Classic TV History & News Updates | TV Confidential Podcast

This Date in ROCKFORD FILES History: Janis Paige, Robert Alda, and Richard Romanus star in “A Three-Day Affair with a Thirty-Day Escrow,” airing Nov. 10, 1978. 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

Posted on November 10, 2026 by admin

A THREE-DAY AFFAIR WITH A THIRTY-DAY ESCROW
Original Air Date: November 10, 1978

Synopsis. A sheik named Talib kidnaps Rockford and demands to know the whereabouts of his daughter, Khedra Aziz, a woman whom a gigolo named Sean Innes (played by Richard Romanus) hired Rockford to find. After escaping Talib’s family, Jim locates Innes, and discovers a bizarre scheme designed by unscrupulous real estate broker Cy Margulies (Robert Alda) to break up Khedra’s marriage so he can sell her home. 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.

Posted in Celebrities, Classic Shows, Film Stars, Podcasts, Television Star | Tagged 45 Years of The Rockford Files, 45 Years Rockford book, Angel Martin, Black Pawn Press, Charles Floyd Johnson, chas. floyd johnson, Chas. Floyd Johnson Rockford Files, Ed Robertson, Ed Robertson Rockford Files, Evelyn Martin, Gretchen Corbett, Gretchen Corbett Beth Davenport, James Garner, James Garner Animal Rescue Fund, James Garner Jim Rockford, James Garner lawsuit, James Garner Maverick, James Garner Nichols, James Garner Rockford, James Garner Rockford Files, Janis Paige, Janis Paige Bret Maverick, Janis Paige James Garner, JGARF, Jim Rockford, Jim Rockford Bret Maverick, Jim Rockford Jimmy Joe Meeker, Jimmy Joe Meeker, Jo Swerling, Jo Swerling Rockford Files, Jo Swerling Roy Huggins, Joe Santos, Joe Santos Dennis Becker, Joe Santos James Garner, Joe Santos Rockford Files, Juanita Bartlett, Juanita Bartlett Rockford Files, Meta Rosenberg, Meta Rosenberg James Garner, Meta Rosenberg Rockford Files, Richard Romanus, Robert Alda, Rockford Files, Rockford Files book, Rockford Files lawsuit, Rockford Files Magnum p.i., Roy Huggins, Roy Huggins Maverick, Roy Huggins Rockford Files, Roy Huggins Stephen J. Cannell, Stephen J. Cannell Rockford Files, Stephen J. Cannell Roy Huggins, Stuart Margolin, Stuart Margolin Angel, Stuart Margolin James Garner, Stuart Margolin Rockford Files | Leave a comment

This Date in MAVERICK TV History: “Hostage,” the first episode featuring Jack Kelly as Bart Maverick, airs on Nov. 10, 1957. MAVERICK: LEGEND OF THE WEST: Revised Third Edition is now available both as an eBook and in softcover paperback through Black Pawn Press

Posted on November 10, 2026 by admin

HOSTAGE!
Original Airdate: November 10, 1957

Synopsis. Introducing Jack Kelly as Bart Maverick. Bret and Bart seek their way onto the exclusive passenger list for the maiden voyage of The River Princess owned by Andre Devereaux, a wealthy Creole aristocrat who is contemptuous of Americans. After Devereaux’s daughter Yvette is kidnapped by Jody Collins—a muskrat trapper from the Bayous who has a strong hatred for the Creoles—the Maverick brothers try to rescue Yvette.

In many respects, Warner Bros. pioneered production of an hour-long weekly series. Each episode took a minimum of eight calendar days to shoot—but, because each show aired every seven days, that effectively put producer Roy Huggins one day behind schedule from the very beginning. This was especially true given that Maverick began production in August 1957, just a few weeks before its September 22 premiere date.

To remedy the situation, Huggins created a second Maverick character, brother Bart, who could alternate with James Garner as the series lead. That way, Maverick could shoot two episodes at the same time—each with a separate cast and its own production unit—and stay on schedule. After interviewing and auditioning several actors (including Stuart Whitman, Richard Jaeckel, and Michael Dante), Huggins cast Jack Kelly as Bart.

