After Midnight with Boston Blackie (1943) in Color — Starring Chester Morris & Richard Lane

Plot Summary

Boston Blackie, the charming reformed criminal who now devotes his considerable talents to helping others, has organised a charity event at a nightclub to raise money for the families of servicemen fighting overseas during World War II. The evening is going splendidly until disaster strikes — a man is found murdered at the event under circumstances that immediately point the finger of suspicion directly at Blackie, whose criminal past makes him an easy and convenient suspect.

Inspector Farraday, who maintains a grudging respect for Blackie but has never entirely trusted his reformation, arrives at the scene and quickly concludes that his old adversary has reverted to his criminal ways. With the evidence seemingly stacked against him and Farraday’s men closing in, Blackie makes the split-second decision to flee rather than trust his fate to a system that may not give a former thief a fair hearing.

Now a fugitive, Blackie must use all his wits, criminal expertise, and knowledge of the city’s underworld to investigate the murder while staying one step ahead of the police dragnet. His investigation leads him through a shadowy world of wartime black marketeers, diamond smugglers, and desperate criminals who are exploiting the chaos and shortages of the war years for personal profit. The murder at the charity event, Blackie discovers, is connected to a larger criminal conspiracy involving stolen diamonds and ruthless operators who will kill again to protect their operation.

With the help of his loyal friends, including his faithful sidekick The Runt and the resourceful Mary Wesley, Blackie races against time to uncover the real killer, expose the diamond smuggling ring, and prove his innocence before Farraday’s pursuit catches up with him. The film delivers a satisfying blend of mystery, action, comedy, and wartime patriotism that characterises the best entries in this beloved series.

Cast & Crew

Director: Lew Landers

Stars: Chester Morris, Ann Savage, Richard Lane, George E. Stone, Cy Kendall, George McKay

Chester Morris is at his charismatic best as Boston Blackie, handling the comedy, action, and detective work with equal skill and his trademark wry humour. Ann Savage brings sharp energy to her role. Richard Lane provides familiar and enjoyable comedy as the eternally frustrated Inspector Farraday, while George E. Stone is endearing as the ever-loyal Runt.

Why Buy This Classic in Color?

The colorization of After Midnight with Boston Blackie brings vibrant new atmosphere to the film’s nightclub settings, shadowy city streets, and wartime urban landscape. Now also available in colour. The colour presentation enhances the night-time sequences and the contrast between the glamorous charity event and the seedy underworld through which Blackie pursues the truth. Buy After Midnight with Boston Blackie (1943) Colorized – €15.00

Historical Significance

After Midnight with Boston Blackie is one of the most entertaining entries in the fourteen-film Boston Blackie series, and it serves as a fascinating time capsule of wartime America, reflecting the era’s patriotic spirit, home-front anxieties, and the particular forms of crime that flourished during the war years. The film also features an early role for Ann Savage, who would achieve cult fame for her extraordinary performance in the noir classic Detour. Through colorization, this entertaining wartime mystery has been preserved for modern audiences.

Technical Details

• Format: MP4 digital download
• Resolution: HD 720p
• Colorized: Yes — AI-assisted colorization
• Audio: English mono soundtrack
• Runtime: Approximately 64 minutes
• DRM-free: Yes — play on any device
• Instant download: Yes
• Price: €15.00

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Movie-Specific Questions

Q: Is this connected to The Phantom Thief?
A: Both films are part of the fourteen-film Boston Blackie series starting Chester Morris, but each features a self-contained mystery that can be enjoyed independently.

Q: Is Ann Savage in this film?
A: Yes, Ann Savage appears before she gained cult fame for her unforgettable role as the menacing Vera in the noir classic Detour (1945).

Q: What is the wartime setting about?
A: The film reflects its 1943 production date, incorporating wartime themes such as charity events for servicemen’s families and black market profiteering that provide both plot motivation and period atmosphere.

Digital Download Questions

Q: What format is the download?
A: The film is delivered as a high-quality MP4 file that plays on virtually any modern device including computers, tablets, smartphones, and smart TVs.

Q: Is there DRM protection on the file?
A: No, the download is completely DRM-free, meaning you own the file outright and can watch it on any device without restrictions or internet requirements.

Q: How quickly can I watch after purchase?
A: The download is available instantly after payment is confirmed, allowing you to start watching within minutes of your purchase.

Related Colorized Classics

• The Phantom Thief (1946)
• My Name Is Julia Ross (1945)
• Here Comes Mr. Jordan (1941)
• Trail Street (1947)
• No Sad Songs for Me (1950)