Efficient and unassuming, the latest television movie of the popular series “The Rockford Files” mirrors the character himself, one of TV’s most enduring and popular private detectives. Just like Jim Rockford, you know that no matter what the case, you can count on it to deliver the goods in the end.
That’s what ailing PI Booker Hutch (John Amos) is counting on in CBS’ “The Rockford Files: Murder and Misdemeanors” (7 p.m. Friday, WBBM-Ch. 2) when he asks old prison buddy Rockford (Emmy-winner James Garner) to take on a few unfinished cases for him. What Rockford doesn’t realize is that one of those cases is an incendiary sexual misconduct investigation levied by a prostitute against two popular cops.
The police, including Rockford’s best friend Dennis Becker (Joe Santos), are on his case for his part in the investigation; various criminals have also taken a special interest in his involvement; a crusading newspaper columnist (Isabel Glasser) writes up his “humanitarian” efforts in the name of his friend Booker; and eternally scheming con man Angel Martin (Stuart Margolin) uses his buddy’s sudden popularity to scam out a possible movie on his life.
“I just can’t wait to see what’s going to fall on me next,” Rockford deadpans.
Neither can we. Like its dogged detective, “The Rockford Files: Murder and Misdemeanors” also gets the job done when it comes to providing solid, dependable entertainment, although one may get the feeling that not a whole lot is going on. And that is one of the film’s — indeed, the series of films’ — strengths.
The production, which is headed by some of the same staff who worked on the 1974-80 NBC series, is tailored to the talents of its durable star. Frankly, the 69-year-old Garner isn’t up to the strenuous activities he once participated in on the show more than 20 years ago. Indeed, thanks to the numerous physical ailments he incurred while working on the original “Rockford Files,” Garner couldn’t do the running, jumping and other stunts even if he wanted to.
But the reason “The Rockford Files” movies work as well as they do is because they take advantage of Garner’s considerable acting skills and rely less on his physicality. Garner has always been one of television’s most appealing stars, and he takes full advantage of his magnetic qualities.
Look at some of the things he does in “Murder and Misdemeanors.” The irascible scowls, hang-dog looks of helplessness and confusion, and sly grins and smirks are all there. They are mannerisms that have helped Garner throughout his career, and now have been shaded by age.
So if it seems that not much is happening in “Murder and Misdemeanors,” it’s because there isn’t. The action quotient is turned way down from the days of the series, where the hallmark was the screeching car chase (there wasn’t a whole lot of fighting, because Rockford avoided hurting his fists on people’s faces whenever possible).
But that’s fine. Not a whole lot is needed beyond Garner’s charms; the efficient, low-key production; a strong supporting cast; a smart script by Juanita Bartlett; and smooth direction by Tony Wharmby.
And keeping it all together are executive producers Garner, Bartlett and Chas. Floyd Johnson. Johnson created the series with veteran producer Stephen J. Cannell, who serves as supervising producer here.
“Murder” is the seventh “Rockford” film; an eighth has yet to be scheduled.
– Rockin’: Amos calls it “probably one of the longest call-backs in the history of the industry.”
The dependable actor, best known for his roles in “Good Times” and “Roots,” was to appear on an episode of “The Rockford Files” when it was on NBC. But, he says, “just when I was about to commit to it, I got the opportunity to do a film. And business being what it was, I opted to do the movie,” the name of which he can’t even remember now.
Twenty years later, Amos finally got to appear alongside Garner in a “Rockford” production, and he reports that all the stories you’ve heard about the actor are true.
“An extremely likable guy with a great sense of humor,” says Amos, himself an extremely likable guy. “It was indeed a joy . . . he’s a man’s man.”
Amos, whose career spans some 30 years, is kind of taking a break from television. He’s appearing around the country in a one-man play he created, “Halley’s Comet,” about an 86-year-old man who has seen the interplanetary mass twice in his lifetime, and engages it in a “dialogue” on his life.
“This will show you,” Amos promises, “a side of my work that I seldom, if ever, get a chance to show.”
