Originally Aired: May 9, 1950
Philo Vance #96, "Whistling Murder Case,"
A ruthless killer terrorizes the wealthy by demanding their life savings, leaving victims with an impossible choice: pay everything they own or face murder. When Daniel Stewart refuses to hand over $100,000 to the mysterious extortionist, he and his wife pay the ultimate price. With three victims dead and no witnesses except the haunting sound of whistling before each attack, District Attorney Markham and private investigator Philo Vance find themselves without leads or suspects. The killer strikes without leaving clues, and terrified potential victims are too frightened to contact the authorities.
Just as the case seems hopeless, Wilbur Jones arrives at Vance's door in desperation. Threatened with death unless he surrenders $150,000, Jones defies the killer's warning against going to the police and seeks Vance's help instead. In listening to Jones's terrified account, Vance recognizes a crucial detail that provides the first real clue in the investigation. As Vance begins connecting the dots between the victims, he races to unmask the whistling killer before Jones becomes the fourth casualty.