EPISODE · Dec 5, 2024 · 26 MIN
The Whisperer: Taken for a Ride (08-19-1951)
from Classic Streams: Old Time Retro Radio · host Dwight Allen
The Whisperer, a 1951 summer replacement radio show on NBC, aired 13 episodes with a tongue-in-cheek take on popular crime dramas. The story, based on works by Dr. Stetson Humphrey and his wife, Irene, centered on lawyer Philip Gault (Carleton G. Young). After a football injury left him with a whispery voice, Gault used this unique trait to infiltrate the criminal syndicate in Central City. Under the alias "The Whisperer," he worked to dismantle the organization from within. Even after surgery restored his normal voice, he continued his double life, strategically passing on instructions from the syndicate's New York bosses to their Central City operatives, ultimately leading to their downfall. The show's final episode revealed Gault's backstory, detailing his journey from football player to double agent. His girlfriend, Ellen Norris (Betty Moran), and Dr. Lee were the only individuals aware of his dual identity. The cast also included Paul Frees as Lt. Charles Denvers and William Conrad, using the pseudonym Julius Krelboyne, in various supporting roles. Bill Karn served as producer, director, and occasional writer, with Johnny Duffy contributing the background music. Notably, radio actor Carleton G. Young is sometimes mistakenly identified as film actor Carleton Scott Young.
What this episode covers
The Whisperer, a 1951 summer replacement radio show on NBC, aired 13 episodes with a tongue-in-cheek take on popular crime dramas. The story, based on works by Dr. Stetson Humphrey and his wife, Irene, centered on lawyer Philip Gault (Carleton G. Young). After a football injury left him with a whispery voice, Gault used this unique trait to infiltrate the criminal syndicate in Central City. Under the alias "The Whisperer," he worked to dismantle the organization from within. Even after surgery restored his normal voice, he continued his double life, strategically passing on instructions from the syndicate's New York bosses to their Central City operatives, ultimately leading to their downfall. The show's final episode revealed Gault's backstory, detailing his journey from football player to double agent. His girlfriend, Ellen Norris (Betty Moran), and Dr. Lee were the only individuals aware of his dual identity. The cast also included Paul Frees as Lt. Charles Denvers and William Conrad, using the pseudonym Julius Krelboyne, in various supporting roles. Bill Karn served as producer, director, and occasional writer, with Johnny Duffy contributing the background music. Notably, radio actor Carleton G. Young is sometimes mistakenly identified as film actor Carleton Scott Young.
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The Whisperer: Taken for a Ride (08-19-1951)
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