LEARN MORE about this episode in the revised third edition of Maverick: Legend of the West, featuring more than 100 pages of new information about the show that made James Garner a star. 25 percent of the net proceeds from the sales of the third edition 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. The revised third edition of Maverick: Legend of the West is available through Black Pawn Press, Amazon.com, and wherever books are sold online.

Posted in Celebrities, Classic Shows, Film Stars, Television Star | Tagged Arthur Silver, Black Pawn Press, Bret Maverick, Coles Trapnell, Gigi Garner, Jack Kelly, Jack Kelly James Garner, Jack Kelly King's Row, Jack Kelly Maverick, Jack Kelly Roy Huggins, James Garner, James Garner Animal Rescue Fund, James Garner Maverick, James Garner Pappy, JGARF, Leo Gordon, Leo Gordon Big Mike McComb, Leo Gordon Maverick, Leslie Martinson, Marion Hargrove, Maverick, Maverick book, Maverick is the legend of the west, Maverick Legend of the West, Maverick Pappy episode, Maverick Solitaire, Maverick tall dark stranger, Maverick theme song, Maverick TV series, Maverick Warner Bros. Television, my dear ole Pappy, my ole Pappy used to say, Pappy Maverick, Pappyisms, Robert Colbert, Rockford Files, Roger Moore, Roger Moore Beau Maverick, Roger Moore Maverick, Roy Huggins, Sir Roger Moore, Warner Bros. Western actors, Warner Bros. Westerns, Western actors | Leave a comment

This Date in MAVERICK TV History: Efrem Zimbalist Jr. stars as Dandy Jim Buckley in “The Jail at Junction Flats,” airing Nov. 9, 1958. MAVERICK: LEGEND OF THE WEST: Revised Third Edition is now available both as an eBook and in softcover paperback through Black Pawn Press

Posted on November 9, 2026 by admin

THE JAIL AT JUNCTION FLATS
Original Airdate: November 9, 1958

Synopsis. In Broken Wheel, Wyoming, Bret bumps into the “new” Dandy Jim Buckley, who claims that he’s now making an honest living selling horses. Buckley promises Maverick double his money back if Bret joins him as his business partner. Reluctantly, Maverick loans Buckley $2,000―and is quite shocked when he sees that Dandy Jim is actually buying horses. But Buckley’s true colors show when he plants a rumor about a gold strike, then sells back the horses—at a profit—to anyone foolish enough to check out the “claim.” After Buckley pays Bret his share (then immediately steals it back), Maverick finds Dandy Jim locked inside an apparently impregnable jail in nearby Junction Flats, where Buckley is accused of shooting the sheriff’s nephew. In order to get his money back, Maverick must break Buckley out of jail.

“The Jail at Junction Flats” scored a 46 audience share when it first aired on the night of Nov. 9, 1958, a figure that made it the most-watched episode of Maverick to that point. Both “Gun-Shy” and “The Saga of Waco Williams” would top that mark within a matter of weeks.

LEARN MORE about this episode in the revised third edition of Maverick: Legend of the West, featuring more than 100 pages of new information about the show that made James Garner a star. 25 percent of the net proceeds from the sales of the third edition 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. The revised third edition of Maverick: Legend of the West is available through Black Pawn Press, Amazon.com, and wherever books are sold online.

Posted in Celebrities, Classic Shows, Film Stars, Next Show, Television Star | Tagged Arthur Silver, Black Pawn Press, Bret Maverick, Coles Trapnell, Efrem Zimbalist Jr., Efrem Zimbalist Jr. 77 Sunset Strip, Efrem Zimbalist Jr. Dandy Jim Buckley, Efrem Zimbalist Jr. Maverick, Gigi Garner, Jack Kelly, Jack Kelly Maverick, James Garner, James Garner Animal Rescue Fund, James Garner Maverick, James Garner Pappy, JGARF, Leo Gordon, Leo Gordon Big Mike McComb, Leo Gordon Maverick, Leslie Martinson, Marion Hargrove, Maverick, Maverick book, Maverick is the legend of the west, Maverick Jail at Junction Flats, Maverick Legend of the West, Maverick Pappy episode, Maverick Solitaire, Maverick tall dark stranger, Maverick theme song, Maverick TV series, Maverick Warner Bros. Television, my dear ole Pappy, my ole Pappy used to say, Pappy Maverick, Pappyisms, Robert Colbert, Rockford Files, Roger Moore, Roger Moore Beau Maverick, Roger Moore Maverick, Roy Huggins, Sir Roger Moore, The Jail at Junction Flats, Walter Doniger, Warner Bros. Western actors, Warner Bros. Westerns, Western actors | Leave a comment

