Boston Blackie is a fictional character who has been
on both sides of the law. As originally created by author Jack Boyle,
he was a safecracker, a hardened criminal who had served time in
a California prison. Prowling the underworld as a detective in adaptations
for films, radio and television, the detective Boston Blackie was
"an enemy to those who make him an enemy, friend to those who
have no friend."
The Boston Blackie radio series, starring Morris,
began June 23, 1944, on NBC as a summer replacement for The Amos
'n' Andy Show. Sponsored by Rinso, the series continued until September
15 of that year. Blackie had a steady romantic interest in the radio
show: Lesley Woods appeared as Blackie's girlfriend Mary Wesley.
Harlow Wilcox was the show's announcer.
While investigating mysteries, Blackie invaribly encountered harebrained
Police Inspector Farraday (Maurice Tarplin) and always solved the
mystery to Farraday's amazement. Initially, friction surfaced in
the relationship between Blackie and Farraday, but as the series
continued, Farraday recognized Blackie's talents and requested assistance.
Blackie dated Mary Wesley (Jan Miner), and for the first half of
the series, his best pal Shorty was always on hand. The humorless
Farraday was on the receiving end of Blackie's bad puns and word
play.
This collection of Boston Blackie Greats includes
203 different shows and appearances for a total of 90+ hours of
listening enjoyment.
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