Synopsis. Barbara Kelbaker (played by Joan Van Ark) approaches Rockford with an unusual request: she wants to hire him to find out if she can be “found.” But Barbara refuses to explain why—she doesn’t even give Rockford her real name—because she’s frightened for her life. Barbara witnessed her boyfriend, Denver crime lord Ralph Correll (Paul Michael Glaser), murder a man. Barbara believes that Correll is after her, and she figures that if Rockford can find her, so can Correll.

Known around the world as Valene Ewing on Dallas and Knots Landing, Joan Van Ark was among the actresses under consideration for the part of Mildred Elias in the Rockford Files pilot. We’ll see her again in “Resurrection in Black and White” and “There’s One in Every Port.”

Enjoy the podcast of our conversation in which Joan discusses the advice that James Garner once gave her, early in her career.

LEARN MORE about this episode in the revised third edition of 45 YEARS OF THE ROCKFORD FILES, featuring more than sixty new pages of never before published information about both the original Rockford Files and the CBS reunion movies, including twenty new interviews and six new appendices. 25 percent of the net proceeds from the sales of 45 YEARS OF THE ROCKFORD FILES will be donated to The James Garner Animal Rescue Fund, a nonprofit organization dedicated to raising funds to help rescue organizations, shelters, individuals, fosters, and veterans with emergencies, evacuations, medical care, adoptions, training, pet supplies, shelter, rehabilitation, boarding, transportation, food, and other pressing needs. JGARF is one way for Garner fans to honor Jim’s memory and extend his legacy. Plus… if you order 45 YEARS OF THE ROCKFORD FILES directly from Black Pawn Press, you will receive an exclusive bonus gift. Go to Rockford45.com for more details