A very happy Rockford Files 2013 New Year to all my viewers! May it be blessed! PHOTO: James & Jack Garner ACTORS/BROTHERS

Brothers & Actors James Garner and Jack Garner - What a team they were!

 

God bless James Garner and are prayers are with the late Jack Garner.

 

What a way to bring in the new year!

Actor James Garner visits the U.S. Servicemen in Vietnam in 1967 - James Garner is a Korean War veteran and Purple Heart recipient himself

Bill Becker ©Stars and Stripes
South Vietnam, April, 1967: Actor James Garner, star of the "Maverick" TV series, is interviewed during the final day of his visit to U.S. bases in Vietnam. Garner, who received a Purple Heart while serving in the infantry in the Korean War, talked about the skepticism he occasionally encountered while talking with the troops. "They might ask if I was over here on some tax writeoff, or how much I get paid<' he said. "When I explain that I'm an ex-rifleman private with the 24th Inf. Div.'s 5th Regimental Combat: Team, and came over for nothing, everything is OK."

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SAIGON — James Garner, the latest Hollywood actor to play the USO Borscht Circuit in Vietnam, feels that the main reason the U.S. public hasn't been sold on the war is because the United States was not attacked.

Garner, a Purple Heart veteran of Korea, says that he personally feels the situation is much like it was in Korea when General Matthew Ridgway addressed the troops and asked, "If you see a burglar coming, do you want to stop him at the back fence or wait until he gets into the house?"

"Here in Vietnam we couldn't wait for some sensational incident to happen or it would have been too late to help these people save their country from communism," Garner added.

The prospect of making a Vietnam tour caught Garner off guard, he readily admits. "I asked them what they thought I could do — no songs, no dances, no jokes. But here I am."

Traveling solo around the country, he has arrived at the conclusion that "the morale here is about 100 percent higher than it was in Korea."

Occasionally Garner runs across a GI who wants to try him for size. "They might ask if I was over here on some tax write off, or how much I get paid. When I explain that I'm an ex-rifleman private with the 24th Inf. Div.'s 5th Regimental Combat: Team, and came over for nothing, everything is OK."

As for Hollywood and the war, Garner feels it will be some time before any pictures based on the Vietnam war are produced.

"There are a lot of technical problems — getting the right equipment, finding the right locations and such, but above all it is too soon. The pictures made about the Korean War didn't do well at the box office, but World War II pictures are well received now."

Garner is not worried about his most recently released film doing well. "Grand Prix," the story of European auto racing, seems well along the road toward soaking up 40 or 50 million at the box office.

This was a labor of love for Garner, who was a California hot-rodder in his youth.

While he developed a great admiration and respect for the men who drive the powerful Formula I cars, Garner doesn't hesitate to admit that it isn't for him.

Garner, star of the highly successful "Maverick" TV series, is getting ready to mount up again soon when he plays Wyatt Earp to Jason Robards Jr.'s Doc Holliday in a picture that takes up the great lawman's career after the battle of the OK Corral.

• By WALLY BEENE  as published in the Stars and Stripes

Christmas - The Rockford Files "Jim Rockford" - James Garner & Mariette Hartley Polaroid Christmas

 

 

 

 

 

 

The Rockford Files - Episode: Lions, Tigers, Monkeys and Dogs (1979) Gene's Auto Sales, Western Costume Rentals, Florist Artist, Juliana Flowers, Baja Cantina Restaurant - Vintage Venice & Marina Del Rey California

 

 

ABOVE TWO PHOTOS: I believe this is the only Rockford Files episode that has a woman older that James Garner playing a love interest of his. The beautiful Lauren Bacall was born in 1924 where as James Garner was born in 1928.

AMAZINGLY BOTH GARNER & BACALL ARE BOTH WITH US TODAY IN 2012.

The above images are from the filming location directly outside Western Costume Rentals located at: Next to the Paramount Motion Pictures Group, Melrose Avenue, Los Angeles, CA

THANKS TO ROBERT HOWE FOR THIS CORRECTION

 

 

 ABOVE & BELOW PHOTOS: The 1700 Block of Ocean Park Blvd

Above is the image from the Rockford Files (1979) in which you can see Marty's Liquor located at 1736 Ocean park Blvd.

BELOW: Today - Marty's Liquor has changed its name to Marty's Gourmet Wines.

 

 

 

 ABOVE TWO IMAGES: Jim Rockford and Kendall Warren (Lauren Bacall) leave a florist shop.

The florist shop in 1979 was Juliana Flowers located at 2318 Lincoln Blvd in Venice, CA.

As of recently it was Florist Artist Flower Shop.

The Standard gas station across the street is still located there expect for much more modern Chevron signs.

 

 

 

 

ABOVE THREE PHOTOS: The Baja Cantina Restaurant & Bar located at

311 Washington Boulevard, Marina Del Rey, CA

The top two images were from 1979 Rockford Files episode and the photo directly above is of recently (2011).

