I met James Garner on set September of '76, at Universal, where he was filming "Rockford Files" and we talked for awhile as a scene was being set up. He was a great guy, unassuming, and real. I grew up in Hollywood and Burbank and he's the only star I asked for an autograph.
I'm huge Rockford fan. Was born in 68' so I was a child when it aired. Loved the entire cast, Jim, Rocky, Angel, Beth and Dennis. This really means a lot to me. Thank you so much!
The Rockford Files is probably my favorite tv show of all time. I lived in West L.A. for years, so I visited Paradise Cove many times. I was always thrilled to see how unchanged the entire area was -- the public restrooms were identical to how they appeared on Rockford, the restaurant was the same and even most of the mobile homes in the surrounding park were the same. It was like a time capsule from the late '70s -- all that was missing was Rockford's trailer. I haven't been there for about 10 years now and it's a shame to see how much of it has been ruined in that (relatively) short time. Now the beach area is cluttered with with those ridiculous beds, signs, surfboards and picket fences, etc. Very sad to see.
I have to admit, that is the first thing that I thought about. It looks like a neighbor's yard at Christmas time where they overcrowd their yard with cheesy clutter. I was still glad to see the area where they filmed it. Great job by the guy that posted it.
I'm 61 years old, will be 62 this year, so I grew up watching Rockford files. I love the theme music to the show. Now I watch all of the episodes on Roku tv. And at the beginning of every episode, I jam out to the music theme.
Must admit that area seems like nostalgia gold! I can feel all the joy and fun of both of those iconic memories! California was always a part of those experiences. It still holds lots of good vibes!
Greetings from Dublin, Ireland Jordan. That was special to get the Rockford tour there. I was a young kid when I used to watch the Rockford Files in the late 70's/early 80's over here with my Dad who died 3 years ago. It was my favourite show...I think I wanted to be Jim Rockford! Really special memories and amazing to see where the motorhome was. Really quite emotional here now to be honest as I think of my Dad (who I miss very much) and I watching it on a Friday or Saturday night all those years ago. I can tell you had great fondness for it too, it comes across in your film. Thank you!
Thank you so much for this. The Rockford Files was and still is my favourite show. James Garner was soooo handsome, a real gentleman, loved his family and was a great actor. And he loved dogs.💕💕💕💕🇨🇦🇨🇦🇨🇦🇨🇦🇨🇦🇨🇦
James Garner house or beach house was in that trailer park you walked by . I serviced his Roof back in the summer of 79 ..... Great Time in my Life . 👍
I think his trailer was closer to the water. It looks to me like the original parking lot extended closer to the water than it does now. His trailer would have been where those beach umbrellas are, behind you at 9:01. His trailer was basically in the area where they had the tribute sign. That's why they placed the sign where they did, and not in front of that bathroom building.
My favorite show of all times, I remember watching the final episode with my dad in 1980 when I was 5. I was of course glad that it spun off magnum PI which then became my favorite show
That was great, Jordan. I have dragged my wife to Paradise Cove many times. She is aware that I am Rockford obsessed. A couple of interesting facts; Garner is short for his full last name, Bumgarner. And those mobile homes at Paradise Cove sell for over one million each.
Since you are admittedly Rockford obsessed I will unapologetically cross-post this: I fell in love in 1974 with the girls on the beach in the opening theme. The shot used to go by so fast that I could only tell that it was one girl in a bikini and somebody else. But it still made my heart jump every time I saw it. I of course forgot about it for decades before running into the show on Roku a week or so ago. I videoed it on my phone and then replayed it back slowly. By doing that I could tell that it was actually two girls sunning themselves on the beach. I wonder if those two girls ever knew that they were the ones in the opening theme. If anyone knows anything about this I would certainly like to hear about it
I love this show when iI was a child and I still love it to this day.. the telephone message and then the soundtrack are just timeless. I can describe James Garner in one word. CLASS
I never missed an episode of Rockford files - Always watched it with my dad - My Dad loved this show ? - I think my Dad could relate to thhis straight talking honest (loosely ) guy ! - My Dad was ex army Served behind enemy lines - Got his self blown over a tank - got patched up - Went back on the DDay Invasion - fought for Caen Eindoven Nijmagen - Then with Dads integrity - After the war he signed up for the Control Commission to help rebuild the countries he'd blown up ? - James Garner was my Dads kind of Actor !
Who would not want to be Jim Rockford, drive that car, live at the beach, have Noah Berry for a dad and Angel for a friend !!! Thank you so much for the post and the tour. Mr, Garner gave me a lot of enjoyment through the years in movies and TV series. Maybe one day I will make it to Rockford fest :). Thanks again !
What is a flat? Are they expensive? I live in South Louisiana on the bayou.., alligators,snakes and plenty of mosquitoes but the food and people are great..
@@richardhowe4140 Yes, flats in London are expensive, and we sometimes advertise 'apartment' to put the price up, cos it sounds more glamorous than 'flat'!
@@RedheadLondon I went. We had a picnic on the beach and watched my favorite RF episode on my phone. Talk about a perfect moment.🏖️ Thanks for asking.✌🏽🇬🇧
@@dukecraig2402 Tom Selleck played a private eye in one of the Rockford episodes, competing with Rockford then teaming up with Jim Rockford on a big case. I think that's where they got the idea for Magnum PI.
@@brianbarcus5853 both magnum and rockford's living arrangements were equally preposterous for PI's who are broke half the time. a trailer sitting all by itself in a parking lot right on the beach and the guest house on the robin masters estate with its own tidal pool, tennis courts, and use of the ferrari, etc.
Wow California WAS the place to be during the 60's and 70's. Beautiful, great climate and so much happening there culturally. I'm forever thankful to my Dad for introducing me to 'The Rockford Files'. The recurring character Angel was always a great setup for a good episode as he was always pulling poor Rockford into one of his bad deals. My Dad drove out to Cali in the late 60's and said even then there were cars and traffic EVERYWHERE. "Too much for this Missouri hayseed" is what he always told me.
