- SECOND CHANCE
Original Air Date: October 14, 1977
Synopsis. Now working as a bouncer at a dive bar, Gandolf Fitch has fallen in love with Theda Best, a onetime Las Vegas singer (played by real-life singer Dionne Warwick) who’s on the verge of getting another recording contract. Gandy and Theda’s happiness is threatened when she is kidnapped by her ex-husband, Joe Moran, a convicted murderer who was also once involved in a counterfeit poker chip operation, Moran received his parole through “Second Chance,” a rehabilitation program that serves as a front for a shady industrialist named Shapiro (played by Malachi Throne). Shapiro has Moran kidnap Theda because she knows the location of the stereo system where Moran has hidden the counterfeiting equipment. Gandy and Rockford must rescue Theda.
“Second Chance” marks Isaac Hayes’ third and final appearance as Gandolf Fitch, Rockford’s onetime stir mate at San Quentin. At the time they filmed this episode, Hayes and Dionne Warwick had just released A Man and a Woman, an album of live duets that was based on the highly successful series of live concerts that the two artists had performed together between 1976 and 1977. Long an admirer of Warwick’s work, Hayes had released a cover version of her hit “Walk on By” in 1969.
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
Ed Robertson
Author ● Journalist ● Radio Host ● Collaborative Writer
Gretchen Corbett Beth Davenport
This Date in ROCKFORD FILES History: Screen legend Lauren Bacall stars in the two-hour episode “Lions, Tigers, Monkeys, and Dogs,” airing Oct. 12, 1979. LEARN MORE about this episode in 45 YEARS OF THE ROCKFORD FILES, available in softcover paperback and now as an eBook through Black Pawn Press
- LIONS, TIGERS, MONKEYS, AND DOGS
Original Air Date: October 12, 1979
Synopsis. A chance meeting at a posh Beverly Hills restaurant brings Rockford to the attention of the elegant Princess Irene Rachevsky, who wants to hire the private investigator to probe a series of attacks targeted at her close friend Kendall Warren.
The dynamic onscreen rapport between James Garner and fellow screen legend Lauren Bacall highlights “Lions, Tigers, Monkeys, and Dogs.” It’s fun to watch the two of them together, and it’s clear that they both had fun filming the episode.
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
This Date in ROCKFORD FILES History: James Garner files his lawsuit against Universal Studios on Oct. 11, 1983 over his share of profits from The Rockford Files. The case would play out in court over the next six years before both sides reached a settlement in April 1989. LEARN MORE in 45 YEARS OF THE ROCKFORD FILES, available in softcover paperback and now as an eBook through Black Pawn Press
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
This Date in ROCKFORD FILES History: Janet MacLachlan, Robert Webber and Michael Conrad star in “The Deep Blue Sleep,” airing Oct. 10, 1975. LEARN MORE about this episode in 45 YEARS OF THE ROCKFORD FILES, available in softcover paperback and now as an eBook through Black Pawn Press
- THE DEEP BLUE SLEEP
Original Air Date: October 10, 1975
Synopsis. Police classify the death of premier fashion model Margaux Adams as either accidental or suicidal. But Beth, one of Margaux’s best friends, suspects foul play—particularly since she received a frantic phone call from Margaux shortly before she died. At Beth’s urging, Rockford looks into the matter. After uncovering a romantic triangle between Margaux, fashion designer Adrienne Clarke (played by Janet MacLachlan), and accountant Bob Coleman (Robert Webber), our hero suspects that Margaux was killed once she learned that Coleman has links to organized crime.
According to Rockford producer Chas. Floyd Johnson, Tony Award winner Diahann Carroll was the original choice to designer Adrienne Clarke in this episode.
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
This Date in ROCKFORD FILES History: Kim Richards, Burt Young, and Ken Swofford star in “The Family Hour,” airing Oct. 8, 1976. LEARN MORE about this episode in 45 YEARS OF THE ROCKFORD FILES, available in softcover paperback and now as an eBook through Black Pawn Press
- THE FAMILY HOUR
Original Air Date: October 8, 1976
Synopsis. Jim and Rocky’s fishing trip to Baja is interrupted when they discover nine-year-old Marin Rose Gaily sitting outside Jim’s trailer. While Rocky takes care of Marin, Jim searches for her father Stu, a convicted drug smuggler on the run from Al Jollett, a crooked DEA agent. Although Jollett claims that Stu stole $100,000 in government front money, Rockford discovers Jollett had been using Stu and another convict named Marty Goss to plant evidence for a series of drug busts that Jollett had rigged to pad his arrest record. Goss tried to use a log he’d kept of Jollett’s phony operations to negotiate a reduced prison sentence. Instead, Jollett had him killed. Rockford must protect Stu, who has the book, from Jollett and his maniacal agents—one of whom wields a deadly electric cattle prod.