This Date in MAVERICK TV History: “The Ghost Soldiers” airs on Nov. 8, 1959. MAVERICK: LEGEND OF THE WEST: Revised Third Edition is now available both as an eBook and in softcover paperback through Black Pawn Press

Posted on November 8, 2026 by admin

THE GHOST SOLDIERS
Original Airdate: November 8, 1959

Synopsis. The discovery of gold in the Black Hills of the Dakotas brought on a stampede of prospectors—much to the resentment of the Sioux Indians, who retaliated by killing those who invaded their land. The U.S. Army responded by sending regiments into the Dakota Territories to protect the settlers. While awaiting an inquiry at an Army fort, Bret survives a Sioux attack, along with a veteran sergeant and a young corporal survive the massacre. To buy time while waiting for reinforcements, Maverick and the others—knowing that the superstitious Indians are scared of evil spirits—pretend to be ghosts. But when the Sioux leader calls their bluff and murders the corporal, Maverick must impersonate the dead soldier to prove that the fort is “haunted.”

LEARN MORE about this episode in the revised third edition of Maverick: Legend of the West, featuring more than 100 pages of new information about the show that made James Garner a star. 25 percent of the net proceeds from the sales of the third edition 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. The revised third edition of Maverick: Legend of the West is available through Black Pawn Press, Amazon.com, and wherever

Posted in Celebrities, Classic Shows, Film Stars, Podcasts, Television Star | Tagged Arthur Silver, Black Pawn Press, Bret Maverick, Coles Trapnell, Gigi Garner, Jack Kelly, Jack Kelly Maverick, James Garner, James Garner Animal Rescue Fund, James Garner Maverick, James Garner Pappy, JGARF, Leo Gordon, Leo Gordon Big Mike McComb, Leo Gordon Maverick, Leslie Martinson, Marion Hargrove, Maverick, Maverick book, Maverick is the legend of the west, Maverick Legend of the West, Maverick Pappy episode, Maverick Solitaire, Maverick tall dark stranger, Maverick theme song, Maverick TV series, Maverick Warner Bros. Television, my dear ole Pappy, my ole Pappy used to say, Pappy Maverick, Pappyisms, Robert Colbert, Rockford Files, Roger Moore, Roger Moore Beau Maverick, Roger Moore Maverick, Roy Huggins, Sir Roger Moore, Warner Bros. Western actors, Warner Bros. Westerns, Western actors | Leave a comment

This Date in ROCKFORD FILES History: Lynette Mettey stars in “In Pursuit of Carol Thorne,” airing Nov. 8, 1974. 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

Posted on November 8, 2026 by admin

IN PURSUIT OF CAROL THORNE
Original Air Date: November 8, 1974

Synopsis. An elderly couple who claim to be the parents of Cliff Hoad hires Rockford to tail Carol Thorne, a recently paroled convict (played by Lynette Mettey) who is also Cliff’s former girlfriend. Rockford doesn’t realize that his client is a con artist named who, along with Cliff and two other men, robbed a Marine Corps payroll of $1.2 million three years earlier. Miles wants Carol to lead him to Cliff—and to where Cliff stashed the money. 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