I met James Garner in the 70's. Universal bought trucks from us, GMC Trucks on Alameda. We delivered the truck and watched the filming. He was so nice, he picked me up and sat me on his private movie star chair. It was the thrill.
I'm old enough to remember The Rockford Files and I loved it! Thanks for this great vlog!! 50.00 to park on a weekend?! 20.00 for a burger?! WTH?! That's highway robbery! I wouldn't pay that on principle alone!😊 Thanks Jordan and Jah!!💜
Factoid about the Calif. plate on Rockford's Pontiac Firebird: 853 OKG ( 8/53= month and year that he broke into Hollywood, and OK=Oklahoma-his home state, and G for Garner). Great vlog Jordan!
My favorite show from that time as well. Loser PI, always getting beat up, never getting paid, the good guys and bad guys were always mad at him. But at the same time a real stand up likable guy. Nobody on TV could misrepresent themselves like Jim Rockford. Fun show to watch.
This was awesome! Been a Rockford fan since the very beginning, so this was fun to see this spot all these years later. I found your video because I just watched a video of an interview with the producer, Meta Rosenberg, and that was really awesome too!
70's Memories! Noah Beery Jr was the dad of my brother's best friend. They would take the bro often when filming. Berry had a 2,000 acre ranch in Tehachapi and was a real cowboy at heart! He taught me how to ride and herd. It was a wonderland for us young teens to stay at with an old golden Calif home filled with Tara Navajo blankets and movie memorabilia. Just a little old black and white TV to watch old westerns which Noah just loved.The old Paradise Cove Pier used to long! My friends had a boat that we would trailer out and a davit operator would lower your boat down. They liked to keep moving along while we fished for halibut and were experts at it. The restaurant has a huge number of photos from when the fishing in Malibu was plentiful and some real big fish were showcased on that pier! Plenty of history! I prefer breakfast about 9 then go relax in the chairs on the sand. Walk left to the south for where the pier was and there is another parking lot there too. There some fabulous houses to see in that direction as well. Enjoy!
Finally, I was able to watch this - another Jewel! And I loved his Dad who had his own Hollywood Beery Legacy. The Music, the history, there are so many Wow factors, so cool!
Thanks for the great video and history of what took place here. Watched the Rockford Files growing up as a young teen in 74. Now I'm wanting to listen to some Beach Boys tunes.
shower/restroom local has always stayed the same, the trailer was where all the extra sand and umbrellas were dropped towards the end of the lot directly across or inline with the eatery
Supposedly, toward the very end of the original series, Rockford's mobile home essentially broke in half in the middle of the highway while they were transporting it from Paradise Cove to wherever they stored it (presumably due to its age and all the wear and tear of hauling it back and forth all those years). I guess it was because of this that when they did the reunion movies in the '90s, they had Jim upgrade to a more modern double-wide (since whatever remained of the original trailer had by that time, been carted off to a landfill somewhere), and it's is the newer trailer that's pictured in the tribute photo you show here on the beach. This was such a fun video!
Thanks man you're little visit there really took me back I was 4 when the show came out I watched the show every week with my family and I still watch it
Big Rockford fan here in the UK. I've just purchased a gold 1977 firebird formula 400. I am in the process of building a replica Rockford firebird. Something about that car and it's colour that just makes me love it. Great vid man.
@@DazewithJordantheLion be more rad if I could cruise if down the pch and down to the cove. Our uk roads are narrow and not suited for big American cars. I will visit California one day .
Nice video. Thanks from a long time Rockford Files fan. At 6:27 you can see the long stairs on the upper right of the screen that CC Calloway came running down in the "Paradise Cove" episode. CC was another resident of Paradise Cove who lived on the hill overlooking the parking lot and was pissed at Jim for all the commotion (gunshots, even a bomb) that occurred at Jim's trailer. He tried unsuccessfully to get Jim kicked out of Paradise Cove.
Fantastic. I've been trying to find the location of Rockford's trailer for months. I figured it'd be all developed but no... still same parking lot and restaurant!
close out all the noises there today...drift and think ...you can hear the firebird tearing through the lot, hit guys firing rounds at the car, rockies truck pulling up, I can see ghost images of all it as I stand out there. long live james garner, fantastic guy!!!
Wow Jordan!! I'm catching up on old vlogs and this one really turned my crank! Lol I was 10 when Rockford Files aired. I was sooo in love with James Garner and his Pontiac Firebird! Lol The RF music is some of my all time favorite music from any series. What fantastic footage! Seeing where The Beach Boys were and Jim Rockford's trailer, really made me nostalgic. You are just unbelievably knowledgeable and so freaking entertaining!! The skies opened up, the day I discovered "Daze with Jordan the Lion!" 😁❤️😁
Jim Rockford as Jimmy Joe Meeker from Oklahoma not Texas lol. The restaurant was called the Sand Pebble back then. Wow Jordan thanks for doing this Vlog of the Rockford Files. Made my day! Don't forget Skip and the lifeguard stand . His address was 29 Cove Road.
Been watching Rockford since I was nine years old in 1974 and I have never stopped. I own the entire original series on DVD and all of the TV movies. Huge Garner fan.
My mom was a waitress at the Sand Castle Restaurant (before it was paradise cove beach cafe) there’s even an episode where Rockford helps one of the waitresses, and I was like that’s my moms restaurant and that’s her uniform! I used to fold napkins and eat nachos in a booth with my brother while we waited for my Dad to come pick us up. we would watch them film the Rockford Files, and Terminator. I always thought it was funny that they were pushing around Rockford’s famous gold Pontiac Firebird, I was like its a perfectly good car why are the production crew pushing it, why doesn’t he just drive it? And I was amazed at all of the leather jackets terminator had they had an entire tractor trailer with nothing but leather jackets. The cove has changed so much since then. Thanks for keeping the memory alive.