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
This Date in ROCKFORD FILES History: Bo Hopkins makes his first appearance as John Cooper in “The Jersey Bounce,” airing Oct. 6, 1978. LEARN MORE about this episode in 45 YEARS OF THE ROCKFORD FILES, available in softcover paperback and now as an eBook through Black Pawn Press
- THE JERSEY BOUNCE
Original Air Date: October 6, 1978
Synopsis. Rocky and his neighbors have been harassed by Eugene Conigliaro and Mickey Long, a pair of lowbrow hustlers who are anxious to ingratiate themselves with mob boss Artie Nodzak. Conigliaro and Long intimidate the community with their wild parties, loud music, and overt drug dealings. Jim intercedes on behalf of his father and nearly gets into a fight with Conigliaro. Later, Rockford unwittingly becomes an integral part of Conigliaro and Long’s plans to coax their way into the mob. When they discover that Nodzak’s sister dates a man who beats her, Conigliaro and Long kill the boyfriend—and pin the murder on Rockford.
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
This Date in ROCKFORD FILES History: Mills Watson guest stars in “Exit Prentiss Carr,” airing Oct. 4, 1974. LEARN MORE about this episode in 45 YEARS OF THE ROCKFORD FILES, available in softcover paperback and now as an eBook through Black Pawn Press
- EXIT PRENTISS CARR
Original Air Date: October 4, 1974
Synopsis. Rockford’s old flame Janet Carr hires him to tail her philandering husband Prentiss. Rockford locates Prentiss at the Bay City Motel, but he finds the man dead—an apparent murder victim. Though Rockford reports the matter to the authorities, he does not tell them that he’s already investigated the scene of the crime (a fact that could implicate Jim and his client to Prentiss’ death). When Lieutenant Furlong and Sergeant Larsen of the Bay City Police report that Prentiss apparently committed suicide, Rockford accuses them of tampering with the evidence. After the cops throw him out of town, Rockford surreptitiously continues to probe. Soon he discovers a link between Prentiss’ death and an embezzlement scheme at the insurance company where Prentiss worked.This episode features character actors Warren Kemmerling and Mills Watson, both of whom were among the early considerations for the role of Dennis Becker in the Rockford Files pilot.
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
This Date in ROCKFORD FILES History: Part 2 of “Gearjammers!” airs on Oct. 3, 1975. LEARN MORE about this episode in 45 YEARS OF THE ROCKFORD FILES, available in softcover paperback and now as an eBook through Black Pawn Press
- GEARJAMMERS! (Conclusion)
Original Air Date: October 3, 1975
Synopsis. Rocky’s life becomes endangered after he inadvertently witnesses an illegal business transaction between his trucker friend Johnny LoSalvo and LoSalvo’s ruthless boss Hammel, who has plotted to hijack six of his own trucks as part of a master plan to steal an incoming cargo of valuable sable furs. Although Rocky has no idea what’s going on, Hammel wants the old man eliminated simply because Rocky can identify him. LoSalvo tries to save Rocky, but Hammel has him killed. Rockford protects his father from danger—while Rocky helps his son solve the case.
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
This Date in ROCKFORD FILES History: Robert Webber stars in “The Oracle Wore a Cashmere Suit,” airing Oct. 1, 1976. LEARN MORE about this episode in 45 YEARS OF THE ROCKFORD FILES, available in softcover paperback and now as an eBook through Black Pawn Press
- THE ORACLE WORE A CASHMERE SUIT
Original Air Date: October 1, 1976
Synopsis. Self-appointed “police psychic” Roman Clementi (played by Robert Webber) publicly accuses Rockford of withholding evidence that would link the investigator to the disappearance of a record company executive who, along with his girlfriend, vanished two days after Rockford was hired to surveil him. In fact, the grandstanding Clementi planted the rumor to make himself look good—and generate publicity for his upcoming book, Crime and the Third Eye. But the accusation causes Rockford no end of trouble. When he discovers that the record executive stashed away more than $80,000 in cocaine, Rockford becomes the target of a drug-crazed drummer. When the executive is found murdered, Rockford becomes the prime suspect.
William Daniels, whom we last saw in “The Italian Bird Fiasco,” was originally cast as oracle Roman Clementi in this episode, but was replaced by Robert Webber after injuring himself during the first day of filming. Daniels returned to Rockford later this season as the ruthless federal prosecutor in “So Help Me God,” the episode for which James Garner won the Emmy for Best Dramatic Actor of the 1976-1977 season.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
This Date in ROCKFORD FILES History: Susan Strasberg and Dick Gautier star in “The Countess,” airing Sept. 27, 1974. LEARN MORE about this episode in 45 YEARS OF THE ROCKFORD FILES, available in softcover paperback and now as an eBook through Black Pawn Press
- THE COUNTESS
Original Air Date: September 27, 1974
Synopsis. Socialite Deborah Ryder (played by Susan Strasberg) hires Rockford to stop Carl Brego (Dick Gautier), an extortionist who knows that Deborah was once linked to a numbers racket in Chicago. As part of his surveillance, Rockford videotapes a meeting between Deborah and Carl. Then, while pretending to be another blackmailer who wants a piece of the action, he confronts Carl and threatens to turn the tape over to the police unless Carl cuts him in. The ploy backfires, however, when Carl is shot to death—Rockford becomes the prime suspect.
Susan Strasberg, daughter of legendary acting coach Lee Strasberg, played the wife of Tony Musante in Toma, the ABC police drama inextricably linked to the creation of The Rockford Files. We’ll see her again in “A Bad Deal in the Valley.” Dick Gautier, aka Hymie the Robot on Get Smart, earned a Tony nomination for his performance as Elvis-like rock ’n’ roll star Conrad Birdie in the original Broadway production of Bye Bye Birdie.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