CTVA
The Classic TV Archive - US Crime Series
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Starring James Garner
Season 4 (NBC) (1977-78)
Episode Guide compiled by The Classic TV Archive
with contributions by: Rina Fox
references:
TV Guide /   Library of Congress (telnet://locis.loc.gov)
Internet Movie Database (https://us.imdb.com)
UCLA Film and Television Archive

############ The Rockford Files ##############
############# season 4 1977-78 ###############
##############################################
NBC Fridays 9:00 PM Eastern
22 hours
Executive Producer Meta Rosenberg
Supervising Producer Stephen J. Cannell
Produced by David Chase and Chas. Floyd Johnson
Director of Photography Andrew Jackson, A.S.C.

4.01 [67] The Rockford Files: BEAMER'S LAST CASE
16Sep77
Produced by Charles Johnson & David Chase
Teleplay by Stephen Cannell;
story: Booker Bradshaw, Calvin Kelly;
Directed by Stephen J. Cannell.
Director of Photography Andrew Jackson, A.S.C.
Guest Stars:
James Whitmore Jr.
Jack Kelly
Bibi Besch
Special Guest Star:
Robert Loggia
*
Co-Starring: (end credits)
Cal Bellini .......... Pedro E. Ramirez
Howard George ........ Phil "Golf Bag" Moreno
Phil Hoover .......... Dallas Walker
John Davey ........... Delivery Man
With:
Paula Victor ......... Receptionist
Arthur Eisner ........ Floyd Arturis
Raymond O'Keefe ...... Tony
Carlene Watkins ...... Girl on Bus
Jim returns from vacation to find that an auto mechanic has
been using his name and address to play at being a detective.

4.02 [--] The Rockford Files: TROUBLE IN CHAPTER 17
23Sep77
Xp: MR / Sup Pr: SJC
Produced by Chas. Floyd Johnson and David Chase
Written by Juanita Bartlett
Directed by William Wiard.
Director of Photography Andrew Jackson, A.S.C.
Guest Stars:
Ed Nelson
Arthur Roberts
And:
Claudette Nevins (as Ann Louise Clement)
Co-Starring (opening credits)
Donna Baccala
*
Co-Starring: (end credits)
Tasha Martell ........ Marty Bach
Al Checco ............ Sam
Michael Laurence ..... 2nd Reporter
Bob Navarro .......... 3rd Reporter
With:
Toni Berrell ......... Woman
Candace Howerton ..... Gloria
Mario Machardo ....... 1st Reporter
Scott Ellsworth ...... Zinberg
Michael M. Steele .... Lyle Van Houghton
Molly Dodd ........... Daisy
A female author, whose books advocate women to return to their
traditional roles, suspects she's marked for murder by a feminist group.

4.03 [--] The Rockford Files: THE BATTLE OF CANOGA PARK
30Sep77
Xp: MR / Sup Pr: SJC
Produced by David Chase and Chas. Floyd Johnson
Written by Juanita Bartlett
Directed by Ivan Dixon
Also Starring: Noah Beery, Joe Santos (regulars)
Guest Cast:
Nora Marlowe
Adrienne Marden
John Dennis Johnston
Tom Atkins (recurring)
Gretchen Corbett (as Beth Davenport)(recurring)
Co-Starring: (opening credits)
Elliott Street
*
Co-Starring: (end credits)
Ted Gehring .......... Walter Chalco
John Perak ........... Pete Semple
Brion James .......... Clamshell
Charles Hallahan ..... Brian
with:
James Parks .......... Records Clerk
Art Koustik .......... 2nd Officer
Bruce Tuthill ........ Bomb Squad Officer
Luis Delgado ......... Officer Billings
Rockford becomes the prime suspect when his gun is used to murder
a gas station owner connected with right wing militants.

4.04 [--] The Rockford Files: SECOND CHANCE
14Oct77
Xp: MR / Sup Pr: SJC
Produced by David Chase and Chas. Floyd Johnson
Written by Gordon Dawson
Directed by Reza Badiyi
Director of Photography, Andrew Jackson, A.S.C.
Guest Stars:
Isaac Hayes
Malachi Throne
Tony Burton
Special Guest Star:
Dionne Warwick
And:
Stuart Margolin (as Angel)(recurring)
*
Co-Starring: (end credits)
Sean Garrison ........ Lanark
Frank Christi ........ Brill
Richard Seff ......... Arnold Rose
With:
Vivi Janiss .......... Pawn Shop Proprietor
Jack Garner .......... Bartender
Milt Oberman ......... Farnum
Janet Dey ............ Secretary
Rudy Diaz ............ Raul
Luis Delgado ......... Officer Billings (recurring)
Michael Jay London ... Grazelli
The girl friend of Rockford's old prison pal is abducted.

