Thirty Years of THE ROCKFORD FILES: An Inside Look at America's Greatest Detective Series Paperback – February 28, 2005

With the classic 1974-1980 NBC detective show "The Rockford Files" finally coming out on DVD, the time is right for a comprehensive series guide book such as Ed Robertson's "Thirty Years of The Rockford Files." As portrayed by veteran actor James Garner, hard-bitten (and hard-luck) private detective Jim Rockford virtually defined the genre for many years. The show was incredibly popular at the time, and has played continuously in reruns ever since--hence the "Thirty Years" in the title. Garnering five Emmy Awards, including a Best Actor for Garner and a Best Dramatic Series, "The Rockford Files" was one of the most successful and unforgettable television series ever made."Thirty Years of The Rockford Files" is packed with "insider" information about the show. It includes rare behind-the-scenes photographs, interviews with writers, producers, directors and actors, fascinating trivia, the story of "the world's most famous Firebird" and complete episode guides for all six seasons. The description of each episode typically spans a few pages, and includes a cast list, a transcript of the humorous telephone answering machine message that opens each show, a plot summary and a discussion of interesting features of the episode. The plot summaries are very brief, usually just a short paragraph. At first I thought they were too short, but after watching a few episodes and then reading the related summaries, I concluded that they are "just right." Interestingly, most of them don't reveal the resolution of the mystery--you'll have to watch the episode to find out how it ends. Mr. Robertson also briefly summarizes the eight post-series Rockford movies that aired on CBS, and includes a short section on the two "Rockford Files" novels by Edgar-Award-winning mystery writer Stuart Kaminsky that appeared in 1996 and 1998. Finally, he discusses four of the ten unproduced scripts from the sixth season, which ended after only 12 (instead of 22) episodes after James Garner became ill.If you're buying "The Rockford Files" DVDs as they become available, you'll definitely want to pick up a copy of this book. Of all the television series and movie "companion" books, this is one of the best. Very highly recommended for all Rockford fans.

I had wanted this book for years, but it had always been out of my price range. I was so excited to find it available on Kindle recently and snapped it up.This is the story of "The Rockford Files". How it came about, how they picked the cast, and what went on behind the scenes. It also has synopses of every episode--including the return movies!--that lay out the basic premise of the episode without giving away any spoilers. The author (Ed Robertson) highlights a lot of the easter eggs buried in the episodes that most of us might not notice, as well as pointing out any prominent guest stars.Lots of great pictures, too, that looked really good on my Kindle.

Thirty Years of the Rockford Files has everything that you would ever want to know about (in my opinion) the greatest television series ever. The book is an updated version of Robertson's original book "This is Jim Rockford..." which was written over 10 years ago. Thirty years has much of the same info. as the original book with plenty of interviews of cast and crew members as well new photographs. There is an episode guide which is as comprehensive as they come and there is also an expanded summary of information regarding the 8 CBS Rockford File movies. All in all, this book is a must for all Rockford Files fans, along with the season 1 DVD set which has just come out.

lots of great insider information on episodes, guest stars, writers, etc. Episodes are dealt with individually. Would have liked more pics and more great lines from the actual episodes. A few inaccuracies. This book is a great accompaniment to viewing the actual episodes.

If you're as into TV... and TV Private Eyes... as I am, you've got to buy yourself Ed Robertson's "Thirty Years of THE ROCKFORD FILES." The book covers every aspect of the classic series, from the making of the pilot through the production of the eight reunion movies (as well as unproduced scripts and the tie-in books by Stuart Kaminsky among other things). Robertson interviews all the key players in front of, and behind, the camera, including James Garner, Steve Cannell, Roy Huggins, and Charles Floyd Johnson, and provides detailed episode synopses.Technically, this isn't a new book. It's an update and revision of two earlier books Robertson wrote about THE ROCKFORD FILES ... "This is Jim Rockford" and "The Rockford Files: A 20th Anniversary Tribute." I have both of those books, too (told you I was a geek) and, like improved software, it's well-worth "upgrading" to this new edition.

Any Rockford Files fan will have a difficult time putting this book down. It is much more than just an episode guide, It goes behind the scenes from the conception and network pitch of the show to the story behind the story after the final episodes aired in the early 90's. Each season is covered and every episode is given some degree of detail, not just a quick plot summery and cast listing. Great read, I highly recommend it.Thomas P Cosgrove DMDcosgrovedentalcare.comBirmingham, Alabama

It's a nice addition to the TV library, and there is a good deal of information in it, but I was a little disappointed for the value received for price paid.I paid a similar amount for a complete compendium of 'Mission:Impossible', and it provided much greater episodic depth (this book only lightly deals with individual episodes).When I was done with it, I knew Garner and the show a LITTLE better, but it really could have had a lot more depth.If you are a strong Rockford enthusiast, it's probably required reading and a nice addition to your collection....but try to buy it used somewhere. It' really not worth thirty bucks.

Tremendous, super & detailed guide to a greatly entertaining show. They don't often make 'em like that any more. An awful lot of work has gone into this book & I find it very enjoyable to read along with the DVD's. I can see in my mind the characters like 'weasely' Angel & long suffering Denis etc. Thanks for your efforts Ed.

As a fan of this classic Private Detective TV series , with James Garner this book gives a detailed episode guide of all six seasons plus the made for tv movies. It explains the early beginnings from Roy Huggins and Stephen Cannell creators. Lots of trivia and insight of the characters and storylines. This is a must have especially if you own any or all of the dvds box sets. Thankyou Ed Robertson

エド・ロバートソンが書いた、この本には"The Rockford Files"の知りたいその全てがあります。以前、出版された"This Is Jim Rockford..." のアップデートされたバージョンです。10年前にリリースされたとき、研究の量に驚いてしまいましたが、この書でロバートソンはさらに深く掘り下げました。200ページ以上のオリジナルであるNBCシリーズに関する新しい事実と情報、1990年代にCBSで放送した8回の再会シリーズの詳細に渡る分析を読者に提供しています。また、ジェームス・ガーナーのキャリアに対して、正直で批判的な見解も含んでいます。彼はJim Rockfordとして大変に優れていました。この番組の功績で、アメリカの最も大事にされた俳優の一人のままで残っています。キャストとクルーの数多くのインタビューやインサイダーからの非常に貴重な洞察、舞台裏でのガーナーの写真、我々が知ることは出来きない、成功の裏側にあった内部の様々な闘争等、さらなる一見があります。全てのファンには必須であり、発売中のDVDと共に。

Ed's book is the definitive guide to the best ever P.I. series on television with a comprehensive summary of every episode and movie. Entertaining, informative and fact filled. No self respecting Jimmy Joe Meeker fan can be without it.

Expanded version of this is Jim. Rockford, much more information about each episode, including anecdotes and trivia, includes information about the new Rockford movies. Exceptional, highly recommended