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 exceptional commercial consistency. 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 78% 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 Breach of Promise, 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) | Hit | Similar → |
| 1964 | The Big Parade of Comedy | Jimmie Burnham in 'The Gay Bride' (archive footage) | Hit | Similar → |
| 1961 | A String of Beads | Walter Harmon | Super Hit | Similar → |
| 1955 | Unchained | Kenyon Scudder | 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 | Hit | Similar → |
| 1946 | The Phantom Thief | Horatio 'Boston Blackie' Black | Hit | Similar → |
| 1946 | Miss Susie Slagle's | Paul (uncredited) | Super Hit | Similar → |
| 1946 | One Way to Love | Barry Cole | Hit | Similar → |
| 1945 | Rough, Tough and Ready | Brad Crowder | Super Hit | 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 → |
| 1943 | The Chance of a Lifetime | Horatio 'Boston Blackie' Black | Hit | Similar → |
| 1943 | High Explosive | Buzz Mitchell | Average | Similar → |
| 1942 | Wrecking Crew | Duke Mason | Hit | Similar → |
| 1941 | Confessions of Boston Blackie | Boston Blackie | Average | Similar → |
| 1941 | Meet Boston Blackie | Boston Blackie | Average | Similar → |
| 1940 | Girl from God's Country | Jim Holden / Dr. Gary Currier | Super Hit | Similar → |
| 1940 | Wagons Westward | David Cook / Tom Cook | Hit | Similar → |
| 1939 | Five Came Back | Bill Brooks | Average | Similar → |
| 1938 | Smashing the Rackets | Jim "Socker" Conway | Hit | Similar → |
| 1937 | Flight from Glory | Paul Smith | Average | Similar → |
| 1937 | Devil's Playground | Robert Mason | Hit | Similar → |
| 1936 | They Met in a Taxi | Jimmy Donlin | Hit | Similar → |
| 1936 | Counterfeit | John Joseph Madden | Average | Similar → |
| 1936 | Frankie and Johnnie | Johnnie Drew | Hit | Similar → |
| 1936 | Three Godfathers | Robert 'Bob' Sangster | Hit | Similar → |
| 1935 | Pursuit | Mitch Mitchell | Hit | Similar → |
| 1935 | Public Hero Number 1 | Jeff Crane | Average | Similar → |
| 1935 | Princess O'Hara | Vic Toledo | Super Hit | Similar → |
| 1935 | Society Doctor | Dr. Morgan | Hit | Similar → |
| 1934 | Embarrassing Moments | Jerry Randolph | Super Hit | Similar → |
| 1934 | Let's Talk It Over | Mike McGann | Super Hit | Similar → |
| 1933 | King for a Night | Bud Williams | Hit | Similar → |
| 1933 | Golden Harvest | Chris Martin | Hit | Similar → |
| 1933 | Infernal Machine | Robert Holden | Hit | Similar → |
| 1932 | Breach of Promise | James Pomeroy | Super Hit | Similar → |
| 1932 | Red-Headed Woman | William 'Bill' / 'Willie' Legendre Jr. | Hit | Similar → |
| 1932 | Cock of the Air | Lt. Roger Craig | Super 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 → |
| 1930 | She Couldn't Say No | Jerry Casey | Super Hit | Similar → |
| 1930 | Second Choice | Don Warren | Super Hit | Similar → |
| 1929 | The Show of Shows | Performer in $20 Bet Sketch and 'Bicycle Built for Two' Numbers | Hit | Similar → |
| 1929 | Fast Life | Paul Palmer | Super Hit | 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 "Breach of Promise" 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 "She Couldn't Say No", "Let's Talk It Over", and "Girl from God's Country".