This date in ROCKFORD FILES history: Louis Gossett Jr. and Isaac Hayes star in “Just Another Polish Wedding,” airing Feb. 18, 1977. LEARN MORE about this episode in 45 YEARS OF THE ROCKFORD FILES, available in softcover paperback and now as an eBook through Black Pawn Press

February 18, 1977

This episode served as the pilot for Gabby & Gandy, a proposed spin-off series featuring Marcus Hayes (Louis Gossett Jr.) and Gandy Fitch (Isaac Hayes).  (Gandy calls Marcus “Gabby” throughout the episode because the fast-talking Hayes speaks at a rate of 75 miles per hour.) Despite the promising chemistry between Gossett and Hayes, NBC passed on the series. Isaac Hayes, however, returned to Rockford for one more guest appearance, the fourth-season episode “Second Chance.”

LEARN MORE about this episode in the revised third edition of 45 YEARS OF THE ROCKFORD FILES, featuring more than sixty new pages of never before published information about both the original Rockford Files and the CBS reunion movies, including twenty new interviews and six new appendices. 25 percent of the net proceeds from the sales of 45 YEARS OF THE ROCKFORD FILES will be donated to The James Garner Animal Rescue Fund, a nonprofit organization dedicated to raising funds to help rescue organizations, shelters, individuals, fosters, and veterans with emergencies, evacuations, medical care, adoptions, training, pet supplies, shelter, rehabilitation, boarding, transportation, food, and other pressing needs. JGARF is one way for Garner fans to honor Jim’s memory and extend his legacy. Plus… if you order 45 YEARS OF THE ROCKFORD FILES directly from Black Pawn Press, you will receive an exclusive bonus gift. Go to Rockford45.com for more details.