4.05 [--] The Rockford Files: THE DOG AND PONY SHOW
21Oct77
Xp: MR / Sup Pr: SJC
Produced by David Chase and Chas. Floyd Johnson
Written by David Chase
Directed by Reza Badiyi
Director of Photography, Andrew Jackson, A.S.C.
Guest Stars:
Joanne Nail
Walter Brooke
George Loros
Michael Bell
And:
Ed Lauter (as Joseph Bloomberg)
Special Guest Star:
Stuart Margolin (as Angel)(recurring)
*
Co-Starring: (end credits)
Gary Crosby .......... Beau
Al Ruscio ............ Vic Cassell
Howard Honig ......... Dr.Alan J. Adler
Bill Quinn ........... Judge
Robert Lussier ....... Leon
Louisa Moritz ........ Helen
with:
Dan Barton ........... Hal
Ken Sidwell .......... Attendant
Harriet Matthey ...... Girl
A former mental patient claims she's being followed, and asks Jim to prove it.
Rockford is ordered to join a psychiatric therapy group when
implicated in a petty theft, he meets a woman being threatened by the "underworld"

4.06 [--] The Rockford Files: REQUIEM FOR A FUNNY BOX
Prod. no. 47511
4Nov77
Xp: MR / Sup Pr: SJC
Produced by Chas. Floyd Johnson and David Chase
Teleplay by James S. Crocker / Story by Burt Prelutsky.
Directed by William Wiard
Director of Photography Andrew Jackson, A.S.C.
Also Starring: Noah Beery, Joe Santos (regulars)
Guest Stars:
Chuck McCann
Robert Quarry
Jason Evers
Jodean Russo
Meredith MacRae
Tom Atkins
Gretchen Corbett (as Beth Davenport)(recurring)
Co-Starring: (opening credits)
Gilbert Green
*
With: (end credits)
Thomas A. Geas ...... Waiter
Del Hinkley ......... Poco
Hank Stohl .......... Officer
Joel Lawrence ....... Newscaster
Luis Delgado ........ Officer Billings (recurring)
Synopsis 1:
A comedian asks Jim for protection against his hot-tempered ex-partner.
Synopsis 2:
Rockford's on a murder charge when a comedian denies he has
a file of jokes. A motive for murder reveals an alliance between
the dead man & the underworld.

4.07 [--] The Rockford Files: QUICKIE NIRVANA
Prod. no. 47513
11Nov77
Xp: MR / Sup Pr: SJC
Produced by David Chase and Chas. Floyd Johnson
Written by David Chase
Directed by Meta Rosenberg
Director of Photography Andrew Jackson, A.S.C.
Guest Stars:
Valerie Curtin
Kenneth Gilman
Quinn Redeker
Dick Anthony Williams
Larry Cook
James Luisi
Co-Starring: (opening credits)
Patricia Pearcy
*
Co-Starring: (end credits)
Carl Crudup ........... Eddie McBrair
Elta Blake ............ Ann
With:
Aesop Aquarian ........ Cook
Michael Grandcolas .... Panhandler
Dan Magiera ........... Conga Drummer
Two thugs suspect Rockford is an accomplice to an aging hippie
who ripped them off.
Rockford allows a child of the '60s to use his mailing address
to avoid bill collectors. Instead they are pursued by thugs
who accuse them of stealing $30,000.

4.08 [--] THe Rockford Files: IRVING, THE EXPLAINER
18Nov77
xp: MR / sup.pr SJC & CFJ
Produced by David Chase
Written by David Chase
Directed by James Coburn
Director of Photography: Andrew Jackson, A.S.C.
Guest Stars:
Barbara Babcock
Paul Stewart
Maurice Marsac
Irene Tsu
James Luisi
*
Co-Starring: (end credits)
Roger Etienne ......... Mage
Peter Von Zerneck ..... Ruprecht
Byron Morrow .......... Irving
Brooke Palance ........ Gilda
with:
Alex Rodine ........... Willy Schindler
Luis Delgado .......... Officer Billings (recurring)
Shep Saunders ......... Desk Clerk
A famous French painting is found to have been stolen by Nazi
sympathizers living in Hollywood.

