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Post by flossieskid on Sept 28, 2021 6:09:00 GMT -5
Nedandres - thank you for your kind message of sympathy about Claire Whitaker. I am so pleased you liked my Mom’s performance on “The Rockford Files” because outside of “The Firestorm” on The Waltons, her episode on “The Rockford Files” was my favorite.
Mom LOVED Jim Garner and the feeling was mutual. Sadly, this was my Mom’s last performance. Gigi Garner, James Garner’s daughter, who was on set every day, fell in love with my Mom. I couldn’t blame her! My Mom was always reaching out to young women and actresses and seemed to take them under her wing. The show was shot on location in a trailer park in Malibu called Paradise Cove.
Teamsters use to drive cast members to location, but it stopped for some reason. My Dad was working as a guest actor on the series “Ironside” in the city, so I got up at 4am, drove my Mom to Malibu, about 50 miles round trip, would take a long nap and then go to school later. I never got detention for showing up late to class since my Mom always wrote such convincing excuse letters! I think the fact she highlighted that: if I couldn’t drive her (her husband was also on location) she couldn’t do the job and then she couldn’t pay the Catholic school tuition. The nuns heartily agreed!
They use to have a delicious restaurant next to the trailer park called The Sand Castle at Paradise Cove where we use to go to before Mom was on the show. Gigi always wanted to take my Mom to lunch there because the regular lunch area for the cast and crew members was “too noisy” and she kind of wanted my Mom to herself she told my Mom. My Mom always enjoyed sharing lunch with all the cast and crew members but who could resist such a lovely invitation from Gigi?!
My Mom really liked her and was happy to share lunch with her. Mom was always a very uniting, calming force on a set. That’s how I became friends with actress Belinda Montgomery. Mom was on 2 episodes with Belinda on “Marcus Welby, M.D.(also shot at Paradise Cove - what are the odds?!)) and since Belinda was alone in LA, as an 18 year old transplant from Canada, under contract to Universal Studios, my Mom connected us and we became fast friends.
James Garner and my Mom had great chemistry on screen and they wanted to add my Mom as a series regular. It was that great “love/hate” relationship that appeals to so many TV viewers. In the episode, my Mom’s character had a son who stole money from Jim Rockford. To pay it back, at the end of the show, my Mom tells Rockford that she will be coming into his trailer every week to clean it. In essence, she would become his maid. He was NOT thrilled!
Jim Garner loved working with my Mom, Gigi Garner loved bring around my Mom and the producers were thrilled with the interplay between my Mom’s character and Rockford. They felt the series could use a woman character and more humor. It was so much fun to see my Mom doing more comedy. Universal Studios was discussing a contract with my Mom and, sadly, that is around the time she got sick and then died 6 months later.
It was terrible that this great new opportunity was denied my Mom. This was a wonderful experience for dear Flossie. It was fitting that her last acting credit was billed as “Guest Star” single card - meaning only her name appeared - something that had eluded her in her entire career. This episode was called “The Battle of Canoga Park” which is an actual city in the west San Fernando Valley. Whenever I happen to drive to good old Canoga Park, I remember my Mom’s wonderful experience on “The Rockford Files” and wistfully smile for what might have been.
One other connection to a Waltons actor: when John Ritter died, James Garner came on John’s series (“8 Simple Rules for Dating My Daughter”) as the grandfather to use his star power to help the show continue. Not sure it helped, but it was fun to see.
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Post by flossieskid on Sept 28, 2021 6:10:08 GMT -5
Obviously, meant “The Rockford Files” in subject line!
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Post by Easton on Sept 28, 2021 8:51:59 GMT -5
I don't believe I've seen a single episode of The Rockford Files. I didn't even get to see much of the Waltons for that matter. The 70s was a busy, busy time for me what with university and relocating and finding a job. Oh, and I didn't have a television. (That might have been a factor.)
I remember James Garner more as Bret Maverick than Rockford and his Polaroid commercials with Mariette Hartley:
I noticed a double connection between 'The Battle of Canoga Park' and The Waltons. Of course, your mother was in both Rockford and The Waltons, but so was Noah Beery Jr. Noah portrayed 'Rocky' Rockford, but he also portrayed Charlie Harmon in The Waltons 'Heritage'. That was the episode in which Charlie wanted to buy Waltons Mountain and even the house to turn it into a hot springs health resort and hotel.
Thank you, Tracey, for all these wonderful stories. For many (most?) of us, your mother was only a character on our television screens. Your stories, at least for me, make your mother and family real. You give us an exclusive 'behind the scenes' look.
Again, thank you.