Hey Jordan - LOL, at 8:58 when you are talking about the history of “Surfin’ Safari,” look over your right shoulder (behind you). It’s another “memorial sign” pointing out “The Spot” for the cover shoot for the album. If you screen shot the frame and zoom in you can make out the cover of the album. Just thought it was neat. Love seeing those kinds of details! Great job!
The parking lot used to go further out on the beach and Rockford’s trailer was where that enclosed place is now. There was a winter storm that washed the old asphalt out in 1983 and they never replaced it. Also...the pier is where Fonzie “Jumped the Shark” in the famous episode.
Hey Jordan i just started watching U Tube at the start of the stay at home pandemic. I am so happy that i started watching you. Your a vacation everyday. Such interesting adventures as so much history. I have a lot of catching up to do and it will take time, at least 3 video's every evening. Keep up the great work on your awesome adventures. Love your little pup. From Michigan
Hey man I was just on a nostalgia trip watching Rockford files stuff and your vlog came up. I'm from the UK but have family in southern Nevada which I've visited often. Never been much further west as LA etc seem a bit scary but would love to road trip the PCH someday.
Honestly when this video 1st started I was thinking"hoky" but when you finally got to paradise cove it turns way cool . thanks for the tour as a big Rockford fan living in Alabama, I would probably never get to Malibu in person, but it's 2018 cool that today I got to go there on my phone!! MyDaMnWoRd 🤔🔫
Great video. Some old videos pop up from time to time that I missed. I must admit I do miss your LA days. Your early videos really got me through some hard times man.
That's awesome thanks for sharing this I grew up with the 70s Rockford files and it's still one of the best ever the nostalgia is so cool how you showed the locations of both the beach boys and the Rockford trailer area! Yeah I trust James Garner how sad they did that to him and I'm sad to hear that he had those serious health issues he was truly one of the greatest of all the good guys! I think he's got a daughter or some family members on Twitter I was really lucky to find a few years ago they were into dogs or rescuing dogs or something like that? It was some of James Garners family that I had the honor of tweeting with and I made sure to tell them what a blessing he was for me growing up to have as a role model for one of the good guys! I think he was from Oklahoma? There's a guy here on RUclips named Jerry Skinner that has documentaries on the famous people and I think he has one on James Garner! Thanks a million for sharing this is priceless and go figure California is nuts for trying to charge outrageous prices for parking on the beach?
Again I was a teen when The Rockford Files came on and I never missed it. Also I have my original Surfin Safari album. I couldn't make up my mind who was better, The Beatles or the Beach Boys. But I still love them both. Again thank you so much for doing this. Being a Romani Gypsy I traveled a lot through California, but I never knew about these places. I spent most of my life traveling around the US and I really appreciate your shows. Thank you
@@haroldream3270 Yes I do I have original Pet Sound Album from 1966 release it's my favorite 😍 my second The Beach Boys Today and of course The Beatles were a great Band but as always The Boys from Hawthorne are My favorite grew up not far from them
@@haroldream3270 Well Pet Sounds inspired alot of groups Because it blew people's minds at the time Especially the Beatles figured they needed to step it up a notch But with that in mind Rubbersoul inspired Pet Sounds
In the pilot and first season of the Rockford Files, the trailer was located on a parking lot just off the Pacific Coast Highway and next to the Pacific Ocean. Due to the popularity of the Rockford Files, large crowds of people showed up at the trailer, making filming impossible. They moved everything to Pacific Grove for better crowd control.
The setting on the beach was absolutely light years ahead of the strip mall/parking lot of the first season. The Paradise Cove setting itself became a key plot point in many episodes (needless to say, "Paradise Cove").
Jordan, i used to do the PCH tour all the time when i was younger...i went to Paradise Cove while Rockford Files was still in production and the trailer was sitting right there were they film...it was about 2am and they had a security guard who's sole job was to keep people away from the trailer and the immediate area...they had other fixtures set up all around it too...there was no parking fee at that time, guess i was lucky :)
@Falcon Lair. Long time Rockford fan so I LOVE hearing your perspective! Did you ever go there while they were actually shooting or was it off-limits to the public?
So during the afternoon in the late 70s when they were filming the show you could park there for free but now you have to pay 30 dollars to park and eat a 30 dollorbox hamburger
Thanks for this! As a result, I found all the season on Prime and have been watching! So good!! Thanks for the tip. ...also, I've been watching the original Charlie's Angels Episodes too. Turns out that the beach house in the first several seasons in on the other side of the same parking lot! Haha rich in Hollywood history! Thanks again J
Rockford,s trailer was just to the left of those bathrooms. to bad they had to cover up the exact spot with sand. i guess that money is more important than history.
My friend used to call any parking space directly in front of whatever your destination was the "Rockford Spot", because Jim Rockford always seemed to be able to pull up to some business and park RIGHT THERE.
I remember an episode where Jim was limping, Rocky (dad) asked jim, why are you limping?? Jim answered ( I went fishin ad fell off the end of the pier). then later on, Beth Davenport asked about his limping, He told her, ( I fell off my skatebord ) finally and what really made me laugh when Jim told his step brother, I went dancing, and I tried to dip and I slipped. I've always loved his come backs, too funny...RIP JAMES SCOTT GARNER (Rockford)
According to Jim this was the episode when he first injured his knee. Unfortunately, because of the shooting schedule he was unable to rest and further injured it by running, jumping, walking, etc.
they usually had stunt doubles when rockford was running after or away from somebody or fighting, but practically every show uses them because if the star twists an ankle it can mess with the shooting schedule. even after the series was off the air they made a bunch of rockford files tv movies in the 90's
I think I heard James Garner say in a T.V interview that he had knee surgery between season 1 and 2, hence the first episode of season 2 everyone in it is asking him why he is limping, he gives everyone a different answer. Jim Garner also was awarded a PURPLE HEART in 1983 for service in the Korean War where he was wounded (in the backside) his second injury which sent him home. First he took shrapnel in the hand.