Posted in Celebrities, Classic Shows, Film Stars, Television Star | Tagged 45 Years of The Rockford Files, 45 Years Rockford book, Angel Martin, Black Pawn Press, Charles Floyd Johnson, chas. floyd johnson, Chas. Floyd Johnson Rockford Files, Ed Robertson, Ed Robertson Rockford Files, Evelyn Martin, Gretchen Corbett, Gretchen Corbett Beth Davenport, James Garner, James Garner Animal Rescue Fund, James Garner Jim Rockford, James Garner lawsuit, James Garner Maverick, James Garner Nichols, James Garner Rockford, James Garner Rockford Files, James Luisi, James Luisi Chappy, James Luisi Lieutenant Chapman, James Luisi Rockford Files, JGARF, Jim Rockford, Jim Rockford Bret Maverick, Jim Rockford Jimmy Joe Meeker, Jimmy Joe Meeker, Jo Swerling, Jo Swerling Rockford Files, Jo Swerling Roy Huggins, Joe Santos, Joe Santos Dennis Becker, Joe Santos James Garner, Joe Santos Rockford Files, Juanita Bartlett, Juanita Bartlett Rockford Files, Lynette Mettey, Lynette Mettey Carol Thorne, Lynette Mettey Quincy, Lynette Mettey Rockford Files, Meta Rosenberg, Meta Rosenberg James Garner, Meta Rosenberg Rockford Files, Rockford Files, Rockford Files book, Rockford Files lawsuit, Rockford Files Magnum p.i., Roy Huggins, Roy Huggins Maverick, Roy Huggins Rockford Files, Roy Huggins Stephen J. Cannell, Stephen J. Cannell Rockford Files, Stephen J. Cannell Roy Huggins, Stuart Margolin, Stuart Margolin Angel, Stuart Margolin James Garner, Stuart Margolin Rockford Files | Leave a comment

This Date in ROCKFORD FILES History: Joan Van Ark stars in “Resurrection in Black and White,” airing Nov. 7, 1975. 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

Posted on November 7, 2026 by admin

RESURRECTION IN BLACK AND WHITE
Original Air Date: November 7, 1975

Synopsis. Investigative reporter Susan Alexander (played by Joan Van Ark) believes that Dave Krueger was wrongfully convicted of the brutal murder of his girlfriend Cheryl Wilson six years before. Susan hires Rockford to help her prove Krueger innocent. “Resurrection in Black and White” features some of the most memorable lines of the entire series, including Rockford’s classic retort once he learns that reporter Susan Alexander was nearly killed while investigating the Krueger case.
“Why didn’t you tell me [about the man who nearly drove your car off the road]?” Rockford asks Susan.
“Physical violence has a tendency to put some people off,” explains Susan.
“Yeah,” cracks Rockford. “I’m one of them!”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.

