Chester Morris
ActingAbout Chester Morris
Chester Morris (born John Chester Brooks Morris; February 16, 1901 – September 11, 1970) was an American stage, film, television, and radio actor. He had some prestigious film roles early in his career, and was nominated for an Academy Award. Chester Morris is best remembered today for portraying Boston Blackie, a criminal-turned-detective, in the modestly budgeted Boston Blackie film series of the 1940s.
Chester Morris Movies & Career Overview
The filmography of Chester Morris reflects a career marked by diverse experimentation. Across 50 major appearances, the actor has built a reputation through performances in multiple genres and storytelling styles.
Dominant Genre
A large portion of Chester Morris's work falls within the Drama genre, where audiences tend to respond most strongly to their on-screen presence.
Success Ratio
Approximately 24% of Chester Morris's films maintain ratings above 6.5, indicating a consistent level of audience approval.
One of the most highly rated entries in their career remains Miss Susie Slagle's, which stands out as a key performance.
Best Chester Morris Movies Ranked
Must-watch hits from Chester Morris's career based on audience ratings.
Full Filmography
Every movie Chester Morris has appeared in, with audience ratings and verdicts.
| Year | Movie | Character | Success | More |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2003 | Complicated Women | Self (archive footage) | Hit | Similar → |
| 1972 | Hollywood: The Dream Factory | Self (archive footage) | Average | Similar → |
| 1970 | The Great White Hope | Pop Weaver | Average | Similar → |
| 1964 | The Big Parade of Comedy | Jimmie Burnham in 'The Gay Bride' (archive footage) | Hit | Similar → |
| 1949 | Boston Blackie's Chinese Venture | Horatio 'Boston Blackie' Black | Average | Similar → |
| 1948 | Trapped by Boston Blackie | Horatio 'Boston Blackie' Black | Hit | Similar → |
| 1946 | Boston Blackie and the Law | Horatio 'Boston Blackie' Black | Average | Similar → |
| 1946 | Miss Susie Slagle's | Paul (uncredited) | Super Hit | Similar → |
| 1946 | One Way to Love | Barry Cole | Hit | Similar → |
| 1945 | Boston Blackie Booked on Suspicion | Horatio 'Boston Blackie' Black | Average | Similar → |
| 1944 | Double Exposure | Larry Burke | Average | Similar → |
| 1944 | One Mysterious Night | Horatio 'Boston Blackie' Black | Average | Similar → |
| 1944 | Secret Command | Jeff Gallagher | Hit | Similar → |
| 1944 | Gambler's Choice | Ross Hadley | Average | Similar → |
| 1943 | The Chance of a Lifetime | Horatio 'Boston Blackie' Black | Average | Similar → |
| 1943 | Tornado | Pete Ramsey | Average | Similar → |
| 1943 | High Explosive | Buzz Mitchell | Average | Similar → |
| 1943 | After Midnight with Boston Blackie | Boston Blackie | Average | Similar → |
| 1942 | Wrecking Crew | Duke Mason | Average | Similar → |
| 1942 | I Live on Danger | Jeff Morrell | Average | Similar → |
| 1942 | Alias Boston Blackie | Boston Blackie | Average | Similar → |
| 1941 | Confessions of Boston Blackie | Boston Blackie | Average | Similar → |
| 1941 | Meet Boston Blackie | Boston Blackie | Average | Similar → |
| 1940 | Wagons Westward | David Cook / Tom Cook | Average | Similar → |
| 1939 | Thunder Afloat | 'Rocky' Blake | Average | Similar → |
| 1939 | Five Came Back | Bill Brooks | Average | Similar → |
| 1939 | Blind Alley | Hal Wilson | Average | Similar → |
| 1938 | Smashing the Rackets | Jim "Socker" Conway | Average | Similar → |
| 1938 | Law of the Underworld | Gene Fillmore | Average | Similar → |
| 1937 | Flight from Glory | Paul Smith | Average | Similar → |
| 1937 | Devil's Playground | Robert Mason | Average | Similar → |
| 1936 | Counterfeit | John Joseph Madden | Average | Similar → |
| 1936 | Three Godfathers | Robert 'Bob' Sangster | Hit | Similar → |
| 1935 | Pirate Party on Catalina Isle | Pirate Captain (uncredited) | Average | Similar → |
| 1935 | Pursuit | Mitch Mitchell | Average | Similar → |
| 1935 | Public Hero Number 1 | Jeff Crane | Average | Similar → |
| 1935 | Princess O'Hara | Vic Toledo | Average | Similar → |
| 1935 | Society Doctor | Dr. Morgan | Average | Similar → |
| 1934 | The Gay Bride | Jimmie 'Office Boy' Burnham | Average | Similar → |
| 1933 | King for a Night | Bud Williams | Average | Similar → |
| 1933 | Tomorrow at Seven | Neil Broderick | Average | Similar → |
| 1933 | Blondie Johnson | R. Burton "Danny" Jones | Average | Similar → |
| 1932 | Red-Headed Woman | William 'Bill' / 'Willie' Legendre Jr. | Hit | Similar → |
| 1932 | The Miracle Man | John 'Doc' Madison | Average | Similar → |
| 1932 | Cock of the Air | Lt. Roger Craig | Hit | Similar → |
| 1930 | The Bat Whispers | Detective Anderson | Hit | Similar → |
| 1930 | The Big House | John Morgan | Hit | Similar → |
| 1930 | The Divorcee | Ted | Average | Similar → |
| 1930 | The Case of Sergeant Grischa | Sergeant Grischa | Hit | Similar → |
| 1929 | Alibi | Chick Williams | Average | Similar → |
Chester Morris - Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best movie of Chester Morris?
According to audience ratings, the best movie starring Chester Morris is "Miss Susie Slagle's" with a rating of 10.0/10.
How many movies has Chester Morris acted in?
Chester Morris has been featured in at least 50 major films throughout their career.
What are some other popular movies by Chester Morris?
Other notable films include "One Way to Love", "Three Godfathers", and "The Case of Sergeant Grischa".