Love your videos. When I was in my teens, moving to LA was my passion, but life offers many forks in the road, and I never made it to California, except to visit. What I really like about your vlogs is how they present the beauty and the history of the LA district and the Hollywood history. Thanks, and keep on vlogging.
I lived in CA and in 75' a bunch of us went to Paradise Cove to eat, I had the good luck to meet Mr. Garner and his stunt double. Both very nice men. My memory is of his trailer being off to the left of the restaurant, not a great distance from the cafe but I could be wrong, it's been a long time, btw the food was very good too lol.
The Rockford Files is one of my favorite TV shows ever !!! I liked how you tied Rockford Files and the Beach Boys together . I wanted to be Jim Rockford, drive that car, live in a trailer at the beach, have Noah Barry as a father, Stuart Margolin , Angel as a friend, great music theme :) You mentioned they have a Rockford Fest, when is that ? What days of the month does this happen ?( I have commented before on this post, but I never asked about the Rockford Fest dates )
Thanks for the trip down Memory Lane, I was born in 1950, I grew up with great love of California, James Garner Rockford & Beach Boys. Started world travels when I was 19, lived as nanny in Hollywood & travelled across USA, Arizona. Have always loved America and all things American, I have so many fond memories of people & places. Thank you for your posts, I am no longer able to travel overseas but I love to watch on RUclips. God bless you ❤ Pam (England).
I remember when aluminum cans started being made in a much more flimsy way. there was a scene where a guy wanted to look tough and he crushed a can (which until then was pretty hard to do), and Rockford crushes one and says'' they make 'em that way, now everyone can do it''.put that guy in his place. Garner had a sense of humor as an actor, but was a great actor ,actually. he played Wyatt Earp twice in his career. one was serious drama,('hour of the gun')and the other was more lighthearted, w/ Bruce Willis .Earp was a consultant on some Tom Mix films. that's the period when he played him the second time.this was fun. I was in high school when it had it's debut.
![Noob To Max With DRAGON REWORK In Blox Fruits [FULL MOVIE]](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/LnBMOinoOvA/mqdefault.jpg)
I met James Garner on set September of '76, at Universal, where he was filming "Rockford Files" and we talked for awhile as a scene was being set up. He was a great guy, unassuming, and real. I grew up in Hollywood and Burbank and he's the only star I asked for an autograph.
I'm huge Rockford fan. Was born in 68' so I was a child when it aired. Loved the entire cast, Jim, Rocky, Angel, Beth and Dennis. This really means a lot to me. Thank you so much!
I'm 60 years old and I never missed an episode loved James garner. Great actor
Me, too!
55 years old and I love the reruns as much as I did when I was young
I loved that theme song, garner made up for boring stories by being such a great character
Hey, who knew? George RR Martin is a Rockford Files fan!
@@shovons I guess great minds think alike!! Look at us looking!!
Historic place!! As a child of the 70s, that is hallowed ground!! Thanks!!
Loved this series. Jim Garner was such a fine actor and a class act. Thanks for the wonderful
memories!
I watched Rockford Files when I was a kid in the 70's. I'm watching them all now to refresh my memory.
RIP Jimmy
Me too!
The Rockford Files is probably my favorite tv show of all time. I lived in West L.A. for years, so I visited Paradise Cove many times. I was always thrilled to see how unchanged the entire area was -- the public restrooms were identical to how they appeared on Rockford, the restaurant was the same and even most of the mobile homes in the surrounding park were the same. It was like a time capsule from the late '70s -- all that was missing was Rockford's trailer. I haven't been there for about 10 years now and it's a shame to see how much of it has been ruined in that (relatively) short time. Now the beach area is cluttered with with those ridiculous beds, signs, surfboards and picket fences, etc. Very sad to see.
Yep ! Get that !! Me also !! Top Gent was Jimmy !!
I saw Rockford's tailor at Universal studios in 1980. It was parked in a back lot next to other vehicles.
I have to admit, that is the first thing that I thought about. It looks like a neighbor's yard at Christmas time where they overcrowd their yard with cheesy clutter. I was still glad to see the area where they filmed it. Great job by the guy that posted it.
I'm 61 years old, will be 62 this year, so I grew up watching Rockford files. I love the theme music to the show. Now I watch all of the episodes on Roku tv. And at the beginning of every episode, I jam out to the music theme.
James Garner was a class act. Loved that show. Thanks for sharing. I’ve wanted to visit that spot for awhile. Hope to soon.
The Rockford Files was the one show the whole family liked. This was great!
Must admit that area seems like nostalgia gold! I can feel all the joy and fun of both of those iconic memories! California was always a part of those experiences. It still holds lots of good vibes!
Rockford files was cool. And love the theme song too
You did really great job with this! It's cool that someone younger than me, by a lot, knows, loves and respects The Rockford Files. GREAT JOB!!
Greetings from Dublin, Ireland Jordan. That was special to get the Rockford tour there. I was a young kid when I used to watch the Rockford Files in the late 70's/early 80's over here with my Dad who died 3 years ago. It was my favourite show...I think I wanted to be Jim Rockford! Really special memories and amazing to see where the motorhome was. Really quite emotional here now to be honest as I think of my Dad (who I miss very much) and I watching it on a Friday or Saturday night all those years ago. I can tell you had great fondness for it too, it comes across in your film. Thank you!