4.09 [--] The Rockford Files: THE MAYOR'S COMMITTEE FROM DEER LICK FALLS
25Nov77
xp: MR / sup.pr SJC &
Produced by Chas. Floyd Johnson and David Chase
Written by William R. Stratton
Directed by Ivan Dixon
Director of Photography: Andrew Jackson, A.S.C.
Guest Cast:
Edward Binns
Richard O'Brien
Charles Aidman
Priscilla Barnes
Jerry Hardin
James Luisi
And:
Stuart Margolin as Angel (recurring)
*
Co-Starring: (end credits)
Clark Howat .......... Mr. Rankin
Richard Sanders ...... Samuel Romney
Fritzi Burr .......... Miss Orneck
Ian Sander ........... Christian
David Rupprecht ...... David
Synopsis 1:
Four Michigan businessmen try to commission Jim to kill a woman
who can connect them with a massive tax evasion.
Synopsis 2:
Town citizens hire Rockford to find a truck. What they really
want is for him to dispose of a girl who exposed their tax-dodge game to the IRS.

4.10 Hotel of Fear (1977.12.02)
Prod. no. 47514
Producers: Charles Johnson, David Chase
written by Juanita Bartlett;
directed by Russell Mayberry.
DPUB: 2Dec77


Gerald McRaney
Barry Atwater
Madison Arnold
Frank de Kova
Vincent Baggetta
Angel witnesses an out-of-control hitman killing a hooker and
becomes the star witness against the man, complete with posh protective custody.

4.11 [--] The Rockford Files: FORCED RETIREMENT
Prod. no. 47512
9Dec77
xp: MR supp pr:SJC
Produced by Chas. F. Johnson & David Chase
Written by William R. Stratton
Directed by Alexander Singer
Director of Photography: Andrew Jackson, A.S.C.
Guest Stars:
Larry Hagman
Margaret Impert
Denny Miller
Ron Masak
And:
Gretchen Corbett (as Beth Davenport)(recurring)
Stuart Margolin (as Angel)(recurring)
*
Co-Starring: (end credits)
William Joyce ......... Harcourt
Conrad Bachmann ....... Rundstedt
With:
Derek Murcott ......... Maitre D'
John Davey ............ Sgt. Jacobsen
Doug Hale ............. Restaurant Manager
Bill Hart ............. Benish
Rockford delves into a suspicious underseas research project, run by one of Beth's friends.

4.12 [-] The Rockford Files: THE QUEEN OF PERU
16Dec77
Xp: MR / Sup Pr: SJC
Produced David Chase (NOT Chas. Floyd Johnson)
Written by David Chase
Directed by Meta Rosenberg
Director of Photography: Andrew Jackson, A.S.C.
Guest Stars:
George Wyner
Ken Swofford
Christopher Cary
Joe E. Tata
Luke Andreas
James Luisi (as Lt. Chapman)(recurring)
And:
Gretchen Corbett (as Beth Davenport)(recurring)
*
Co-Starring: (end credits)
Hunter Von Leer ........ Skip
Jennifer Markes ........ Shareen Wronko
Michael Morgan ......... Sean Wronko
Susan Davis ............ Dot Wronko
Paul Cavonis ........... Donny B. Waugh
With:
Jack Garner ............ Hubbard
Tara Buckman ........... Girl
Jim is hired by an insurance company to retrieve stolen diamonds
that end up being stolen by tourists when they are hidden in his barbecue grill.

4.13 [--] The Rockford Files: A DEADLY MAZE
23Dec77
Xp: MR / Sup Pr: SJC
Produced by David Chase & Chas. Floyd Johnson
Written by Juanita Bartlett
Directed by William Wiard
Director of Photography: Andrew Jackson, A.S.C.
Guest Stars:
Larry Linville
Corinne Michaels
J. Pat O'Malley
Lance LeGault
Johnny Seven
*
Co-Starring: (end credits)
Cliff Carnell ........ Max Savatgy
Jack Collins ......... Victor Kreski
With:
John McKinny ......... Nick Commandini
Ken Anderson ......... Ted Posner
Gail Landry .......... Student Receptionist
Luis Delgado ......... Officer Billings (recurring)
A client doesn't seem very eager to find his missing wife, yet
keeps offering Jim more money to do so.

