The Rockford Files 

The cases of an easy going ex-convict turned private investigator.

Creators:

Stephen J. Cannell, Roy Huggins

Stars:

James Garner, Noah Beery Jr., Joe Santos

Nominated for 4 Golden Globes. Another 8 wins & 23 nominations.

Cast

Complete series cast summary:
James Garner	...	Jim Rockford 122 episodes, 1974-1980
Noah Beery Jr.	...	Joseph 'Rocky' Rockford 121 episodes, 1974-1980
Joe Santos	...	Dennis Becker 112 episodes, 1974-1980

Storyline

Series about an ex-convict-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 rather on the cautious side, that's all. And he bears a very strong resemblance to Western television hero Bret Maverick. Rockford is sometimes assisted (and sometimes deterred) in his cases by friends Dennis Becker (a police detective), Evelyn "Angel" Martin (his cowardly former cellmate) and pretty Beth Davenport (his lawyer).

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Plot Keywords:

ex convict | beach | police detective | malibu california | different gags during credits | 

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Genres:

Crime | Drama | Mystery | Thriller

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Certificate:

TV-PG

Details

Country:

USA

Language:

English

Release Date:

27 March 1974 (USA)

Also Known As:

Jim Rockford, Private Investigator

Filming Locations:

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

Company Credits

Production Co:

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

Technical Specs

Runtime:

60 min (123 episodes)

Sound Mix:

Mono

Color:

Color (Technicolor)

Aspect Ratio:

4:3

Did You Know?

Trivia

The character of Rockford's father was named "Joseph". He was named after co-Writer Stephen J. Cannell's father, but rather than Joseph or Joe, he was most often called "Rocky", a nickname derived from his last name, not his first. The name of "Rockford" was used after Cannell found the name listed in the Universal Studios employee directory.

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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: [Grabbing Angel by the lapel and throat & walking him back against a fence] Angel, you are driving me crazy, you understand me, I'm going crazy, I can't take it anymore!
Angel Martin: Jimmy!
Jim Rockford: Years and years and years, I'm goin out of my mind, with your stupid and ridiculous lies and games, year after year!
Angel Martin: You're jammin' my windpipe!
Jim Rockford: [ripping his hands from Angel's neck, showing Angel his trembling hands] Look at me, look at me, look at me!
Angel Martin: Jimmy?
Jim Rockford: Just don't say anything, just don't - say - anything!
Angel Martin: Jimmy?
Jim Rockford: [...]

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Crazy Credits

The message left on the answering machine at the opening credits changes from episode to episode, usually as some kind of gag. Occasionally it dealt with some part of the forthcoming story. Frequently the voice was of supporting actors on the show, either as themselves or as a completely unrelated character.

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Connections

Referenced in The Art of the Heist: An Examination of 'Thief' with Author & Critic F.X. Feeney (2015)

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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.