The House on Willis Avenue (24 Feb. 1978)

When a fellow P.I. is killed on the Ventura freeway, Jim and Richie Brockelman team up to find out if it really was an accident.

Director:

Hy Averback

Writers:

Roy Huggins (creator), Stephen J. Cannell (creator),

Stars:

James Garner, Noah Beery Jr., Joe Santos

Cast

Episode credited cast:
James Garner	...	Jim Rockford
Noah Beery Jr.	...	Joseph 'Rocky' Rockford (as Noah Beery)
Joe Santos	...	Dennis Becker
Jackie Cooper	...	Garth McGregor
Simon Oakland	...	Vern St. Cloud
Howard Hesseman	...	Al Steever
Philip Sterling	...	County Supervisor Tom Nardoni
Pernell Roberts	...	B.J. Anderson
Dennis Dugan	...	Richie Brockelman
Paul Fix	...	Joseph Tooley
Irene Tedrow	...	Mary Tooley
Lou Krugman	...	Sam Detonis
Brett Hadley	...	Computer Operator
Rest of cast listed alphabetically:
Hank Brandt	...	Mr. Davis
Nancy Conrad	...	Receptionist

Storyline

When a fellow P.I. is killed on the Ventura freeway, Jim and Richie Brockelman team up to find out if it really was an accident.

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Genres:

Crime | Drama | Mystery | Thriller

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Details

Country:

USA

Language:

English

Release Date:

24 February 1978 (USA)

Filming Locations:

Stage 30, Universal Studios - 100 Universal City Plaza, Universal City, California, USA

Company Credits

Production Co:

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

Technical Specs

Runtime:

60 min

Sound Mix:

Mono

Color:

Color

Aspect Ratio:

1.33 : 1

Did You Know?

Trivia

Rocky tows Jim's trailer to the mountains in this episode where they go fishing. Other than the early first season episodes where the trailer is parked on Ocean Blvd, this is the only time it ever leaves 29 Cove Road. It is implied (scene after the actual trailer move is completed) that Rocky tows Jim's 50 foot trailer using his 1977 or 1978 GMC Sierra Classic 4x4, which would not be possible, practical, or safe, as the 50 ft trailer would weight much more than the max towing capacity of about (depending on engine size and options) 8,000 pounds.

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Goofs

When the microphone in Joe Tooley's office is activated by Rockford's entry, it is labeled 35679KLM. When the agent reports it, he says "35679KLW."

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Quotes

Jim Rockford: [From the beginning of Part II] This is Jim Rockford. At the tone leave your name and message, I'll get back to you.
Joseph 'Rocky' Rockford #2: Sonny, this is dad. Never mind giving that talk on your occupation to the Gray Power Club. Hap Dudley's son is a doctor and everybody sort of, well, would rather hear from him. But thanks!

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Connections

References The Rockford Files: Profit and Loss, Part 1: Profit (1974)

User Reviews

Joe Tooley had loyal friends

I don't think any television series introduced so many wonderful characters to the viewing public as did The Rockford Files. Even in a brief appearance Paul Fix who mentored James Garner in the private eye business gets himself killed when he gets to deep into something he does not understand, he's got both Jim Rockford and Richie Brockelman to back him up. As Sam Spade said quite eloquently, when your partner is killed you're supposed to do something about it. How much more true for a mentor.

It's quite a caper that Garner and Dennis Dugan jump into. An LA county supervisor is under the thumb of a conglomerate planning to build a giant computer complex for storage of information for nefarious purposes. Jackie Cooper is putting the thing together, but Philip Sterling the supervisor stands in the way until he's blackmailed. Another supervisor Howard Hesseman is fighting a rear guard action.

Pernell Roberts plays Cooper's muscle, but in a really memorable role is Simon Oakland who is yet another private eye trying to muscle in on the action to wherever it leads. He has a memorable confrontation with Garner and Dugan.

This together with the usual Rockford Files regulars makes up for a memorable episode.