Posted in Celebrities, Classic Shows, Film Stars, Television Star | Tagged 45 Years of The Rockford Files, 45 Years Rockford book, Abby Cunningham Knots Landing, Angel Martin, Barefoot in the Park, Black Pawn Press, Broadway, Charles Floyd Johnson, chas. floyd johnson, Chas. Floyd Johnson Rockford Files, David Chase, David Chase Rockford Files, David Jacobs, David Jacobs Knots Landing, Ed Robertson, Ed Robertson Rockford Files, Estee Lauder, Estee Lauder eyes, Estee Lauder Joan Van Ark, Estee Lauder lips, Estee Lauder voiceover, Evelyn Martin, Gretchen Corbett, Gretchen Corbett Beth Davenport, Hollywood Museum, Hollywood Museum Lobby Series, James Garner, James Garner Animal Rescue Fund, James Garner Jim Rockford, James Garner lawsuit, James Garner Maverick, James Garner Nichols, James Garner profit participation, James Garner Rockford, James Garner Rockford Files, JGARF, Jim Rockford, Jim Rockford Bret Maverick, Jim Rockford Jimmy Joe Meeker, Jimmy Joe Meeker, Jo Swerling, Jo Swerling Rockford Files, Jo Swerling Roy Huggins, Joan van Ark, Joan Van Ark Barefoot in the Park, Joan Van Ark Estee Lauter, Joan Van Ark Find Me If You Can, Joan Van Ark Hollywood Museum, Joan Van Ark Juanita Bartlett, Joan Van Ark KNOT Done Yet, Joan Van Ark Knots Landing, Joan Van Ark M*A*S*H, Joan Van Ark Martin Sheen, Joan Van Ark Mike Nichols, Joan Van Ark Quark, Joan Van Ark Quinn Martin, Joan Van Ark Resurrection in Black and White, Joan Van Ark Richard Benjamin, Joan Van Ark Rockford Files, Joan Van Ark Spider-Woman, Joan Van Ark Steve Ihnat, Joan Van Ark Ted Shackelford, Joan Van Ark Temperatures Rising, Joan Van Ark The F.B.I., Joan Van Ark The FBI, Joan Van Ark The School for Wives, Joan Van Ark There's One in Every Port, Joan Van Ark Valene Ewing, Joe Santos, Joe Santos Dennis Becker, John Marshall, Juanita Bartlett, Juanita Bartlett Rockford Files, Julie Harris, Julie Harris Knots Landing, Julie Harris Lilimae Clements, K-N-O-T Done Yet, Karen Fairgate Knots Landing, Kill The Messenger, KNOT Done Yet, Knots Landing, Knots Landing Dallas, Knots Landing David Jacobs, Knots Landing lobby exhibit, Knots Landing Michael Filerman, Knots Landing This Is Us, Madeline Reeves General Hospital, Meta Rosenberg, Meta Rosenberg James Garner, Meta Rosenberg Rockford Files, Michael Filerman Knots Landing, Myrna Loy, Neil Simon, Paul Michael Glaser, Paul Michael Glaser Find Me If You Can, Paul Michael Glaser Rockford Files, Paul Michael Glaser Starsky and Hutch, Resurrection in Black and White, Rockford Files, Rockford Files book, Rockford Files Jimmy Joe Meeker, Rockford Files lawsuit, Roy Huggins, Roy Huggins Maverick, Roy Huggins Rockford Files, Roy Huggins Stephen J. Cannell, Spider-Woman Disney+, Spider-Woman Jessica Drew, Stephen J. Cannell Rockford Files, Stephen J. Cannell Roy Huggins, Stuart Margolin, Stuart Margolin Angel, Stuart Margolin James Garner, Stuart Margolin Rockford Files, Television Confidential, The Hollywood Museum, This Is Us, Val and Gary Ewing, Val Ewing Dallas, Val Ewing Knots Landing, Vanessa Marshall, Wicked | Leave a comment

This Date in THE FBI History: Gerald S. O’Loughlin and Jacqueline Scott star in “Ordeal,” an episode with an exciting climax and a storyline reminiscent of the French thriller The Wages of Fear, airing Nov. 6, 1966. THE FBI DOSSIER now available from Black Pawn Press

Posted on November 6, 2026 by admin

ORDEAL
Original Air Date: Nov. 6, 1966
Synopsis. In Texas, Rhodes poses as a truck driver as part of Erskine’s effort to recover an eight-pound supply of Nitro XH2, a volatile experimental explosive that was stolen from the Magna Explosives Company. The stolen goods are headed for Corpus Christi en route to South America as part of a Communist attempt to overthrow a Latin American nation.

LEARN MORE about this episode in THE FBI DOSSIER, everything you wanted to know—and more—about the long-running ABC-TV series produced by Quinn Martin and starring Efrem Zimbalist, Jr. THE FBI DOSSIER is available through Black Pawn Press, Amazon.com, and wherever books are sold online.

Posted in Celebrities, Classic Shows, Film Stars, Television Star | Tagged an important look at an unheralded chapter of television history, Anne Archer, based on actual cases from the files of the FBI, Beau Bridges, Dawn Wells, Donna Mills, Ed Asner, Efrem Zimbalist, Eric Braeden, FBI book, Henry Darrow, Jack Garner, Jerry Houser, Joan van Ark, Jr., Ketty Lester, Lindsay Wagner, Michael Bell, one of the most popular shows of the late 1960s, Peter Mark Richman, Philip Abbott, Quinn Martins longest running television series, Richard Anderson, robert hooks, Roy Thinnes, Stefanie Powers, Stephen Brooks, Suzanne Pleshette, The FBI, The FBI A QM Production, The FBI A Quinn Martin Production, The FBI Bill Sullivan, The FBI Dossier, The FBI Ed Robertson, The FBI Efrem Zimbalist Jr., The FBI Quinn Martin, The FBI Sunday nights ABC, The FBI television series, The FBI TV series, The FBI William Reynolds, the mission of the FBI is to protect the innocent and identify the enemies of the Government of the United States, Walter Grauman, William Reynolds | Leave a comment

