Just out of jail and vowing to go straight, gentleman crook Boston Blackie (played by Raymond Glenn) undertakes the reformation of a pretty blonde (played by Corliss Palmer), who has stolen a necklace from a cabaret dancer (played by Rosemary Cooper). When he learns that the jewels belong to the girl's philandering father, Boston Blackie saves the day by performing one last job: replacing the necklace in its owner's safe.
Is The Return of Boston Blackie worth watching today? Short answer: yes, but with significant caveats that ground it firmly in its historical context. This 1927 silent film is a fascinating relic best suited for cinephiles, historians, and those with a genuine appreciation for the early days of narrative cinema, rather...
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Comparing the cinematic DNA and archive impact of two defining moments in cult history.
Harry O. Hoyt
Alexander Butler
Community
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"Is The Return of Boston Blackie worth watching today? Short answer: yes, but with significant caveats that ground it firmly in its historical context. This 1927 silent film is a fascinating relic best suited for cinephiles, historians, and those with a genuine appreciation for the early days of narrative cinema, rather than casual viewers seeking modern pacing or dialogue. It's a curious entry in the gentleman crook subgenre, offering a glimpse into the moral ambiguities and narrative convention..."
Corliss Palmer
Jack Boyle, Leah Baird
United States
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