In his three-hour interview, James Garner (1928-2014) discusses his early life and what attracted him to acting. He describes his days as a struggling actor/model and tells of his big break on Broadway in The Cain Mutiny. He recalls almost being cast in the series Cheyenne and being cast as "Bret Maverick" in the classic Western series Maverick. He details his years on the program, discussing his co-stars and various writers and directors, and explains the contract dispute that led to his exit from the series. Garner also outlines his career in feature films, including The Americanization of Emily and Gran Prix and his short-lived series, Nichols. He discusses at length playing "Jim Rockford" on The Rockford Files, speaks of his subsequent made-for-television movies, including Heartsounds (with Mary Tyler Moore), and the 13-hour miniseries Space. Garner also touches on the short-lived series, Man of the People. Karen Herman and Morrie Gelman conducted the interview on March 17, 1999 in Los Angeles, CA.
Chapter 1
On his early years; on moving to Los Angeles; on his military service
On becoming an actor; on appearing in the play "The Caine Mutiny"; on almost getting cast in Cheyenne
Chapter 2
On doing a Winston cigarettes commercial; on his acting style; on the studio system and appearing in the film "Sayonara"
On playing the character of "Bret Maverick" on Maverick; on Jack Kelly as "Bart Maverick" on Maverick; on the writers and producers and public reaction to the show
Chapter 3
On specific episodes of Maverick; on being type-cast as "Maverick"; on leaving the show
On acting in the feature films "The Americanization of Emily" and "Gran Prix"; on acting in the series Nichols
Chapter 4
On the creation of The Rockford Files and his character, "Jim Rockford"; on the process of producing an episode of The Rockford Files; on the cast and guest stars on the show
On The Rockford Files directors; on how studio politics affected the show; on his Polaroid commercials; on the end of The Rockford Files
Chapter 5
On the made-for television movie The New Maverick; on favorite episodes of The Rockford Files and on Bret Maverick; on various made-for-television movies; on his NBC series Man of the People
On the made-for-television movie Barbarians at the Gate; on the feature film "Maverick"; on then-current projects; on how he'd like to be remembered; on various people with whom he has worked
Chapter 6
On various people with whom he's worked in his career; on meeting his wife; on the Archive of American Television
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