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Post by nedandres on Sept 29, 2021 10:38:40 GMT -5
Dear Tracey, Thanks so much for taking the time to share all the details about your mother's appearance in this episode. I think it's wonderful that she was being considered for a recurring role. I would have LOVED to see that. Unfortunately it was not meant to be. She was hilarious in her scenes with Garner. I remember a bit about her alarm that he hid his gun in the cookie jar. Of course, that would make a cleaning lady uncomfortable. I am happy that you were able to be friends with Gigi. If I remember correctly, she has a website that sells Rockford themed items to support animal rights. She is working to keep her dad's memory alive which I think it great. Not many people in show biz who were like James Garner. In 2004 when I was in CA for a Waltons reunion with my wife and son we went to Paradise Cove to check it out. We convinced the guard to let us go in for 10 minutes and see it without paying the $30 fee (I think that's what they were charging at the time). We were not planning on swimming or anything, just wanted to see the filming site. It brought back many happy memories of watching Rockford with my dad every Friday night when it originally ran. We didn't watch a lot of the same TV shows, so that was a special time for us. Thank you again! Ned
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Post by flossieskid on Sept 29, 2021 19:57:09 GMT -5
So glad, Ned, that you got to see Paradise Cove. It was one of my favorite places until they priced themselves out of business charging so darn much for parking! I am very surprised you remembered the scene of my Mom finding Rockford’s gun in the cookie jar - that was the one scene that stood out in my mind too! Isn’t it amazing how television programs and those who act in the shows can have such an impact on our memories?
The Waltons have so many instances of wonderful storylines, great performances and always a sense of hope and love among family and a community. Other programs, like “The Rockford Files” provide humor and surely an enjoyable viewing hour, but can’t compare to the lasting affect of the Waltons. Yet, we both remember very specific scenes from our favorite programs and that, I think, is how a truly great television series should be judged.
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Post by nedandres on Sept 30, 2021 21:46:50 GMT -5
It is wonderful to interact with you here on the forum, Tracey. I always enjoyed the surprise of seeing your mom on different shows that I watched, and I am now on the lookout for your dad as well. Paradise Cove seemed like a nice place during the 10 free minutes that I spent there. I believe that James Garner would have applauded me for not spending the parking fee. I am sure that his costar Stuart Margolin a/k/a Angel Martin would have. HAHA! I rewatched the entire ROCKFORD FILES series over the past couple years, so it's rather fresh in my mind. It was a fun trip to CA in 2004. My wife, son and I enjoyed meeting several new members of the WALTONS cast that I hadn't met before; seeing the Walk of Fame in Hollywood; the Hollywood sign; several filming locations; Roxbury Drive in Beverly Hills; the Will Geer Theatricum Botanicum; touring the Warner Brothers Ranch including the Walton House and Barn and the Bewitched House,; visiting a college friend in 29 Palms CA, etc. It was a full trip. I have many favorite TV series, some of which did not last more than a year, but I remember them fondly. As you said the quality and my enjoyment makes them stand out. Take care, Ned
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Post by flossieskid on Oct 1, 2021 7:55:45 GMT -5
Boy, Ned, you must have been going non-stop from sun-up to sun-down during your visit to CA! I am very impressed! I never remember that Warner’s Brothers has a studio tour. Or I remembered and thought it was just too darn expensive! It reminds me of when our relatives or friends come to LA for the first time and we have to be the guides to all the tourist spots around town. Seeing it for the the 50th time tends to be a bit boring, for us. But, for the first timer it is a wonderful experience - especially the hand and footprints of the stars at the old “Grauman’s Chinese Theater.” I know they have changed the name so many times, but the “Grauman’s Chinese Theater” is the ONLY way I will always remember it. Don’t know the name of it now. But the tourists sure love visiting it no matter what name they have chosen. I love all that stuff!
Just 2 days ago, I saw one of those buses that show all the “Star’s Homes”. They were coming down George Clooney’s street. Not sure if you ever watched the show with all the Kardashians, but for years they showed the front of “their house” primarily made of bricks. But, it’s just for show because they NEVER lived there. But, I’m sure the tour guide said it was their residence. I went in that house once while I was a member of the Board of Directors of our homeowners association. The living room was MASSIVE, like 50’X 50’. The owner showed me her “display” room with 17 super expensive Fabrege (sp?) Eggs. Fantastic! Ah, to be rich…..
