The Rockford Files (1974)

Name: The Rockford Files
Rating: 7.6

Rating: 7.6

Synopsis

Cranky but likable L.A. PI Jim Rockford pulls no punches (but takes plenty of them). An ex-con sent to the slammer for a crime he didn't commit, Rockford takes on cases others don't want, aided by his tough old man, his lawyer girlfriend and some shady associates from his past.

First Air Date: 1974-09-13

Last Air Date: 1980-01-10

Number of Seasons: 6

Number of Episodes: 122

Created By: Stephen J. Cannell, Roy Huggins

Networks: NBC

View Technical Specifications on IMDb

Top Cast

James Garner as Jim Rockford
Noah Beery Jr. as Joseph 'Rocky' Rockford
Joe Santos as Dennis Becker
Gretchen Corbett as Beth Davenport
Stuart Margolin as Angel Martin
James Luisi as Doug Chapman
Joe E. Tata as Solly Marshall
Tom Atkins as Alex Diel
Bruce Tuthill as Murray Gaines
Pat Finley as Peggy Becker

Seasons

Select a Season

None

None (1974)

No overview available for this season.

Episodes:

Ep. 1: The Kirkoff Case (1974-09-13)

Rockford is hired by Larry Kirkoff to find the identity of his parents killer. There are a number of possible suspects including Travis Buckman and Tawnia Baker who were lovers of Mrs. and Mr. Kirkoff respectively. The police actually suspect Larry of the crime, but, lack of evidence prevents them from making a case against him. Rockford's investigation runs him afoul of some pretty bad men who want everyone to go on thinking Larry killed them.
Ep. 2: The Dark and Bloody Ground (1974-09-20)

Jim reluctantly agrees to work for Beth Davenport. His job is to help her prove her client, Ann Calhoun, is innocent of the crime she is accused of; murdering her husband Kevin Calhoun. Jim's investigation takes him to the town of Parker, Arizona, where the Calhouns are from. He digs up info someone doesn't want found out and is almost killed trying to return to L.A. Socialites Clyde Russell and Elizabeth Gorman, who were throwing a party the Calhouns attended, are also investigated. Jim's investigation is making someone nervous as another attempt is made on his life.
Ep. 3: The Countess (1974-09-27)

Jim is helping a Countess avoid a blackmailer but is then charged for the Blackmailer murder...
Ep. 4: Exit Prentiss Carr (1974-10-04)

Jim finds the murdered body of Prentiss Carr in his hotel room and after reporting the incident to the police learns it has been classified as suicide...
Ep. 5: Tall Woman in Red Wagon (1974-10-11)

Jim helps a journalist trace the whereabouts of her friend and has to adopt a series of covers in order to obtain the information, as well as contend with a mobsters goons and a Treasury Agent...
Ep. 6: This Case Is Closed (1974-10-18)

While investigating the fiance of Warren Jamison's daughter, Jim experiences some strange events which include kidnapping by the mob and the FBI who are anxious to get a statement - it all relates back to Jim recent trip to Newark...
Ep. 7: The Big Ripoff (1974-10-25)

Suspecting her ex-lover was killed by his wife, a woman hires Rockford to jet to Europe to compile evidence. After a fling with the widow, Rockford suspects Steve Nelson faked his death.
Ep. 8: Find Me If You Can (1974-11-01)

Rockford reluctantly takes a unique assignment: a beautiful mystery woman wants him to find her, to see if someone she fears could also track her down. With a check poised to bounce, the ex-con PI needs the retainer to balance his always-challenged checking account. When Rockford checks with a local police department, he worms out a chilling piece of data: she's been dating Denver Mafia capo-regime, hot-tempered Ralph Correll. But the more Barbara Kelbaker strings along Jim Rockford, the more he's charmed into helping the desperate 30 something.
Ep. 9: In Pursuit of Carol Thorne (1974-11-08)

Jim tails a woman just released from prison. She was involved in a robbery of a Marine Payroll. The mastermind of the crime and his henchman follow her as well. They search for the remaining robber who wound up with the loot.
Ep. 10: The Dexter Crisis (1974-11-15)

Rockford ends up in the Nevada desert (starting with the bright lights of Las Vegas) searching for a rich guy's mistress and her suitcase of precious "documents."
Ep. 11: Caledonia - It's Worth a Fortune! (1974-12-06)

When knowledge of a critically ill convict's hidden fortune comes to light, Rockford becomes involved in helping the con's wife find the treasure before his former partner arrives and demands his share.
Ep. 12: Profit and Loss (1) (1974-12-20)

Jim investigates a large corporation when one of its executives is kidnapped and the wife of another executive claims the company murdered her husband.
Ep. 13: Profit and Loss (2) (1974-12-27)

Rockford discovers the investment firm Fiscal Dynamics is a financial fraud and its president Leon Fielder will do anything to prevent him from destroying his company.
Ep. 14: Aura Lee, Farewell (1975-01-03)

Jim's old friend Sara Butler hires him to find out the real reason her employee Aura Lee Benton died. The police believe it was a drug overdose but Sara is convinced she was murdered.
Ep. 15: Sleight of Hand (1975-01-17)

Jim's girlfriend suddenly disappears with no clue as to how or why. Lt. Diel thinks Rockford is probably responsible for her disappearance and orders him to stay away from the case. But Jim can't stop until he finds out what happened.
Ep. 16: Counter Gambit (1975-01-24)

Two former cons hire Rockford to find an old girlfriend. They actually want her valuable pearl necklace and implicate him as the thief. With Angel's help, he'll get the pearls back and square himself with the police.
Ep. 17: Claire (1975-01-31)

Jim's old girlfriend, Claire Prescott, phones, and asks him to help give her protection from 2 hoods chasing her. He soon discovers there's a missing undercover cop, which puts him up against an arrogant Cpt. Highland, as well.
Ep. 18: Say Goodbye to Jennifer (1975-02-07)

John Micelli's an old war buddy of Jim', who's now a fashion photographer. He hires Jim to track down a beautiful fashion model, whom the authorities claim is dead; killed in a fiery multi-car accident, but, he thinks otherwise. As Jim starts to look into this, he runs into several intimidating figure who want to make certain she stays that way.
Ep. 19: Charlie Harris at Large (1975-02-14)

Charlie Harris, Rockford's former cell mate, is suspected of murdering his rich wife and is on the run. He calls on Rockford to find his alibi witness, a mystery woman with whom he was having an affair.
Ep. 20: The Four Pound Brick (1975-02-21)

A cop dies in an accident that his mother refuses to accept. Rocky offers Jim's services free of charge. After begrudgingly accepting the case he discovers that dirty cops might be involved which then pits him against a very angry Lt. Diel.
Ep. 21: Just by Accident (1975-02-28)

A race car driver dies in an apparent accident that his mother, an old friend of Jim's, thinks was no accident. It turns out he was part of an insurance scam outfit and they soon have a similar plan for Rockford.
Ep. 22: Roundabout (1975-03-07)

An insurance company hires Rockford to locate a missing woman who is due an inheritance. He finds her in Las Vegas where she is an unwitting pawn in a money laundering operation.