
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.
Career Statistics & Market Influence
Analyzing the cinematic journey of Chester Morris reveals a career defined by diverse artistic exploration. With a total of 50 major appearances, the actor has established a significant footprint in global cinema.
Genre Dominance: Drama
The majority of Chester Morris's filmography leans towards the Drama genre. Audience data suggests that viewers respond most favorably to this persona, though their versatility has allowed for successful crossovers into other categories.
The "Box Office" Signature
With a 20% Success Ratio (movies rated above 6.5), Chester Morris remains a reliable draw for studios. Their peak performance was recorded in One Way to Love, which continues to be the benchmark for their career rating-wise.
Best Chester Morris Movies Ranked
Must-watch hits from Chester Morris's career based on audience ratings.
Complete Filmography & Success Status
Tracking the career evolution and box office verdicts of Chester Morris.
| 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) | Average | 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 | 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 | I Live on Danger | Jeff Morrell | Average | Similar → |
| 1942 | Canal Zone | 'Hardtack' Hamilton | 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 | I Promise to Pay | Eddie Lang | Average | Similar → |
| 1937 | Devil's Playground | Robert Mason | Average | Similar → |
| 1936 | They Met in a Taxi | Jimmy Donlin | 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 "One Way to Love" with a rating of 7.0/10.
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 "Three Godfathers", "Secret Command", and "The Case of Sergeant Grischa".