It was lucky that the tabloids never followed any of the stars of the Waltons! Of course, when you think about it, what sort of scandal could ANY of The Waltons commit?!? Perhaps: “Oh, such a scandal - Olivia Walton wore pants to church!” “John Walton gave an overly made-up ‘hussy’ a ride home from town!”, John Boy forgot to say ‘Goodnight’ to his family”, “Flossie Brimmer served ‘The Recipe’ to her boarders when she ran out of orange juice,” “Reverend Fortwick” was caught dancing with his wife without his shirt on!” and “The Baldwin Sisters lost” the recipe to ‘The Recipe” - whatever will they do?!?!? Oh, the horror of it all!!!
A Walton CHALLENGE: Any other potential scandals Forum members might think of that could befall any member of The Waltons?? Please share: The more outrageous the better. Your choices might give us all, especially me, a well needed laugh!! Thanks!
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Post by Easton on Oct 1, 2021 8:55:23 GMT -5
^ Actually, the Baldwins losing the Recipe actually happened in an episode. Jason had taken custody of Boone Walton to keep him out of jail. The sisters were devastated at losing the recipe (as if they couldn't remember it after all those decades of making it) and Boone, a genuine moonshiner, recreated the Recipe precisely while Miss Mamie wrote it down.
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Post by nedandres on Oct 3, 2021 21:14:25 GMT -5
Boy, Ned, you must have been going non-stop from sun-up to sun-down during your visit to CA! I am very impressed! I never remember that Warner’s Brothers has a studio tour. Or I remembered and thought it was just too darn expensive! It reminds me of when our relatives or friends come to LA for the first time and we have to be the guides to all the tourist spots around town. Seeing it for the the 50th time tends to be a bit boring, for us. But, for the first timer it is a wonderful experience - especially the hand and footprints of the stars at the old “Grauman’s Chinese Theater.” I know they have changed the name so many times, but the “Grauman’s Chinese Theater” is the ONLY way I will always remember it. Don’t know the name of it now. But the tourists sure love visiting it no matter what name they have chosen. I love all that stuff! Just 2 days ago, I saw one of those buses that show all the “Star’s Homes”. They were coming down George Clooney’s street. Not sure if you ever watched the show with all the Kardashians, but for years they showed the front of “their house” primarily made of bricks. But, it’s just for show because they NEVER lived there. But, I’m sure the tour guide said it was their residence. I went in that house once while I was a member of the Board of Directors of our homeowners association. The living room was MASSIVE, like 50’X 50’. The owner showed me her “display” room with 17 super expensive Fabrege (sp?) Eggs. Fantastic! Ah, to be rich….. It was lucky that the tabloids never followed any of the stars of the Waltons! Of course, when you think about it, what sort of scandal could ANY of The Waltons commit?!? Perhaps: “Oh, such a scandal - Olivia Walton wore pants to church!” “John Walton gave an overly made-up ‘hussy’ a ride home from town!”, John Boy forgot to say ‘Goodnight’ to his family”, “Flossie Brimmer served ‘The Recipe’ to her boarders when she ran out of orange juice,” “Reverend Fortwick” was caught dancing with his wife without his shirt on!” and “The Baldwin Sisters lost” the recipe to ‘The Recipe” - whatever will they do?!?!? Oh, the horror of it all!!! A Walton CHALLENGE: Any other potential scandals Forum members might think of that could befall any member of The Waltons?? Please share: The more outrageous the better. Your choices might give us all, especially me, a well needed laugh!! Thanks! Well, we didn't technically take a tour. Earl Hamner always arranged for the "Waltons" fans to go to Warner Brothers to see the Walton house and barn and the Baldwin ladies house (also appeared in the "Bewitched" pilot). Sometimes it involved other parts of the ranch, too. The time that we went we got to see the "Bewitched," "Partridge Family" house (also used for the Kravitzes) and "I Dream of Jeannie" house, the "Friends" fountain (also used on "Bewitched" and other shows, and some of the other facades from that part of the studio.. It was fun. Yes, we went to Grauman's. That was wonderful. I especially was thrilled to see Judy Garland's and Roy Roger's prints. They are two of my all-time favorites!!! The famous houses that we saw (Lucille Ball's, Rosemary Clooney's, Agnes Moorehead's, "Brady Bunch" house, etc.) we did with a friend that I spent a year in Mexico with on an evangelical missions trip. We had our own private guide. Haha. Too bad I didn't know you yet, Tracey. I would have looked you up. Hope all is well with everyone, Ned
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Post by carol on Oct 4, 2021 13:16:26 GMT -5