 

 ABOVE PHOTO: Not the first time Gene's Auto Sales was in a Rockford Files Episode...

It was also in the two part episode titled GEARJAMMERS.

Gene's Auto Sales was located at 220 S Victory Blvd Burbank, CA.

Ross Reynolds Fiat Auto Sales was located across the street.

 

CLICK HERE FOR THE IMDB WEBSITE FOR THIS EPISODE

 

The Rockford Files - Episode: Resurrection in Black & White (1975) Special Guest Star: Joan Van Ark

Park Sorrento Apartments

23403 Park Sorrento Calabasas, California

The Rockford Files - Episode: Resurrection in Black & White (1975) Special Guest Star: Joan Van Ark

The above two images are from a scene where James Rockford and magazine reporter Susan Alexander, played by the beautiful Joan Van Ark, are having lunch at a Mexican restaurant sidewalk cafe.

This Mexican restaurant was located at 23527 Calabasas Road, Calabasas, California

Here is what that location looks like today (2011) courtesy of Google Maps

NBC / Universal - The people who brought you the Rockford Files now brings you "CHICAGO FIRE" on NBC TV

NBC's TV "Chicago Fire" is filmed almost exclusively in the Chicago land area. If you keep an eye open you can catch yours truly in some of the episodes. So far I have been in 6 of the first seasons episodes. They use real Chicago cops and firefighters as extras and actors in this TV series.

It is your blogmaster on the set of CHICAGO FIRE. I have played a uniformed Chicago cop in 6 of the show's episodes so far! Keep your eyes open... and play WHERE'S WALDO???

The Rockford Files - EPISODE: Black Mirror (1978) 11558 West Riverside Drive Los Angeles CA - The Marquis Condos - Also the very beautiful & sexy Kathryn Harrold

The very sexy  Kathryn Harrold played Megan K. Dougherty - who was a blind psychologist in this episode of the Rockford Files.

                                                   

I wish all the filming locations were this easy to identify. In the above video clip from this episode, Jim Rockford reads off the address he is visiting and it truly is the actual address he is at including the apartment number (105).

11558 West Riverside Drive  Los Angeles, CA 

Apartment #105

Not only does Jim Rockford verbally states the location but the mail he is looking through also contains the same correct address of this filming location.

The Rockford Files - Episode: Cracked Back - Gibby's Place Restaurant & Bar

This shot in the same episode shows the old Citizens Bank Building.

 Gibby's Place Restaurant & Bar was located at 13300 Ventura Blvd in Sherman Oaks, CA. It was actually a real restaurant & bar but the true name of the business wasn't Gibby's Place. Anybody know what the real name of this place was? Today the Prudential Realty Co. occupies the building at 13300 Ventura Blvd.

The Rockford Files - Episode: A Good Clean Bust with Sequel Rights (1978) Marriott Airport Hotel, Spotlight Club Bar, Astro Theater, Merit Savings Bank, Florsheim Shoes

ABOVE IMAGES: Still frames from this episode of the Los Angeles Marriott Airport Hotel. The baby blue interior is a sign of the 1970's! Below is the way the Marriott Airport Hotel appeared during this period. The Marriott Hotel has spent millions of dollars in updating this large hotel. 

ABOVE IMAGE: Aerial shot overlooking the 300 Block of East First Street during the late 1970's as seen in this episode. Florsheim Shoes is on the left Merit Savings Bank is on the right. 

ABOVE IMAGE: Aerial shot overlooking the 300 Block of South Broadway during the late 1970's as seen in this episode. The Astro Theater can be seen on the left.   

 Above Images: The Spotlight Club THEN & NOW. 

Located at 1601 N. Cahuenga in Los Angeles.

ABOVE IMAGE:  This inside bar scene is suppose to be the interior of the Spotlight Club. But based on the doorway being totally different than the exterior shot, I would guess this is a studio/stage bar located at NBC / Universal studios. I do love the sign on the wall just past the man sitting at the bar that reads "CHILI 20 CENTS"

The Little Brown Church in the Valley - The Rockford Files - Episode: Rattlers' Class of '63

 

ABOVE PHOTO: The Little Brown Church in the Valley 4418 Coldwater Canyon Ave, Studio City, CA. As seen in the Rockford Files TV episode (Rattlers' Class of '63) - Church Angel Martin married Regine Boyajian played by the beautiful actress Elayne Heilveil



ABOVE PHOTO: The Little Brown Church in the Valley 4418 Coldwater Canyon Ave, Studio City, CA. As seen in the Rockford Files TV episode (Rattlers' Class of '63) - Church Angel Martin married Regine Boyajian played by the beautiful actress Elayne Heilveil.

