Alias Boston Blackie

Alias Boston Blackie

Year: 1942

Runtime: 67 mins

Language: English

Director: Lew Landers

Mystery

During the Christmas holidays reformed thief Boston Blackie heads to Castle Theater to recruit a troupe that will perform for inmates. He brings a young woman whose brother is incarcerated, despite her being barred from further visits. When a clown is kidnapped and replaced by a vengeful con, a murder occurs, and Blackie’s coat is stolen. Inspector Farrady immediately suspects him. Blackie must uncover the killer, clear his name, and help the girl secure her brother’s release.

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Timeline & Setting – Alias Boston Blackie (1942)

Explore the full timeline and setting of Alias Boston Blackie (1942). Follow every major event in chronological order and see how the environment shapes the story, characters, and dramatic tension.

Time period

early 1940s

Set in a contemporary early-1940s city, the narrative blends festive atmosphere with crime and caper humor. The prison sequences, disguise-based chases, and hotel intrigue reflect the era's detective film style. The brisk pacing moves between intimate interiors and street-level action typical of the period.

Location

Prison (alma mater), Eve's apartment, Duke Banton's hotel, city bus, city streets

Most of Alias Boston Blackie unfolds in a busy urban setting centered on a prison drama and a working-class city. Key locations include the inmates' alma mater prison, Eve's apartment, and Duke Banton's hotel room, with a bus journey tying the action together. The locations are used to stage disguises, last-minute twists, and confrontations as Blackie and his allies maneuver around the authorities.

🏢 Prison 🏨 Hotel 🚌 Bus 🏙️ City streets

Last Updated: October 04, 2025 at 14:23

Main Characters – Alias Boston Blackie (1942)

Meet the key characters of Alias Boston Blackie (1942), with detailed profiles, motivations, and roles in the plot. Understand their emotional journeys and what they reveal about the film’s deeper themes.

Boston Blackie (Chester Morris)

A charming, quick-witted rogue who becomes a protector in the Christmas-cap er. He orchestrates a show at the inmates' school, uses disguises to stay steps ahead of the law, and ultimately outsmarts investigators. His blend of humor and daring drives the investigation and rescue.

🕵️‍♂️ Clever 😎 Charismatic

The Runt (George E. Stone)

Blackie’s rough-around-the-edges ally, loyal and practical in tight spots. He helps keep plans moving amid twists and danger, providing a grounded counterpoint to Blackie’s wit. His presence anchors the duo through prison visits, hotel intrigues, and street chases.

💪 Loyal 🧰 Resourceful

Eve Sanders (Adele Mara)

A showgirl who cares deeply for her imprisoned brother Joe, she becomes entangled with Blackie’s circle. Eve helps Blackie navigate the danger and ultimately frees him, showing courage and resourcefulness. Her kindness anchors the emotional core of the caper.

💃 Compassionate ❤️ Protective

Joe Trilby (Larry Parks)

A prisoner who insists he is innocent, manipulated into dangerous situations by others. His plea for justice drives the plot forward, and he becomes a focal point around whom the real truth—plus the film’s misdirections—revolves.

😟 Innocent 🕊️ Naive

Steve Caveroni (Paul Fix)

One of the robbers who seeks to control the scenario with a gun and bravado. He is ultimately killed during a breakout attempt, and his confession reveals the true killer and exonerates Joe. His scheme is the key catalyst for the film’s twists.

💼 Calculating 🔫 Dangerous

Roggi McKay (George McKay)

A carnival clown who double-shadows as a savvy organizer of the caper. His showman persona hides a scheme that interacts with the prison visit and the hotel plot, adding a layer of deception to the plan.

🎭 Entertainer 🧪 Cunning

Inspector Farraday (Richard Lane)

The persistent, sharp-eyed lawman who suspects Blackie from the outset. He pursues the truth through careful observation and pressure, providing the film’s cat-and-mouse tension.

🧭 Suspicious 🕵️‍♀️ Determined

Detective Mathews (Walter Sande)

A capable detective who is manipulated by clever ruses but remains dogged in pursuit of the truth. His involvement escalates the stakes and tests Blackie’s improvisational skills.

🧩 Perceptive 😡 Impatient

Last Updated: October 04, 2025 at 14:23

Major Themes – Alias Boston Blackie (1942)

Explore the central themes of Alias Boston Blackie (1942), from psychological, social, and emotional dimensions to philosophical messages. Understand what the film is really saying beneath the surface.

🕵️‍♂️ Deception

Disguise and misdirection drive the plot, with characters swapping identities and clothing to outmaneuver opponents. Blackie uses improvisation and disguises to outwit both criminals and the police, while the Runt provides solid support. The story treats deception as a tool to uncover truth and protect the innocent.

🎄 Christmas Spirit

Despite its crime-cap er framework, the film leans on compassion and generosity. Blackie helps Eve and the imprisoned Joe, and the ensemble shows holiday goodwill amid danger. The festive mood provides warmth that contrasts with the danger of pursuit.

⚖️ Justice vs Law

Authority figures chase Blackie, highlighting the tension between legal procedure and personal justice. The finale demonstrates that cleverness and moral choices can reveal the truth beyond formal charges. The film toys with the idea that justice may bend to wit and circumstance rather than pure force.

Last Updated: October 04, 2025 at 14:23

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Alias Boston Blackie Summary

Read a complete plot summary of Alias Boston Blackie, including all key story points, character arcs, and turning points. This in-depth recap is ideal for understanding the narrative structure or reviewing what happened in the movie.

Alias Boston Blackie Summary

Alias Boston Blackie Timeline

Track the full timeline of Alias Boston Blackie with every major event arranged chronologically. Perfect for decoding non-linear storytelling, flashbacks, or parallel narratives with a clear scene-by-scene breakdown.

Alias Boston Blackie Timeline

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