The Return of Boston Blackie

I haven't seen any episodes of the 1950's TV series, listened to only a handful of the 1940's radio series, and until now hadn't seen any of the silent Boston Blackie films. The only things that The Return Of Boston Blackie from 1927 has in common with the highly enjoyable series of 14 films Chester Morris made for Columbia 1941-1949 are the name "Boston Blackie" and the length of the film. This was a film about one dog and his man – Strongheart the German shepherd ex-police dog was a big star and his name appeared above the title. Blackie is second fiddle - he even admits he follows the dog's instincts.

He's released from prison vowing to go on the straight and narrow path of virtue from now on - Blackie that is, not the dog - he and a man friend are waiting at the gates for Blackie. Meanwhile, in a wealthy family with secrets "the Markham Necklace" is stolen, apparently by a young girl – Blackie bumps into her and instantly tries to help her by taking responsibility for it. He can't believe she's guilty because she has clear eyes, later general doubts about Blackie's honesty are refuted by her because he had clear eyes too. Denver Dan is the fly in the ointment, he really wants to steal the necklace … Favourite bits: Strongheart in the funfair's Hall of Mirrors and the plane ride there too with Blackie and Strongheart squeezed into the seat – nice views! The acting and production was so-so but OK, the 1930's print I saw with the tinny disinterested orchestral score not so good, and clocking in at 57 minutes does this mean 20 minutes were cut? The production company's motto at the end was unintentionally apt: Each Production An Achievement - would that others were as honest!

But a pleasant enough hour for me anyhow, nothing special nothing terrible and one I wouldn't mind seeing again, but I'd recommend watching it in the dark for ease.

Most of us, who have seen the hilarious 'Boston Blackie' movies from the 40s, when we start watching this rare old movie inevitably miss Chester Morris' constant wisecracks and the cops' stupid answers. But we must realize: this is a silent movie - something ENTIRELY different. And it's a silent crime story, whose plot is NOT at all easy to explain without sound - and yet the actors, with the help of the inter-titles, manage it in a fabulous way! And anyway, the famous chase scenes every fan of 'Boston Blackie' loves work JUST as well without sound...

Raymond Glenn (later known as Bob Custer) makes a nice, gentle, but clever Blackie, who just got released from jail, determined to go straight and leave his 'career' as a jewel thief behind him - but he just can't help playing the gentleman again: he protects a girl who just stole - a valuable diamond necklace... Or didn't she? This movie, still romantic and emotional in the good old-fashioned way, puts much emphasis on trust: for the girl, whom he believes innocent, he agrees to open one more safe - but not to take anything out, but to put something IN it... And his pal - and assistant - this time is... Strongheart, a German shepherd dog!

Here we get a chance to enjoy a GENUINE 20s atmosphere, where Blackie actually and originally belongs (anyway, the 'Boston Blackie' character had been invented even before that time, in 1914!); and so we get to know a Blackie who's slightly more gentleman-like, calm, and prone to romance... Besides, we can study the clothing, the hairstyles and generally the way of life of the era - which was nevertheless a time of radical changes in society; women starting to 'break' into formerly 'male' jobs, for example: here we see a female private detective, disguised as a maid!!

Of course, the movie is much more slow-paced than the 'Boston Blackie' talkies - which enhances the suspense enormously, though! And it gives a very good lesson to us, too, who are used to rushing everything nowadays: in a silent movie, there IS no hurry! Just take it easy, and everything'll work out fine...

A GREAT movie experience, not only for silents and crime fans, but for everyone who wants to catch a REAL glimpse of wholly different times!