The Rockford Files (1974–1980)

The cases of an easy going private investigator.

Creators:

Stephen J. Cannell, Roy Huggins

Stars:

James Garner, Noah Beery Jr., Joe Santos

Nominated for 4 Golden Globes. Another 7 wins & 22 nominations.

Cast

Complete series cast summary:
James Garner	...	Jim Rockford (122 episodes, 1974-1980)
Noah Beery Jr.	...	Joseph 'Rocky' Rockford (120 episodes, 1974-1980)
Joe Santos	...	Dennis Becker (111 episodes, 1974-1980)

Storyline

Series about an ex-con-turned-private-investigator named Jim Rockford who would rather run away than fight and would rather go fishing than work. He isn't a coward, and he isn't lazy--just a bit on the cautious side, that's all. And he bears a very strong resemblance to Western TV hero Bret Maverick. Rockford is sometimes aided (and sometimes deterred) in his cases by friends Dennis Becker (a police detective), Angel (his cowardly former cellmate) and pretty Beth Davenport (his lawyer).

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Plot Keywords:

malibu | detective | police | trailer home | sting operation | 

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Genres:

Crime | Drama | Mystery | Thriller

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Details

Country:

USA

Language:

English

Release Date:

13 September 1974 (USA)

Also Known As:

Jim Rockford, Private Investigator

Filming Locations:

Universal Studios, Hollywood, CA

Company Credits

Production Co:

Roy Huggins-Public Arts Productions, Cherokee Productions, Universal TV

Technical Specs

Runtime:

60 min 60 min (123 episodes)

Sound Mix:

Mono

Aspect Ratio:

4:3

Did You Know?

Trivia

The character Joseph "Rocky" Rockford was ranked #45 in TV Guide's list of the "50 Greatest TV Dads of All Time" (20 June 2004 issue).

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Goofs

Even though Jim Rockford always drives a current model Firebird, many episodes feature stock footage shot with older models, especially in the 1975-77 seasons.

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Quotes

Jim Rockford: Why didn't you get me 'Little Eddie' or 'The Greek?'
Angel Martin: They said they wouldn't do it. They said the last time they were in a con with you, it blew sky high. What does he mean by calling me a halibut?
Jim Rockford: It's a fish that swims at the bottom.
Angel Martin: I don't like him.

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Crazy Credits

The message left on the answering machine at the opening credits changes from episode to episode, always introducing another case.

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Connections

Referenced in Mystery Science Theater 3000: Last of the Wild Horses (1994)

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Soundtracks

"The Rockford Files"
(Main Title Theme)
Written by Mike Post and Pete Carpenter

User Reviews

Very, very, very good television

I recall seeing one of the first episodes when it aired in October '74, and not being that impressed. In the end, I was hooked on this gentle but deceptively captivating series. It sums up what is best about episodic television when a good cast, writers and production crew gets together. Garner is perfect for the role doing his "everyman" schtick. His comedic ability is also put to very good use (the later episodes with "Lance White"

• Tom Selleck - are just soo funny, as Garner is always left eating dust!).

The supporting roles are also extremely well filled. Simply extremely good television that everyone involved can feel proud of.