4.14 [--] The Rockford Files: THE ATTRACTIVE NUISANCE
6Jan78
Xp: MR / Sup Pr: SJC
Produced by Chas. Floyd Johnson & David Chase
Written by Stephen J. Cannell
Directed by Dana Elcar
Guest Cast:
Victor Jory
Ken Lynch
And:
Gretchen Corbett (recurring)
*
Co-Starring: (end credits)
Dick Balduzzi ........ Don Silver
Hunter von Leer ...... Skip Speece
Rudy Bond ............ Bennie
John Morgan Evans .... Vinnie
Jess Nadelman ........ Bruce Weinstock
Jeannie Fitzsimmons .. Joy Silver
Joe Tornatore ........ Sid
Paul Sorensen ........ Inspector Claybourn
with:
Jerome Guardino ...... Hank
Joseph Dellasorte .... Dave Young
Will Gill, Jr. ....... F.B.I. Agent
Ann Gee Byrd ......... Woman on the Beach
Richard Doyle ........ Paramedic
Jim gets indigestion when his father opens a diner, and someone
who was spying on him sues him after falling from his trailer roof.

4.15 [--] The Rockford Files: THE GANG AT DON'S DRIVE-IN
Prod. no. 47516
13Jan78
Xp: MR / Sup Pr: SJC
Produced by Chas. Floyd Johnson & David Chase
Written by James S. Crocker
Directed by Harry Falk
Director of Photography: Andrew Jackson, A.S.C.
Guest Stars:
Anthony Zerbe
Arlene Golonka
Mills Watson
Lawrence Casey
Bill Fletcher
*
Co-Starring: (end credits)
Dick Bakalyan ........ Porter
Elaine Princi ......... Jo Ann
Connie Sawyer ......... Mrs. Fornechefsky
Jordan Rhodes ......... Dr. Kozoll
Paul Pepper ........... Don Brakeman, Jr.
Al Rossi .............. Fred Stassi
With:
Fredd Wayne ........... Curtis Meyer
Chuck Hicks ........... Walton
Hettie Lynn Hurtes .... Reporter
Luis Delgado .......... Officer Billings (recurring)
An author unearths incriminating facts about a high school class of 1962.

4.16 [--] The Rockford Files: THE PAPER PALACE
20Jan78
Xp: MR / Sup Pr: SJC
Produced by Chas. Floyd Johnson & David Chase
Written by Juanita Bartlett
Directed by Richard Crenna
Guest Stars:
James Luisi
Bruce Kirby
Pat Finley
Special Guest Star:
Rita Moreno (as Rita Capkovic)
*
Co-Starring: (end credits)
David Lewis .......... Burton Woodruff
Patricia Donahue ..... Eleanor Loft
Rena Assa ............ Jeannot Tunier
With:
Shirley O'Hara ....... Maggie Gillson
James Jeter .......... Officer McRainey
Norwood Smith ........ Henry Hellpern
Gene Shera ........... Rudy Ganse
Jack Garner .......... Restaurant Manager
Luis Delgado ......... Officer Billings (recurring)
Prostitute Rita Capkovic thinks she's being stalked by two French killers.

4.17 [--] The Rockfod Files: DWARF IN A HELIUM HAT
27Jan78
Xp: MR / Sup Pr: SJC
Produced by Chas. Floyd Johnson & David Chase
Written by Stephen J. Cannell & David Chase.
Directed by Reza Badiyi
Director of Photography: Andrew Jackson, A.S.C.
Guest Cast:
John Pleshette
Rebecca Balding
Gianni Russo
Milton Selzer
James Luisi
*
Co-Starring: (end credits)
Rick Springfield ...... Keith Stuart
Ted Markland .......... Mel
With:
Scott Ellsworth ....... Norman Appet
Robina Suwol .......... Amy Rockfelt
Bea Silvern ........... Edith Rockfelt
Mary Nancy Burnett .... Susan
Marie Reynolds ........ Janique
Robert Mayo ........... Santo
A killer after a social parasite phones the wrong number
- Rockford's with a warning.

4.18 [--] The Rockford Files: SOUTH BY SOUTHWEST
3Feb78
Xp: MR / Sup Pr: SJC
Produced by David Chase & Chas. Floyd Johnson
Written by Juanita Bartlett
Directed by William Wiard
Guest Stars:
Dorrie Kavanaugh
Don Chastain
Carlos Romero
Co-Starring: (opening credits)
Don Diamond
Jim B. Smith
Isaac Ruiz, Jr.
Bert Rosario
*
Co-Starring: (end credits)
Mark Roberts .......... Agent Kleinhoff
George Clifton ........ Agent Mallardi
Jim Scott ............. Agent Ben Bast
Eric Mason ............ Emiliano Rivera
With:
Don Dubbins ........... Agent Frazee
David Pansari ......... Bodyguard
Robert Clotworthy ..... Tommy
Yolanda Marquez ....... Hotel Operator
Gloria Dixon .......... Party Guest
Rockford is mistaken for an FBI agent and put on a plane to Mexico
where he finds a heiress who is trying to escape from her husband,
who is exploiting her family's good name.