Thank you so much for this. The Rockford Files was and still is my favourite show. James Garner was soooo handsome, a real gentleman, loved his family and was a great actor. And he loved dogs.💕💕💕💕🇨🇦🇨🇦🇨🇦🇨🇦🇨🇦🇨🇦
Love Rockford Files, I remember seeing these episodes when I was a kid.
I always loved Rockford Files...still watch reruns of it..Thank you!!
One of my brother's favorite TV Show. "Rockford Files" was a pretty cool show.
Thanks for posting. I have been to Paradise Cove twice and, had dinner there too.
James Garner house or beach house was in that trailer park you walked by . I serviced his Roof back in the summer of 79 ..... Great Time in my Life . 👍
James - tell me more! Please
Cool thanks for the memories! I loved that show. James Garner was my favorite.
Garner was not only a great actor but a terrific road & off road racer along with Steve McQueen.
Yep, I think Jim's off-road racer was a '69 Olds Cutlass (442?) pianted blue. Could be wrong-think I read it's still around.
It's still around, it was on Jay Leno's garage a few years back.
I think his trailer was closer to the water. It looks to me like the original parking lot extended closer to the water than it does now. His trailer would have been where those beach umbrellas are, behind you at 9:01. His trailer was basically in the area where they had the tribute sign. That's why they placed the sign where they did, and not in front of that bathroom building.
Thanks for taking the ride to Cove Rd, as a big RF fan it was great to see how it looks today.
You're welcome. I love Rockford!
Actually it was not great , it is sad that everything is gone .
My favorite show of all times, I remember watching the final episode with my dad in 1980 when I was 5. I was of course glad that it spun off magnum PI which then became my favorite show
That was great, Jordan. I have dragged my wife to Paradise Cove many times. She is aware that I am Rockford obsessed. A couple of interesting facts; Garner is short for his full last name, Bumgarner. And those mobile homes at Paradise Cove sell for over one million each.
Since you are admittedly Rockford obsessed I will unapologetically cross-post this: I fell in love in 1974 with the girls on the beach in the opening theme. The shot used to go by so fast that I could only tell that it was one girl in a bikini and somebody else. But it still made my heart jump every time I saw it. I of course forgot about it for decades before running into the show on Roku a week or so ago. I videoed it on my phone and then replayed it back slowly. By doing that I could tell that it was actually two girls sunning themselves on the beach. I wonder if those two girls ever knew that they were the ones in the opening theme. If anyone knows anything about this I would certainly like to hear about it
God bless James, may he rest in peace.
The studio still has a hold on the rights I think.
I love this show when iI was a child and I still love it to this day.. the telephone message and then the soundtrack are just timeless. I can describe James Garner in one word. CLASS
Loved James Garner, sad they had no loyalty for him. He had a long wonderful career. I truly enjoyed watching! Dont lose that beautiful smile! 😃
I never missed an episode of Rockford files - Always watched it with my dad - My Dad loved this show ? - I think my Dad could relate to thhis straight talking honest (loosely ) guy ! - My Dad was ex army Served behind enemy lines - Got his self blown over a tank - got patched up - Went back on the DDay Invasion - fought for Caen Eindoven Nijmagen - Then with Dads integrity - After the war he signed up for the Control Commission to help rebuild the countries he'd blown up ? - James Garner was my Dads kind of Actor !
Thankyou for showing this - Would love to visit !
Who would not want to be Jim Rockford, drive that car, live at the beach, have Noah Berry for a dad and Angel for a friend !!! Thank you so much for the post and the tour. Mr, Garner gave me a lot of enjoyment through the years in movies and TV series. Maybe one day I will make it to Rockford fest :). Thanks again !
Don't you just enjoy the telephone answering machine messages?
Maybe not Angel for a friend! That guy was a passel of problems!
Beth for an attorney and friend w/ bennies.
Dennis the cop .........
I'm sitting in my flat in London enjoying a RF binge. That parking lot is on my bucket list. Thanks for the very cool upload!
What is a flat? Are they expensive? I live in South Louisiana on the bayou.., alligators,snakes and plenty of mosquitoes but the food and people are great..
@@richardhowe4140 British English for an apartment.
I am sitting in MY flat in London (5 years after your post), and wondering if you have been yet? Please let us know, and what you thought of it!
@@richardhowe4140 Yes, flats in London are expensive, and we sometimes advertise 'apartment' to put the price up, cos it sounds more glamorous than 'flat'!
@@RedheadLondon I went. We had a picnic on the beach and watched my favorite RF episode on my phone. Talk about a perfect moment.🏖️
Thanks for asking.✌🏽🇬🇧
🤩Nice to see that well known spot. Love Jim Rockford, he could take a hit! Thank you Jordan!
The Rockford Files theme from Mike Post was playing on our car radios in the summer of 1975. I bought the 45.
Top40 Hub
I'll bet you didn't know that Mike Post graduated high school with Tom Selleck, isn't that ironic.
@@dukecraig2402 Tom Selleck played a private eye in one of the Rockford episodes, competing with Rockford then teaming up with Jim Rockford on a big case. I think that's where they got the idea for Magnum PI.
@@brianbarcus5853
Yea I know, his name was Lance White if I remember correctly, and his character is the polar opposite of Magnum.
@@brianbarcus5853 both magnum and rockford's living arrangements were equally preposterous for PI's who are broke half the time. a trailer sitting all by itself in a parking lot right on the beach and the guest house on the robin masters estate with its own tidal pool, tennis courts, and use of the ferrari, etc.
@@dukecraig2402 Lance drove a big white parade float.
Wow California WAS the place to be during the 60's and 70's. Beautiful, great climate and so much happening there culturally. I'm forever thankful to my Dad for introducing me to 'The Rockford Files'. The recurring character Angel was always a great setup for a good episode as he was always pulling poor Rockford into one of his bad deals. My Dad drove out to Cali in the late 60's and said even then there were cars and traffic EVERYWHERE. "Too much for this Missouri hayseed" is what he always told me.