This is the church that Angel Martin got married at in this Rockford Files TV episode (Rattlers' Class of '63). It is named "The Little Brown Church in the Valley" located at 4418 Coldwater Canyon Avenue, Studio City, CA. The church is still there today... But the Go-Lo Gas Station that can be seen located next to this church is long gone....So are the 54 cents a gallon for gasoline as seen on the GO-LO Gas Station sign. The Go-Lo Gas Station was on the corner of Coldwater Canyon Ave and Moorpark Street.

 ABOVE PHOTO: The Little Brown Church in the Valley as it stands today in 2012

From the E-Mail Department... A question from a viewer

Hello Rockford Files Blogger;

I enjoyed scrolling through your website. I am also a fan of the Rockford files. I notice you pay close attention to detail so I thought I would contact you and ask a question.

I bought a piece of memorabilia on eBay that was supposed to be from the Rockford files. I am not sure if it ever did make it to the screen but I wanted to see if you or anyone you know might recognize it. Just a shot in the dark and thank you for your time. Attached is a picture of the prop.

Thank you .

Joe

 

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Can anybody help Joe? Have you seen this item as a prop or background piece on the Rockford Files TV Series?

 

Leave any info in the comment section or e-mail it to me at RockfordLocations@Live.Com

BUMPED UP DUE TO THE 1 YEAR ANNIVERSARY OF HIS PASSING - Jack Garner, older brother of James Garner, dies at 84 - Played many roles on his brother's TV show, THE ROCKFORD FILES

ABOVE PHOTO: Brothers James & Jack Garner

PHOTO LEFT: The Garner brothers, from left, Jack Garner, actor James Garner, and Charles Bumgarner gathered for a game of golf in Norman in this July 1973 Transcript photo. James Garner and Jack Garner changed their names when they moved to California. Charles Bumgarner retained the family name and became an educator in Norman. Jack Garner died Tuesday, Sept. 13, 2011, at his home in California. He was 84.

Jack Garner, a Norman native who worked as an actor, singer, professional baseball player and longtime golf pro, died Tuesday in California after a brief illness. He was 84.

 He was the older brother of Hollywod legend James Garner. The oldest brother, the late Charles Bumgarner, was a longtime Norman school administrator who died in 1984 at age 60.

Jack Garner’s daughter, Liz Bumgarner, said her father had fallen and broken a hip last week. His heart was not strong enough for surgery and they were planning for long-term care when his condition worsened and he died, she said.

Jack Garner was a standout athlete at Norman High School and played on a state championship basketball team for Norman High. He later played professional baseball and worked as a golf professional at local courses.

 Later in life he was frequently cast in roles in his brother’s 1970s NBC-TV series, “The Rockford Files” and numerous other shows. Liz Bumgarner, said her father moved to California in the early 1960s. He most recently lived in Palm Desert, Calif.

Both Jack Garner and James Garner were raised in Norman and later changed their name from Bumgarner to Garner when they moved to California. Charles Bumgarner remained in Norman and retained the Bumgarner name.

“He had so many friends and still had some family in Norman,” Liz Bumgarner said of her father. “We had many great memories there.”

A memorial service is planned in California. Arrangements are under the direction of the Wiefels Palm Springs Mortuary.

The three Bumgarner sons were born in Norman to Mildred Scott Meek and Weldon Warren “Bill” Bumgarner. The family ran a general store at Denver Corner on the east side of Norman. Mrs. Bumgarner died when the boys were very young and they lived with friends and relatives as their father struggled to find work during the Depression.

 In his soon-to-be-published memoir, James Garner called his older brother “a hell of an athlete, and I always took a backseat to him.”

“At Norman High, he was a point guard on a championship basketball team and quarterbacked an all-state football team,” James Garner wrote. “But his best sport was baseball: Jack was a pitcher in the Pittsburgh Pirates organization for eleven years. He was a better athlete than I was and a lot more outgoing. I was always in his footsteps.”

The Rockford Files - Episode: 2 Into 5.56 Won't Go (1975)

The above two images show a motel. Based upon the logo on the ice bucket in the very top image, this is/was a Sheraton Motel. The actual location is presently unknown other than in California somewhere. I am hoping somebody recognizes this motel.

The above two images were from a funeral scene from this Rockford Files episode. The filming location was:
Wayfarers Chapel
5755 Palos Verdes Drive South
Rancho Palos Verdes, CA 90275
(310) 377-1650

The Rockford Files - Episode: Resurrection in Black & White (1975) Santa Monica Huntley House's "Gate of Spain Resturant" filming location

 

 

Above Two Images: Jim Rockford selected the Huntley House's Gate of Spain Restaurant to celebrate his "breaking the case". Jim Rockford has dinner with his two clients - Susan Alexander & Dave Kruger played by Joan Van Ark and John Lawlor.

 

 

The above photo is a file photo of Huntley House's Gate of Spain Restaurant.

This is NOT a scene from this episode.

 

 

Above Image: Actors Joan Van Ark and John Lawlor shown as they appeared in 1975 and more recently 2012.

 

 Above Two Images: Interior filming at the Huntley House's Gate of Spain Restaurant.