4.19 [--] The Rockford Files: THE COMPETITIVE EDGE
10Feb78
Xp: MR / Sup Pr: SJC
Produced by David Chase & Chas. Floyd Johnson
Written by Gordon Dawson
Directed by Harry Falk
Guest Stars:
Stephen Elliott
Jim McMullan
Robert Hogan
Also Starring: (opening credits)
John Fiedler
Neile McQueen
George Murdock
Pepper Martin
Logan Ramsey
*
Co-Starring: (end credits)
John Lupton .......... Marty Sloan
Harold Sakata ........ John Doe
Anthony Charnota ..... Jax Player
Dennis Fimple ........ Rhino
With:
William Boyett ....... Morris
Jack Garner .......... Sheriff Bassett
Charles Howerton ..... Councilman Moore
Dick Gjonola ......... Security Guard
Barbara Leigh ........ Sylvia
Sandie Newton ........ Gail
Rockford is hired to find an accused embezzler who disappeared after posting bail.

4.20 [--] The Rockford Files: THE PRISONER OF ROSEMONT HALL
Prod. no. 47510 / 17Feb78
xp: MR / sup. pr: SJC + DC
Produced by Chas. Floyd Johnson
Teleplay by Stephen J. Cannell, David Chase
Story by Chas. Floyd Johnson, Maryann Rea
Directed by Ivan Dixon.
Guest Stars:
Frances Lee McCain
Kenneth Tobey
Co-Starring: (opening credits)
Joyce Easton
Danny Ades
Maurice Sherbanee
*
Co-Starring: (end credits)
Barney McFadden ....... Bert Hannan
Bill Thornbury ........ Paul Lowe Douglas
Paul Coufos ........... Thomas Tate
Ric Carrott ........... Pledge Miller Claussen
Buck Young ............ Jake Sand
Michael Swan .......... Cal Morris
With:
Kathie Richards ....... Judy
Julie Ann Benjamin .... Melinda
Douglas Ryan .......... Herb
Rockford investigates the disappearance of a friend's son during fraternity hazing.

4.21-22 [87-88] The Rockford Files: THE HOUSE ON WILLIS AVENUE (2hrs)
Prod. no. 47515 / 24Feb78
xp: MR / sup. pr: SJC
Produced by Chas. Floyd Johnson & David Chase
Written by Stephen J. Cannell
Directed by Hy Averback.
Guest Cast:
Jackie Cooper
Simon Oakland
Howard Hessman
John Van Dreelen
Robert Hogan
Special Guest Stars:
Pernell Roberts
And:
Dennis Dugan (as Richie Brockelman)
*
Co-Starring: (end credits - pt 1)
Paul Fix ........... Joe Tooley
Irene Tedrow ....... Mrs. Tooley
Lou Krugman ........ Sam Detonis
With:
Brett Hadley ....... Computer Operator
Vince Howard ....... Billy Mayhue
Vince Milana ....... Tim
Brian Culhane ...... 2nd Deputy
Jay Fenichel ....... Morgue Attendant
Nancy Conrad ....... Receptionist
*
Co-Starring: (end credits - pt 2)
Paul Fix ........... Joe Tooley
Russell Thorson .... Arthur Kenner
Hank Brandt ........ Mr. Davis
Irene Tedrow ....... Mrs. Tooley
Lou Krugman ........ Sam Detonis
With:
Brett Hadley ....... Computer Operator
Vince Howard ....... Billy Mayhue
Vince Milana ....... Tim
Ben Wright ......... Derek Halsted
Jack Garner ........ 1st Guard
Tom Stovall ........ Baker
Brian Culhane ...... 2nd Deputy
Jay Fenichel ....... Morgue Attendant
Larry McCormick .... Newscaster
Nancy Conrad ....... Receptionist
Rockford teams up with Richie Brockelman, who thinks that a detective friend
of theirs death was murder, and they discover a city councilman's crooked dealings.
NOTE: This was a 120 min TV movie, that introduces a character who's
named Richie Brockelman. The character is popular to warrant a spin-off.
Short-lived Spin-off series - Richie Brockleman, Private Eye (1978) starring Dennis Dugan