- 2 INTO 5.56 WON’T GO
Original Air Date: November 21, 1975
Synopsis. Moments after leaving an urgent message on Rockford’s phone machine, Colonel Daniel Bowie is abducted by his aide, Sergeant Harvey Slate, and a former soldier named Quentin Davis. Bowie is later found dead, the victim of an apparent car accident. When the military discover that Bowie had contacted Rockford before his death, they question Rockford (who had also served under Bowie during the Korean War) for possible involvement. Meanwhile, Bowie’s daughter Shana believes her father was murdered and hires Jim to investigate.
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
James Luisi Rockford Files
This Date in MAVERICK TV History: Buddy Ebsen and Peggy McCay star in “The Maverick Line,” the final episode featuring James Garner, airing Nov. 20, 1960. MAVERICK: LEGEND OF THE WEST: Revised Third Edition is now available both as an eBook and in softcover paperback through Black Pawn Press
- THE MAVERICK LINE
Original Airdate: November 20, 1960
Synopsis. Bret and Bart arrive in Snowflake to claim their inheritance from their late Uncle Micah―full ownership of the Maverick Stage Line. Although Micah had hoped that the boys would run the company, his will allows them to sell it if they can turn a huge profit. Polly Goodin, who had sold Micah exclusive right-of-way through her ranch property, offers the boys $1,000 each per month for life if they sell her 49 percent of the company. Bret and Bart are unaware that Polly has hired an operative named Shotgun Shanks to sabotage the stagecoach and thus negate the deal. Meanwhile, Atherton Flayger, Micah’s scheming attorney, discovers a clause that he would inherit the company if the Maverick boys are killed. Flayger hires Shanks to do away with Bret and Bart.
James Garner filmed “The Maverick Line” in March 1960, immediately before the start of his confrontation with Warner Bros. The episode had been originally scheduled for the season-premiere broadcast on Sept. 25, 1960, but was held back in light of the legal battle between Garner and the studio. Garner eventually won his lawsuit on Dec. 14, 1960, about three weeks after this episode aired.
LEARN MORE about this episode in the revised third edition of Maverick: Legend of the West, featuring more than 100 pages of new information about the show that made James Garner a star. 25 percent of the net proceeds from the sales of the third edition 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. The revised third edition of Maverick: Legend of the West is available through Black Pawn Press, Amazon.com, and wherever books are sold online.
This Date in ROCKFORD FILES History: “So Help Me God,” the episode for which James Garner won the Emmy Award for Best Actor in the 1976-1977 season, airs on Nov. 19, 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
- SO HELP ME GOD
Original Air Date: November 19, 1976
James Garner as Jim Rockford in “So Help Me God”
Synopsis. Rockford sees the judicial system at its worst when he is subpoenaed to testify before a federal grand jury investigating the alleged kidnapping of union official Frank Sorvino.“So Help Me God” held a special place in James Garner’s heart on two counts. Not only was the show among his personal favorites, it was the episode for which he won the Emmy for Best Dramatic Actor for 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: “Irving the Explainer,” the homage to old Hollywood that also marked James Coburn’s only effort as a director, airs on Nov. 18, 1977. 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
- IRVING THE EXPLAINER
Original Air Date: November 18, 1977
Synopsis. A woman who is apparently writing a biography of controversial film director Alvah Korper hires Rockford to help her research the book. Rockford doesn’t realize that his client is Korper’s daughter Katarina, who hopes that the private investigator will lead her to a priceless painting by seventeenth-century artist Antoine Watteau that Alvah Korper allegedly purchased and hid during the 1940s. Rockford soon finds himself thrust into a convoluted mess involving French police officers and German spies (both of whom also want to find the painting) and the long-unsolved murder of Korper’s wife, which may hold the key to the entire puzzle.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: Lynette Mettey stars in “In Pursuit of Carol Thorne,” airing Nov. 8, 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
- IN PURSUIT OF CAROL THORNE
Original Air Date: November 8, 1974
Synopsis. An elderly couple who claim to be the parents of Cliff Hoad hires Rockford to tail Carol Thorne, a recently paroled convict (played by Lynette Mettey) who is also Cliff’s former girlfriend. Rockford doesn’t realize that his client is a con artist named who, along with Cliff and two other men, robbed a Marine Corps payroll of $1.2 million three years earlier. Miles wants Carol to lead him to Cliff—and to where Cliff stashed the money.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 Loggia and Vincent Baggetta star in “Drought at Indianhead River,” airing Nov. 5, 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
- DROUGHT AT INDIANHEAD RIVER
Original Air Date: November 5, 1976
Synopsis. Angel becomes the major player in a multi-million dollar real estate deal, without realizing that he is actually the front for a major tax fraud scheme orchestrated by tax felon Dominic Marcon (played by Robert Loggia). Rockford intervenes and enlists Beth’s help to get Angel out from under.Rockford demonstrates some of his golf prowess in this episode. In real life, James Garner and his brother Jack were both avid golfers. Jack Garner was a member of the Professional Golfers Association for many years.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: MAGNUM, p.i. pays homage to THE ROCKFORD FILES, while also poking fun at Lance White (the character played by Tom Selleck on Rockford), in the episode “Tigers Fan,” airing Nov. 4, 1987. “Tigers Fan” features Joe Santos in his recurring role as police lieutenant Nolan Page, as well as Rockford guest stars James Karen and Carlos Romero. 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
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: “The Empty Frame,” James Luisi’s favorite episode, airs on Nov. 3, 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 EMPTY FRAME
Original Air Date: November 3, 1978
Synopsis. Despite a security force led by Lieutenant Chapman, political activists crash a party honoring the appointment of Aaron Kiel to the Los Angeles Police Commission and steal a set of paintings worth two million dollars. After landing in the doghouse with the chief of police over the embarrassing incident, Chapman swallows his pride and asks Rockford for help.
Mostly known for playing hard-ass cops or steely-eyed killers, James Luisi got a rare opportunity to showcase his comic skills in “The Empty Frame.” Not surprisingly, the episode remained the actor’s personal favorite for many years.
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: Rita Moreno stars in “The Paper Palace,” the first of her three appearances as Rita Capkovic, airing Jan. 20, 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 PAPER PALACE
Original Air Date: January 20, 1978
Synopsis. EGOT winner Rita Moreno stars as Rita Capkovic, a career prostitute who aches for genuine friendship: She’s so lonely that she often wheels an empty cart around a supermarket just to socialize with other people. After meeting Rockford at a disastrous dinner party with Dennis and Peggy Becker, Rita finds herself needing his help after two French-speaking men nearly kill her. Rita Moreno won an Emmy for her performance in this episode. That made her one of just three actresses—Barbra Streisand and Helen Hayes being the other two—to be honored with all four major awards in the entertainment industry: the Emmy, the Grammy, the Oscar, and the Tony. (Colloquially speaking, that feat is known in the trades as an EGOT.)In accepting the Emmy for “The Paper Palace,” Moreno thanked James Garner, executive producer Meta Rosenberg, producer Charles Floyd Johnson, and particularly singled out the writer of the episode—Juanita Bartlett—as “a lady who really knows how to write about ladies.” We’ll see Moreno again as Rita in “Rosendahl and Gilda Stern Are Dead” and “No-Fault Affair,” both of which were also written by Juanita Bartlett.
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.