Rockford Files was one of my faves, great video!
I met James Garner in the 70's. Universal bought trucks from us, GMC Trucks on Alameda. We delivered the truck and watched the filming. He was so nice, he picked me up and sat me on his private movie star chair. It was the thrill.
i've been a Rockford fan since the 70's, still watching them today. season 3 ep 21 today ;)
One of my favorite shows. That was cool seeing the place where the trailer sat. RIP Jim and Rocky.
Yeah, and Angel now.
I'm old enough to remember The Rockford Files and I loved it! Thanks for this great vlog!! 50.00 to park on a weekend?! 20.00 for a burger?! WTH?! That's highway robbery! I wouldn't pay that on principle alone!😊 Thanks Jordan and Jah!!💜
Factoid about the Calif. plate on Rockford's Pontiac Firebird: 853 OKG ( 8/53= month and year that he broke into Hollywood, and OK=Oklahoma-his home state, and G for Garner). Great vlog Jordan!
My favorite show from that time as well. Loser PI, always getting beat up, never getting paid, the good guys and bad guys were always mad at him. But at the same time a real stand up likable guy. Nobody on TV could misrepresent themselves like Jim Rockford. Fun show to watch.
OMG! Love this vlog so much. I'm a huge fan of the Beach Boys and I LOVE Rockford Files. Fabulous!
This was awesome! Been a Rockford fan since the very beginning, so this was fun to see this spot all these years later. I found your video because I just watched a video of an interview with the producer, Meta Rosenberg, and that was really awesome too!
70's Memories! Noah Beery Jr was the dad of my brother's best friend. They would take the bro often when filming. Berry had a 2,000 acre ranch in Tehachapi and was a real cowboy at heart! He taught me how to ride and herd. It was a wonderland for us young teens to stay at with an old golden Calif home filled with Tara Navajo blankets and movie memorabilia. Just a little old black and white TV to watch old westerns which Noah just loved.The old Paradise Cove Pier used to long! My friends had a boat that we would trailer out and a davit operator would lower your boat down. They liked to keep moving along while we fished for halibut and were experts at it. The restaurant has a huge number of photos from when the fishing in Malibu was plentiful and some real big fish were showcased on that pier! Plenty of history! I prefer breakfast about 9 then go relax in the chairs on the sand. Walk left to the south for where the pier was and there is another parking lot there too. There some fabulous houses to see in that direction as well. Enjoy!
Dang no wonder you walked. Loved Rockford files. I am 62, all the good shows were at that time....lol. Thanks Jordan.
Finally, I was able to watch this - another Jewel! And I loved his Dad who had his own Hollywood Beery Legacy. The Music, the history, there are so many Wow factors, so cool!
Thanks for the great video and history of what took place here. Watched the Rockford Files growing up as a young teen in 74. Now I'm wanting to listen to some Beach Boys tunes.
shower/restroom local has always stayed the same, the trailer was where all the extra sand and umbrellas were dropped towards the end of the lot directly across or inline with the eatery
"CORRECT" :) :) :)
Supposedly, toward the very end of the original series, Rockford's mobile home essentially broke in half in the middle of the highway while they were transporting it from Paradise Cove to wherever they stored it (presumably due to its age and all the wear and tear of hauling it back and forth all those years). I guess it was because of this that when they did the reunion movies in the '90s, they had Jim upgrade to a more modern double-wide (since whatever remained of the original trailer had by that time, been carted off to a landfill somewhere), and it's is the newer trailer that's pictured in the tribute photo you show here on the beach.
This was such a fun video!
That’s true-my dad worked on the location crew.
I was and still a big fan of the Rockford files...Rest in Peace James Garner.
I loved Rockford Files, thank you for doing this vlog
Thanks man you're little visit there really took me back
I was 4 when the show came out I watched the show every week with my family and I still watch it
I'm with you Jordan. Those prices were totally insane, but yet some saps pay it.
Wonderful Actor, Great show. Thank You for sharing.
Big Rockford fan here in the UK. I've just purchased a gold 1977 firebird formula 400. I am in the process of building a replica Rockford firebird. Something about that car and it's colour that just makes me love it. Great vid man.
That's rad!
@@DazewithJordantheLion be more rad if I could cruise if down the pch and down to the cove.
Our uk roads are narrow and not suited for big American cars.
I will visit California one day .
The restaurant in Paradise Cove when the Rockford Files was being filmed was called The Sandcastle.
Nice video. Thanks from a long time Rockford Files fan. At 6:27 you can see the long stairs on the upper right of the screen that CC Calloway came running down in the "Paradise Cove" episode. CC was another resident of Paradise Cove who lived on the hill overlooking the parking lot and was pissed at Jim for all the commotion (gunshots, even a bomb) that occurred at Jim's trailer. He tried unsuccessfully to get Jim kicked out of Paradise Cove.
Come With The Cash Calloway!
@@erskinecooney1859 You got it!
I used to watch the Rockford files omg 😮 wat memories I had very cool 😎
Loved the Rockford files. They are showing re-runs again I just watched one. Fantastic! Thanks for the video 🙂
Fantastic. I've been trying to find the location of Rockford's trailer for months. I figured it'd be all developed but no... still same parking lot and restaurant!
close out all the noises there today...drift and think ...you can hear the firebird tearing through the lot, hit guys firing rounds at the car, rockies truck pulling up, I can see ghost images of all it as I stand out there. long live james garner, fantastic guy!!!
I always remember this scene where these goons in a Ford LTD, chased Rockford's Firebird around the beach before they got struck in the sand.
I'm sure a part of James is still there.
Yessss! You nailed it, my friend!!
Bring back the good ol days.
Wow Jordan!! I'm catching up on old vlogs and this one really turned my crank! Lol
I was 10 when Rockford Files aired. I was sooo in love with James Garner and his Pontiac Firebird! Lol
The RF music is some of my all time favorite music from any series.
