Chester Morris is Boston Blackie, and his first appearance was aptly titled "Meet Boston Blackie" in 1941. There were 14 films in all produced by Columbia. In this first film, Blackie finds a corpse, Martin Vestrick, in his stateroom when the steamer he traveled back to the states on docks. Blackie and Runt (Charles Wagenheim) remember seeing the victim with a woman (Constance Worth) on the ship. They follow her to Coney Island where, at a exhibit of freaks, spies are meeting. Blackie attempts to talk with the woman on the Tunnel of Horrors ride, but she's murdered - and the killers almost get Blackie. He hijacks a car being driven by Cecilia Bradley (Rochelle Hudson) to get away. Meanwhile, Inspector Faraday now wants Blackie in connection with two murders, and Blackie is after spies.
These are fast-moving films with some very witty dialogue. Morris is an expert at smooth comic delivery and cool under pressure, as well as Blackie's magic tricks, such as getting out of handcuffs. Hudson is very exotic looking and gives good support. Heartily recommended to put a smile on your face.
These are fast-moving films with some very witty dialogue. Morris is an expert at smooth comic delivery and cool under pressure, as well as Blackie's magic tricks, such as getting out of handcuffs. Hudson is very exotic looking and gives good support. Heartily recommended to put a smile on your face.