Chester Morris as Boston Blackie

Chester Morris was somewhat miscast as Boston Blackie in the series of films. He was too short, for one thing, and not nearly suave enough, for another. (Kent Taylor on the TV series was much better in that respect). However, he did manage to create a real personna for Blackie, if not one that was particularly realistic. Wise-cracking, humorous, full of sleight-of-hand tricks.