What fantastic footage! Seeing where The Beach Boys were and Jim Rockford's trailer, really made me nostalgic. You are just unbelievably knowledgeable and so freaking entertaining!! The skies opened up, the day I discovered "Daze with Jordan the Lion!" 😁❤️😁
Watched all the original showings of episodes of Rockford back in the early 70's. Think it was Thursday nights.
Jim Rockford as Jimmy Joe Meeker from Oklahoma not Texas lol. The restaurant was called the Sand Pebble back then. Wow Jordan thanks for doing this Vlog of the Rockford Files. Made my day! Don't forget Skip and the lifeguard stand . His address was 29 Cove Road.
Been watching Rockford since I was nine years old in 1974 and I have never stopped. I own the entire original series on DVD and all of the TV movies. Huge Garner fan.
My mom was a waitress at the Sand Castle Restaurant (before it was paradise cove beach cafe) there’s even an episode where Rockford helps one of the waitresses, and I was like that’s my moms restaurant and that’s her uniform! I used to fold napkins and eat nachos in a booth with my brother while we waited for my Dad to come pick us up. we would watch them film the Rockford Files, and Terminator. I always thought it was funny that they were pushing around Rockford’s famous gold Pontiac Firebird, I was like its a perfectly good car why are the production crew pushing it, why doesn’t he just drive it? And I was amazed at all of the leather jackets terminator had they had an entire tractor trailer with nothing but leather jackets. The cove has changed so much since then. Thanks for keeping the memory alive.
Anthony Atwood terminator?
Hey Jordan - LOL, at 8:58 when you are talking about the history of “Surfin’ Safari,” look over your right shoulder (behind you). It’s another “memorial sign” pointing out “The Spot” for the cover shoot for the album. If you screen shot the frame and zoom in you can make out the cover of the album. Just thought it was neat. Love seeing those kinds of details! Great job!
The parking lot used to go further out on the beach and Rockford’s trailer was where that enclosed place is now. There was a winter storm that washed the old asphalt out in 1983 and they never replaced it. Also...the pier is where Fonzie “Jumped the Shark” in the famous episode.
Hey Jordan, awesome 👌. You have the exact same curiosity and love of TV and movie history of 70s and prior. Keep it up my man! Enjoy Taco Tuesdays!
Hey Jordan i just started watching U Tube at the start of the stay at home pandemic. I am so happy that i started watching you. Your a vacation everyday. Such interesting adventures as so much history. I have a lot of catching up to do and it will take time, at least 3 video's every evening. Keep up the great work on your awesome adventures. Love your little pup. From Michigan
Hey man I was just on a nostalgia trip watching Rockford files stuff and your vlog came up. I'm from the UK but have family in southern Nevada which I've visited often. Never been much further west as LA etc seem a bit scary but would love to road trip the PCH someday.
FANTASTIC !!!! I loved the Rockford Files. I had a crush on him, why not, he was a darn dish. So handsome. Thanks for the video Jordan 😙😊😊💚💛
Thank you Jordan for another amazing vlog. West coast looks so beautiful; as I'm on the East coast:)
This was one of my favorites ,awsome blog lionhart
Honestly when this video 1st started I was thinking"hoky" but when you finally got to paradise cove it turns way cool . thanks for the tour as a big Rockford fan living in Alabama, I would probably never get to Malibu in person, but it's 2018 cool that today I got to go there on my phone!!
MyDaMnWoRd 🤔🔫
Great video. Some old videos pop up from time to time that I missed. I must admit I do miss your LA days. Your early videos really got me through some hard times man.
That's awesome thanks for sharing this I grew up with the 70s Rockford files and it's still one of the best ever the nostalgia is so cool how you showed the locations of both the beach boys and the Rockford trailer area! Yeah I trust James Garner how sad they did that to him and I'm sad to hear that he had those serious health issues he was truly one of the greatest of all the good guys! I think he's got a daughter or some family members on Twitter I was really lucky to find a few years ago they were into dogs or rescuing dogs or something like that? It was some of James Garners family that I had the honor of tweeting with and I made sure to tell them what a blessing he was for me growing up to have as a role model for one of the good guys! I think he was from Oklahoma? There's a guy here on RUclips named Jerry Skinner that has documentaries on the famous people and I think he has one on James Garner! Thanks a million for sharing this is priceless and go figure California is nuts for trying to charge outrageous prices for parking on the beach?
Again I was a teen when The Rockford Files came on and I never missed it. Also I have my original Surfin Safari album. I couldn't make up my mind who was better, The Beatles or the Beach Boys. But I still love them both. Again thank you so much for doing this. Being a Romani Gypsy I traveled a lot through California, but I never knew about these places. I spent most of my life traveling around the US and I really appreciate your shows. Thank you
The Beach Boys !!!
@@josephharnett5075 I find both of them very good. Do you have Pet Sounds? I have got my Pet Sounds album on reel-to-reel.
@@haroldream3270 Yes I do I have original Pet Sound Album from 1966 release it's my favorite 😍 my second The Beach Boys Today and of course The Beatles were a great Band but as always The Boys from Hawthorne are My favorite grew up not far from them
@@josephharnett5075 I find it interesting that Pet Sounds inspired the Beatles album Sergeant Pepper's.
@@haroldream3270 Well Pet Sounds inspired alot of groups Because it blew people's minds at the time Especially the Beatles figured they needed to step it up a notch But with that in mind Rubbersoul inspired Pet Sounds
In the pilot and first season of the Rockford Files, the trailer was located on a parking lot just off the Pacific Coast Highway and next to the Pacific Ocean. Due to the popularity of the Rockford Files, large crowds of people showed up at the trailer, making filming impossible. They moved everything to Pacific Grove for better crowd control.