This Date in MAVERICK TV History: Wayde Preston stars in “The Witch of Hound Dog,” airing Nov. 6, 1960. MAVERICK: LEGEND OF THE WEST: Revised Third Edition is now available both as an eBook and in softcover paperback through Black Pawn Press

Posted on November 6, 2026 by admin

THE WITCH OF HOUND DOG
Original Airdate: November 6, 1960

Synopsis. In Hound Dog, Tennessee, Bart enlists the help of town doctor Luke Baxter (played by Wayde Preston) in his efforts to collect a $10,000 gambling debt from “Hound Dog” Harris.

Wayde Preston previously starred as the titular character in “The Saga of Waco Williams,” one of the most famous episodes of of the entire series.

LEARN MORE about this episode in the revised third edition of Maverick: Legend of the West, featuring more than 100 pages of new information about the show that made James Garner a star. 25 percent of the net proceeds from the sales of the third edition 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. The revised third edition of Maverick: Legend of the West is available through Black Pawn Press, Amazon.com, and wherever

Posted in Celebrities, Classic Shows, Film Stars, Television Star | Tagged Arthur Silver, Black Pawn Press, Bret Maverick, Coles Trapnell, Gigi Garner, Jack Kelly, Jack Kelly Maverick, James Garner, James Garner Animal Rescue Fund, James Garner Clint Eastwood, James Garner Maverick, James Garner Pappy, JGARF, Leo Gordon, Leo Gordon Big Mike McComb, Leo Gordon Maverick, Leslie Martinson, Marion Hargrove, Maverick, Maverick book, Maverick is the legend of the west, Maverick Legend of the West, Maverick Pappy episode, Maverick Solitaire, Maverick tall dark stranger, Maverick theme song, Maverick TV series, Maverick Warner Bros. Television, my dear ole Pappy, my ole Pappy used to say, Pappy Maverick, Pappyisms, Robert Colbert, Rockford Files, Roger Moore, Roger Moore Beau Maverick, Roger Moore Maverick, Roy Huggins, Sir Roger Moore, The Saga of Waco Williams, Warner Bros. Western actors, Warner Bros. Westerns, Wayde Preston, Western actors | Leave a comment

TV CONFIDENTIAL Show No. 753.4 with guest Christopher Robinson is now available for listening on demand for free wherever you find podcasts

Posted on November 5, 2026 by admin

Christopher Robinson, author of How the West was Not
Original Airdates: Oct. 23-25, 2026
TVC 753.4: Ed welcomes Christopher Robinson, longtime senior editor and feature writer for Western Magazine Digest. Chris’ new book, How the West was Not: Classic TV Westerns and Their Myths, is an offbeat look at many classic Westerns from the Golden Age of Television that particularly focuses on the extent to which the tropes and clichés that permeate those shows stand up to reality when compared to the facts of the real Old West. How the West was Not is available in hardcover, paperback, and as an eBook through Amazon.com. Topics this segment include why Chris believes that the Western genre is the best way to tell a story; why Westerns have enjoyed a comeback over the past two decades; and the answer to the burning question “Why do TV cowboys sip beer, but chug whiskey, when it should be the other way around?”

Why Gunsmoke is still the ultimate TV Western
Original Airdates: Oct. 23-25, 2026
TVC 753.4: Christopher Robinson, author of How the West was Not: Classic TV Westerns and Their Myths, talks to Ed about his Cowboy Top 20, plus he discusses a few of his favorite TV Westerns, including Gunsmoke, The Big Valley, Stories of the Century, Tombstone Territory, and The Westerner. How the West was Not is available in hardcover, paperback, and as an eBook through Amazon.com.

