Boston Blackie is a fictional character created by author Jack Boyle. Blackie was a jewel thief and safecracker in Boyle’s stories, but became a detective in adaptations for films, radio and television. Actor Chester Morris was the best-known Blackie, playing the character in 14 Columbia Pictures films (1941–1949) and in this 1944 NBC radio series. Actor Chester Morris was the best-known Blackie, playing the character in 14 Columbia Pictures films (1941–1949) and in a 1944 NBC radio series. Boston Blackie is the role for which Morris is best remembered.