Never Send a Boy King to Do a Man's Job 

Richie's father has been swindled by a man named Coombs. Jim assembles together a disparate group of con-artists in a complicated scheme using Coombs' anxieties, and even the "Curse" of King Tut, to save Mr. Brockelman from ruin.

Director:

William Wiard

Writers:

Roy Huggins (created by), Stephen J. Cannell (created by)

Stars:

James Garner, Noah Beery Jr., Joe Santos

Cast

Episode cast overview, first billed only:
James Garner	...	Jim Rockford
Noah Beery Jr.	...	Joseph 'Rocky' Rockford (as Noah Beery)
Joe Santos	...	Dennis Becker (credit only)
Robert Webber	...	Harold Jack Coombs
Trisha Noble	...	Odette Lependieu
Pepper Martin	...	Harry Steel
Gary Crosby	...	Larry Litrell
David Hooks	...	Frederick Doyle
Stuart Margolin	...	Angel Martin
Harold Gould	...	Mr. Brockelman
Kim Hunter	...	Mrs. Brockelman
Dennis Dugan	...	Richie Brockelman
Salt Walther	...	Vern
Stanley Brock	...	Cowboy Mickey Martell
Jack Collins	...	Dr. Wetherford

Storyline

Richie's father has been swindled by a man named Coombs. Jim assembles together a disparate group of con-artists in a complicated scheme using Coombs' anxieties, and even the "Curse" of King Tut, to save Mr. Brockelman from ruin.

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Genres:

Crime | Drama | Mystery | Thriller

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Did You Know?

Trivia

This episode was one one of the few times during the original run of the series, in which a character was hoped to be spun-off. In fact, during the entire 6-year run, there were only 3 characters (for 2 series) who were planned (or more accurately, hoped) a successful spin-off would happen. Richie Brocklemam was one, and the other was (or were) Louis Gossett Jr., and Isaac Hayes; with the characters of Marcus 'Mark' Hayes, and Gandalf Fitch, respectively. The Richie Brocklemam show actually aired - briefly, whereas the other series never got past a potential spin-off episode during this series.

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Quotes

Jim Rockford: This is Jim Rockford. At the tone leave your name and message, I'll get back to you.
Miss Collins: [beeep] Mr. Rockford, Miss Collins for the Bureau of Licenses. We got your renewal for the extended deadline, but not your check. I'm sorry, but at midnight you're no longer licensed as an investigator.

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Alternate Versions

This special double-length episode (2 hours with commercials) was split in 2 parts for syndication. That version adds closing credits at the end of "part 1", a "previously on" pre-credit sequence at the beginning of "part 2", and opening credits for "part 2".

User Reviews

Slow & Confusing

This 2 part episode was one of my least favorites. I get they were trying "The Sting" theme, but the plot was bad. Trisha Noble is worth watching, but even she can't carry it. Garner's hillbilly character was unnecessary. He should've just played a character based more on Paul Newman. Seems Angel should've had more airtime since he's always trying to run a con on previous shows.

Details

Country:

USA

Language:

English

Release Date:

3 March 1979 (USA)

Filming Locations:

Riverside International Raceway, 22255 Eucalyptus Avenue, Moreno Valley, California, USA

Company Credits

Production Co:

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

Technical Specs

Runtime:

95 min

Sound Mix:

Mono

Color:

Color Color (Technicolor)

Aspect Ratio:

1.33 : 1