show during its first two years, and he was followed in 1944 by producer-director George Allen. Other directors included Sterling Tracy and Sherman Marks with final scripts by Joel Malone and Harold Swanton. A total of 692 episodes were produced, yet despite the series' fame, over 200 episodes are lost today.