Boston Blackie Collection
Jack Boyle's stories first appeared in the early 20th Century. "The Price of Principle" was a short story in the July 1914 issue of The American Magazine. Boyle's character also turned up in Cosmopolitan. In 1917, Redbook published the novelette "Boston Blackie’s Mary," and the magazine brought the character back with "The Heart of the Lily" (February, 1921). Boyle's stories were collected in the book Boston Blackie (1919), which was reprinted in 1979 by Gregg Press. Boyle died in 1928. [edit]Films The earliest film adaptations were silent, dating from 1918 to 1927. Columbia Pictures revived the property in 1941 with Meet Boston Blackie, a fast, 58-minute "B" feature starring Chester Morris. Although the running time was brief, Columbia gave the picture good production values and an imaginative director (Robert Florey). The film was successful, and a series followed.
Franchise Evolution & Timeline Analysis
The Boston Blackie Collection has evolved significantly over a span of 5 years, growing from a singular narrative into a complex cinematic universe. With 14 interconnected entries, tracking the consistency of the franchise reveals fascinating trends in audience sentiment.
The "Series" Benchmark: 5.6/10
The franchise maintains a steady average rating of 5.6. While most series experience "Sequel Fatigue," Boston Blackie Collection has managed to keep its narrative quality relatively stable, with Trapped by Boston Blackie standing out as the peak cinematic achievement.
Continuity vs. Commercial Appeal
Our data indicates that while the "Release Order" is preferred for first-time viewers, the "Chronological Order" provides a much deeper understanding of the world-building within the Boston Blackie Collection. The timeline highlights a clear three-act structure across all chapters.
Timeline & Watch Order
We recommend watching the Boston Blackie Collection franchise in the following order to fully experience the narrative expansion.
Meet Boston Blackie
When a murder occurs on an ocean liner docked in New York, the trail leads to Coney Island and a spy ring....
Confessions of Boston Blackie
A murder is committed during the auction of a valuable statue. The prime suspect is Boston Blackie, whose reputation for living on the edge of the law makes him...
Alias Boston Blackie
It is the Christmas Holidays and reformed thief, Boston Blackie goes to Castle Theater to pick up players who will perform for prisoners that are still in priso...
Boston Blackie Goes Hollywood
Blackie receives a call from a friend who asks him to retrieve some money from his apartment and deliver it to him in California. Performing this good deed, he ...
After Midnight with Boston Blackie
Blackie is arrested when retrieving stolen gems from a safety deposit box for a friend....
The Chance of a Lifetime
A mad scramble for stolen loot ensues after Boston Blackie has prisoners released for work in a wartime defence plant....
One Mysterious Night
After a rare gem is stolen from an exhibition at a posh hotel, Inspector Farraday decides to recruit former thief Boston Blackie to find the stone. Along with h...
Boston Blackie Booked on Suspicion
Blackie is implicated in a murder when he accidently sells a phony Charles Dickens first edition at an auction....
Boston Blackie's Rendezvous
Blackie helps the police rescue hostage from an escaped maniac on a killing spree....
A Close Call for Boston Blackie
Blackie runs into a woman he formally loved who now is married with a kid. When her husband gets out of prison he's killed in Blackie's apartment and of course ...
The Phantom Thief
Boston Blackie, in the 11th film of the Columbia series, indulges in some wit-trading with a squirmy spiritualist who deals in blackmail, murder and the occult....
Boston Blackie and the Law
Blackie performs in a magic show at a women's prison, which gives an inmate an opportunity to escape....
Trapped by Boston Blackie
Blackie is the natural suspect when an expensive pearl necklace is stolen while he is supposed to be guarding it....
Boston Blackie's Chinese Venture
Blackie is seen leaving a Chinese laundry where the proprietor has been murdered, and must track down the real killer in Chinatown....
Common Questions about Boston Blackie Collection
How many movies are in the Boston Blackie Collection?
There are currently 14 movies in the Boston Blackie Collection, starting from Meet Boston Blackie to the latest release, The Phantom Thief.
What is the best order to watch the Boston Blackie Collection?
The best way to watch the Boston Blackie Collection is usually in release order: starting with Meet Boston Blackie and ending with The Phantom Thief. Check our timeline for the full chronological breakdown.
Which is the highest-rated movie in the Boston Blackie Collection?
According to movieMx ratings, the fans have a strong preference for Trapped by Boston Blackie in this franchise.