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Jim Rockford lives in his trailer and plies his trade as a
private investigator. Pardoned for an armed robbery that he
did not commit, Jim's world appears to be a nexus for trouble
and most of his cases turn out to be more complicated than
at first sight...
The
Rockford Files was a very successful, laid back PI show
whose nine seasons ran from 1974 to 1980, following which
it spawned a number of television movies - a favourite of
the Saturday afternoon slot. The show continues to be repeated
today on satellite television.
Rockford
was played by James Garner, whose career has successfully
straddled the two worlds of television and cinema. Though
he has appeared in many films, and continues to do so, cinematically
he will be best remembered for his part of Flight Lt. Hendley,
who attempts to help Donald Pleasence's character avoid the
Nazi hordes in The Great Escape (1963).
Rockford,
along with Bret Maverick, are most probably the two television
roles which he will most associated with. The show was created
by Stephen Cannell and Roy Huggins. Huggins and Garner had
previously worked on the equally successful Maverick
series. Rockford was an attempt to move away from the
usual stereotypical view of private Investigators, whose usual
depiction was one of either high glamour (Magnum PI,
Moonlighting, Charlie's Angels) or hard bitten,
gun tottin, nihilistic city survivors (Harry O, Mike
Hammer). In its sheer amiability it was the Monk
of its day. In its tone it was almost a show about family.
Jim
Rockford, drove a Pontiac Firebird and lived in a cramped
trailer on the beach. His family and friends became recurring
characters, from his useful contact on the force to his father
who appeared in nearly every episode. Over its nine seasons
it was lucky enough to attract many of the up and coming talent
of the day as guest artists. This was decidedly superior Saturday
afternoon fare, which could be enjoyed by all members of the
family. The show sported an easily recognisable theme tune
and the now famous answer machine gag at the beginning of
every story.
This
latest box set contains all twenty-one episodes of Season
Four and the writing had maintained the high quality for
which the show had come to be known. The opening show Beamer's
Last Case pretty much has all the elements which made
up a typical Rockford show. Returning home Rockford
discovers his car burned out, his trailer trashed and someone
has stolen his identity. There then follows sequences of Rockford
unravelling the mystery.
Most
shows followed this pattern of setting up the crime and watching
Rockford unravel the mystery. This is not a criticism, by
the fact that the show was about a PI, it was inevitable that
it would be to an extent formulaic. Other shows had come up
against this problem and some, like Colombo, had turned
this problem on its head by showing you the killer before
following the investigation.
So
each show was similar, but the writing and acting meant that
the show was rarely dull to watch. This season had some notable
guest appearances. Issac Hayes and Dionne Warwick appear in
Second Chance and Larry Hagman appears in Forced
Retirement. Overall, the shows remain eminently watchable,
with many high points. By Season Four the show had
settled down in terms of cast and writing and their ability
to put forward a quality product each week is made to seem
effortless.
For
a show of this age the 4:3 picture is surprisingly good, audio
is the original stereo. It's a shame that the set is devoid
of any extras except an episode - White on White and Nearly
Perfect - from Season Five. Admittedly this is
a great episode, it even has Tom Selleck in, but surely this
will appear in the next set, so not a great addition.
Charles
Packer
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