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Rockford FilesBy Joe Quattrocchi of Poughkeepsie, NY
Since the early days of film and radio theatre Americans have been
drawn to private eyes like Boston Blackie, Phillip Marlowe, Johnny Dollar
and The Falcon.
James Garner brought his "Maverick" style to the Super70s by
expertly portraying Jim Rockford, a misunderstood ex-con who knew how to
work the system for good purposes.
Like Peter Falk who was made for Columbo, Garner is Jim Rockford from his
masculine good looks, smooth delivery and an ability to do his own stunts,
including many car chases. Such ability allowed the camera to roll and one
is treated to very realistic drama that many other television shows could
not equal.
Garner worked his character seamlessly and showed tremendous versatility.
At times he was a loner, kicking his feet back in a run down Malibu
trailer. In a flash he was brash, rambunctious and exploitive to his
lovable father, played by Noah Beery, Jr. In a borrowed plot scheme from
years gone by, Rockford's best friend was a police Detective (played by
Joe Santos) who regularly ran license plates and did other helpful legwork
while playing a stooge to his brass.
Santos filled the role adequately but the real diamond in an occasional
supporting spot was "Angel" (Stuart Margolin), a delightful
energetic con man who never met a scam or temptation he could resist.
Margolin was one of the few actors in the series who could stand toe to
toe with Garner's eloquence and the result was superlative!!!
Garner however did have enough reservoirs to carry the series himself. He
was hardboiled when first meeting a client, vulnerable during a gunfight
(how many private eyes hide guns in their cookie jar?), a maverick on the
highway and romantic with the ladies. Other contemporaries, like Tom
Selleck who guest starred in an episode, pale in comparison.
Selleck, as Magnum
PI, always appeared to be reading his script rather than living the
role. Garner, conversely, put in the hard work and got through difficult
dialogue so that when a client stiffed him for $200/day plus expenses you
honestly felt bad for him and worried if he had enough money to buy some
groceries. Garner also always looked the role when he was beat up.
Gretchen Corbett, who showed up in supporting roles on many shows during
the Super70s, played Beth Davenport as Rockford's love interest for a
while during the series. It made for interesting plot to see Rockford, a
confirmed bachelor, sticking with a woman for more than one episode,
especially since she was blind and an attorney. Corbett did little for the
series though and many other guest stars proved more memorable.
The Rockford Files ran for 123 episodes (1974-1980) and was reprised in
later years. Producers and writers became more politically correct as the
series matured but, always a pro, Garner shined regardless of what
scenario or dialogue was given to the Oklahoma native. Seldom spoken about
was the series instrumental theme music which hardly personified southern
Californian life. It was rather maverick, even for its time. Equally
enjoyable too was each episode open when we heard a unique answering
machine message.
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As far as I'm concerned, this is not only the greatest detective show of all time, but it's the greatest show of all time, period. Between the acting, characters, and the stories, this show is tops! --Brian Rockford | Note: This is just a random sample of the Rockford Files messages in our TV forums! Click here to see what others have said or to post your own comments! |
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