Roanoke Times
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: SATURDAY, August 6, 1994 TAG: 9408090068
SECTION: SPECTATOR PAGE: S-16 EDITION: METRO
SOURCE: By TOM JICHA FORT LAUDERDALE SUN-SENTINEL
DATELINE: LOS ANGELES LENGTH: Medium
Garner, 66, has agreed to reprise his Emmy-winning character Jim Rockford in a series of six "Rockford Files" TV movies during the next two seasons on CBS. Asked why he was revisiting his past, Garner quipped in characteristically glib fashion, "Money."
Once he got the anticipated laugh from TV writers, Garner made it clear that there wouldn't be enough cash to get him back into a character he didn't enjoy playing.
It isn't like he needs the work. Since the "Rockford Files" left the air in 1980, Garner has had a spectacular run in some of the most acclaimed TV movies of the '80s and '90s. Recently, he won an Emmy nomination for "Breathing Lessons." This follows Emmy-nominated performances in "Declaration Day," "Heartsong," "Promise," "My Name is Billy W" and "Barbarians at the Gate."
He also had a supporting role in the theatrical remake of "Maverick." Garner harbors no resentment that on the big screen Mel Gibson got to take over the character he created. Indeed, Garner can't wait for another opportunity to play second fiddle to Gibson. Asked about reports that there would be a "Maverick" sequel, he said, "I spread that rumor a lot."
The real reason Garner is reviving the "Rockford Files," for which he won an Emmy in 1977, is his affection for Jim Rockford.
"I love the character. He's a wonderful anti-hero. He always appealed to me because he's not your average, run-of-the-mill hero."
Garner figured it was now or never. "I'm of an age that I don't know if I could do this three or four years down the line, and I wanted to do it."
One of the traits that endears Jim Rockford to Jim Garner was the private eye's preference for using his wits instead of violence. Bret Maverick was the same kind of character.
"I don't want to be a mean-spirited hero," Garner said. "I have problems with some of the heroes today who must kill all these people. I don't know what it is about producers and writers who have to kill 30 people in the first reel."
Garner tried to revive "Maverick" a decade ago, but the series was canceled after one season. That was a valuable learning experience, he said.
"We had a lot of different writers and I chose some of the wrong people. It wasn't a bad series. It just wasn't what it should have been. They didn't understand the flavor."
This won't happen with the "Rockford Files," he predicted, because he has managed to rehire almost all the key behind-the-scenes personnel.
"We're talking about people who understand, who created this and did it 15 years ago. They know exactly what we're doing."
"Rockford" fans will be pleased that Garner also was able to reassemble his supporting stars. Stuart Margolin will be back as the incorrigible Angel Martin, and Joe Santos is returning as Detective Dennis Becker. Viewers will be brought up-to-date on what has happened to them during the intervening years in the first movie, which is targeted to air around Thanksgiving.
There is one noteworthy absentee - Noah Beery Jr. as Rockford's dad. This is unavoidable, Garner explained. "Noah's had a couple of strokes. We would love to use him, but we can't find a way to do it. We're even trying to think of ways to use him in flashbacks."
Garner also is hopeful that such friends as Rita Moreno, Lou Gossett, Isaac Hayes and Lindsay Wagner, who spiced the old "Rockford Files" with guest shots, will do it again for the revival.
"Tom Selleck wanted to do it," Garner said, flashing his trademark smile as a warning that what he was about to say shouldn't be taken at face value. "I think his agent has talked him out of it."
Not everything will be the same. Garner is making one concession to the passing years. Because of bad knees, whose condition has deteriorated with age, he has told his writers not to include him in action sequences where he has to run and carry on. "I can't do."
Garner accepts his limitations as an occupational hazard. "If you look back at all the private detectives who went through this, none of them have any knees left. They all have back problems. An hour action series is the most physically deteriorating thing you can do."
by CNB