The setting on the beach was absolutely light years ahead of the strip mall/parking lot of the first season. The Paradise Cove setting itself became a key plot point in many episodes (needless to say, "Paradise Cove").
Rockford Files helped start Magnum P.I. and Simon and Simon ..... But there's only one James Garner .
Jordan, i used to do the PCH tour all the time when i was younger...i went to Paradise Cove while Rockford Files was still in production and the trailer was sitting right there were they film...it was about 2am and they had a security guard who's sole job was to keep people away from the trailer and the immediate area...they had other fixtures set up all around it too...there was no parking fee at that time, guess i was lucky :)
Wayyyyyy COOL !!!!! I was a HUGE Rockford Files fan ......
@Falcon Lair. Long time Rockford fan so I LOVE hearing your perspective! Did you ever go there while they were actually shooting or was it off-limits to the public?
So during the afternoon in the late 70s when they were filming the show you could park there for free but now you have to pay 30 dollars to park and eat a 30 dollorbox hamburger
Have all 6 seasons on DVD great show lota Rockford History around there I'm sure Kool..
Thanks for this! As a result, I found all the season on Prime and have been watching! So good!! Thanks for the tip. ...also, I've been watching the original Charlie's Angels Episodes too. Turns out that the beach house in the first several seasons in on the other side of the same parking lot! Haha rich in Hollywood history! Thanks again J
Rockford,s trailer was just to the left of those bathrooms. to bad they had to cover up the exact spot with sand. i guess that money is more important than history.
My friend used to call any parking space directly in front of whatever your destination was the "Rockford Spot", because Jim Rockford always seemed to be able to pull up to some business and park RIGHT THERE.
I remember an episode where Jim was limping, Rocky (dad) asked jim, why are you limping?? Jim answered ( I went fishin ad fell off the end of the pier). then later on, Beth Davenport asked about his limping, He told her, ( I fell off my skatebord ) finally and what really made me laugh when Jim told his step brother, I went dancing, and I tried to dip and I slipped. I've always loved his come backs, too funny...RIP JAMES SCOTT GARNER (Rockford)
He used to do his own stunts, it i how he was injured. David Soul landed on his rear on the car roof, and never recovered.
Great to see this. Makes me very nostalgic. Thanks for posting.
Hey! Regarding Jim's knee injury, if you notice in some of the later episodes, he is limping a bit.
According to Jim this was the episode when he first injured his knee. Unfortunately, because of the shooting schedule he was unable to rest and further injured it by running, jumping, walking, etc.
they usually had stunt doubles when rockford was running after or away from somebody or fighting, but practically every show uses them because if the star twists an ankle it can mess with the shooting schedule. even after the series was off the air they made a bunch of rockford files tv movies in the 90's
I think I heard James Garner say in a T.V interview that he had knee surgery between season 1 and 2, hence the first episode of season 2 everyone in it is asking him why he is limping, he gives everyone a different answer. Jim Garner also was awarded a PURPLE HEART in 1983 for service in the Korean War where he was wounded (in the backside) his second injury which sent him home. First he took shrapnel in the hand.
Huh. I just assumed his auto racing career hobbled him.
He was injured in Korea. He received a Purple Heart.
Awe Jordan a whistling man is a lost art🎯from an Ohioan
Rockford Files is my all-time fave TV show (ahead of Remington Steele -- maybe you could do a video on that), so this is a real treat.
Love love Remington Steele! Slurp!
Love your videos. When I was in my teens, moving to LA was my passion, but life offers many forks in the road, and I never made it to California, except to visit. What I really like about your vlogs is how they present the beauty and the history of the LA district and the Hollywood history. Thanks, and keep on vlogging.
Very cool! Thanks for doing this. My dad always watched it in the 70s and I enjoyed it as a kid.
Hi, Jordan. Yeah I used to watch the Rockford Files , my Mom loved that show.Thanks.
I lived in CA and in 75' a bunch of us went to Paradise Cove to eat, I had the good luck to meet Mr. Garner and his stunt double. Both very nice men. My memory is of his trailer being off to the left of the restaurant, not a great distance from the cafe but I could be wrong, it's been a long time, btw the food was very good too lol.
They always said he did his own stunts.
The Rockford Files is one of my favorite TV shows ever !!! I liked how you tied Rockford Files and the Beach Boys together . I wanted to be Jim Rockford, drive that car, live in a trailer at the beach, have Noah Barry as a father, Stuart Margolin , Angel as a friend, great music theme :) You mentioned they have a Rockford Fest, when is that ? What days of the month does this happen ?( I have commented before on this post, but I never asked about the Rockford Fest dates )
Also an episode of Mannix with Peggy ( Gail Fisher ) and Herman's Hermits sang to Shelley Fabres in the same area in the movie Hold On !
Thanks for the trip down Memory Lane, I was born in 1950, I grew up with great love of California, James Garner Rockford & Beach Boys.
Started world travels when I was 19, lived as nanny in Hollywood & travelled across USA, Arizona. Have always loved America and all things American, I have so many fond memories of people & places. Thank you for your posts, I am no longer able to travel overseas but I love to watch on RUclips. God bless you ❤ Pam (England).
Love the rock fish. One of the best shows ever.
The great Isaac Hayes was the guest star.
I remember when aluminum cans started being made in a much more flimsy way. there was a scene where a guy wanted to look tough and he crushed a can (which until then was pretty hard to do), and Rockford crushes one and says'' they make 'em that way, now everyone can do it''.put that guy in his place. Garner had a sense of humor as an actor, but was a great actor ,actually. he played Wyatt Earp twice in his career. one was serious drama,('hour of the gun')and the other was more lighthearted, w/ Bruce Willis .Earp was a consultant on some Tom Mix films. that's the period when he played him the second time.this was fun. I was in high school when it had it's debut.