Posted in Celebrities, Classic Shows, Film Stars, Next Show, Podcasts, Television Star | Leave a comment

TV CONFIDENTIAL Show No. 753.2: Lucille Ball FAQ is now available for listening on demand for free wherever you find podcasts

Posted on November 5, 2026 by admin

Lucille Ball FAQ
Original Airdates: Oct. 23-25, 2026
TVC 753.2: TV Confidential marks the seventy-fifth anniversary of the premiere of I Love Lucy by bringing you an encore presentation of our conversation from October 2011 with James Sheridan and Barry Monush, co-authors of Lucille Ball FAQ: Everything Left to Know About America’s Favorite Redhead, a dispensable look at the Original Queen of Comedy, from her life growing up, her love interests, her various inspirations, and a ton of information about her films and TV series, including I Love Lucy.

Lucille Ball and her “spider face”
Original Airdates: Oct. 23-25, 2026
TVC 753.3: From October 2011: James Sheridan and Barry Monush, co-authors of Lucille Ball FAQ, talk to Ed about the origins of the “spider face,” the now iconic facial expression (accompanied by a high-pitched, nasal “eeeew” sound) that Lucille Ball would make as Lucy Ricardo whenever something went wrong.

Posted in Celebrities, Classic Shows, Film Stars, Podcasts, Television Star | Tagged Desi Arnaz, Desilu Productions, Desilu Studios, First Couple of Comedy, first female executive television executive, first female television executive, Here's Lucy, Hollywood Museum, I Had a Ball: My Friendship with Lucy, I Love Lucy, Jamestown, Lucie Arnaz, Lucie Arnaz Luckinbill, Lucille Ball, Lucille Ball Comedy Festival, Lucille Ball Desi Arnaz, Lucille Ball exhibit, Lucille Ball tribute, public Thank You Lucille Ball, Queen of Comedy, Redheads Only Room, Remembering Lucy, Remembering Lucy exhibit, The Lucy Book, The Lucy Legacy, The Lucy Show | Leave a comment

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This Date in MAVERICK TV History: “Hostage,” the first episode featuring Jack Kelly as Bart Maverick, airs on Nov. 10, 1957. MAVERICK: LEGEND OF THE WEST: Revised Third Edition is now available both as an eBook and in softcover paperback through Black Pawn Press

This Date in MAVERICK TV History: Efrem Zimbalist Jr. stars as Dandy Jim Buckley in “The Jail at Junction Flats,” airing Nov. 9, 1958. MAVERICK: LEGEND OF THE WEST: Revised Third Edition is now available both as an eBook and in softcover paperback through Black Pawn Press

This Date in MAVERICK TV History: “The Ghost Soldiers” airs on Nov. 8, 1959. MAVERICK: LEGEND OF THE WEST: Revised Third Edition is now available both as an eBook and in softcover paperback through Black Pawn Press

This Date in ROCKFORD FILES History: Lynette Mettey stars in “In Pursuit of Carol Thorne,” airing Nov. 8, 1974. 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

This Date in ROCKFORD FILES History: Joan Van Ark stars in “Resurrection in Black and White,” airing Nov. 7, 1975. 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

This Date in THE FBI History: Gerald S. O’Loughlin and Jacqueline Scott star in “Ordeal,” an episode with an exciting climax and a storyline reminiscent of the French thriller The Wages of Fear, airing Nov. 6, 1966. THE FBI DOSSIER now available from Black Pawn Press

This Date in MAVERICK TV History: Wayde Preston stars in “The Witch of Hound Dog,” airing Nov. 6, 1960. MAVERICK: LEGEND OF THE WEST: Revised Third Edition is now available both as an eBook and in softcover paperback through Black Pawn Press

TV CONFIDENTIAL Show No. 753.4 with guest Christopher Robinson is now available for listening on demand for free wherever you find podcasts

TV CONFIDENTIAL Show No. 753.2: Lucille Ball FAQ is now available for listening on demand for free wherever you find podcasts

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