Boy, Ned, you must have been going non-stop from sun-up to sun-down during your visit to CA! I am very impressed! I never remember that Warner’s Brothers has a studio tour. Or I remembered and thought it was just too darn expensive! It reminds me of when our relatives or friends come to LA for the first time and we have to be the guides to all the tourist spots around town. Seeing it for the the 50th time tends to be a bit boring, for us. But, for the first timer it is a wonderful experience - especially the hand and footprints of the stars at the old “Grauman’s Chinese Theater.” I know they have changed the name so many times, but the “Grauman’s Chinese Theater” is the ONLY way I will always remember it. Don’t know the name of it now. But the tourists sure love visiting it no matter what name they have chosen. I love all that stuff! Just 2 days ago, I saw one of those buses that show all the “Star’s Homes”. They were coming down George Clooney’s street. Not sure if you ever watched the show with all the Kardashians, but for years they showed the front of “their house” primarily made of bricks. But, it’s just for show because they NEVER lived there. But, I’m sure the tour guide said it was their residence. I went in that house once while I was a member of the Board of Directors of our homeowners association. The living room was MASSIVE, like 50’X 50’. The owner showed me her “display” room with 17 super expensive Fabrege (sp?) Eggs. Fantastic! Ah, to be rich….. It was lucky that the tabloids never followed any of the stars of the Waltons! Of course, when you think about it, what sort of scandal could ANY of The Waltons commit?!? Perhaps: “Oh, such a scandal - Olivia Walton wore pants to church!” “John Walton gave an overly made-up ‘hussy’ a ride home from town!”, John Boy forgot to say ‘Goodnight’ to his family”, “Flossie Brimmer served ‘The Recipe’ to her boarders when she ran out of orange juice,” “Reverend Fortwick” was caught dancing with his wife without his shirt on!” and “The Baldwin Sisters lost” the recipe to ‘The Recipe” - whatever will they do?!?!? Oh, the horror of it all!!! A Walton CHALLENGE: Any other potential scandals Forum members might think of that could befall any member of The Waltons?? Please share: The more outrageous the better. Your choices might give us all, especially me, a well needed laugh!! Thanks! This one is sure to rock the mountain, if not flatten it. All Gunsmoke fans know that Olivia Walton had an illicit affair with Matt Dillon and had his baby. Olivia was definitely the instigator because Matt was injured and had amnesia at the time and she took advantage of it. We witnessed the affair in Matt's Love Story and learn of the child, a daughter, in one of the later Gunsmoke movies, Gunsmoke: The Last Apache. The question enquiring minds want to know is, which of the Walton girls is not a Walton? A side note. I saw your mother on an 1969 episode of Bewitched this morning. Samantha's Super Maid.
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Post by flossieskid on Oct 5, 2021 6:37:43 GMT -5
Carol - just LOVE the Matt Dillion/Olivia connection! Thank you for sharing. What a super imagination! It surely made me laugh. Maybe his offspring was Jason? Jason’s ears stuck out a bit and you RARELY saw Matt Dillion without his cowboy hat on - perhaps wanting to hide his own ears?!?!? Coincidence?? I think not!! Thanks for the shout out of my Mom on “Bewitched”. Her part was small, but she said Elizabeth Montgomery was very nice and a pleasure to work with.
In reality, my Mom was not the best housekeeper and worked a lot, so we had a lady come to the house and cook, clean and babysit when both parents were filming. My Mom’s mother died when she was 3 and she was raised by her Dad and his 2 sisters. But Mom was 5’9” and both these aunts were around 5 feet. They would always tell my Mom to get out of the kitchen since she was just underfoot. That impacted her and she never liked to spend a lot of time in the kitchen. Strange how offhand remarks can remain with you forever.
I think my Mom didn’t mind the 5am make up call times and getting home from the studio at 8pm. At least she didn’t have to cook and, due to her income, we could afford a maid. Win- Win all around!
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Post by nedandres on Oct 5, 2021 12:35:53 GMT -5
Sorry, I forgot the “Bewitched” appearance. My favorite sitcom of all-time. When I saw the Walton and Bewitched house on the same day in July 2004, I was on cloud nine. How did your mom’s experience in the kitchen affect you, Tracey? Do you enjoy cooking yourself? Just curious.
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Post by Easton on Oct 5, 2021 14:19:51 GMT -5
Do you enjoy cooking yourself? Just curious. I'm not so sure she would fit in the oven.
Ba Dum Bump!
Thank you ladies and gentlemen! I'm here all week!
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Post by carol on Oct 5, 2021 19:16:34 GMT -5
Carol - just LOVE the Matt Dillion/Olivia connection! Thank you for sharing. What a super imagination! It surely made me laugh. Maybe his offspring was Jason? Jason’s ears stuck out a bit and you RARELY saw Matt Dillion without his cowboy hat on - perhaps wanting to hide his own ears?!?!? Coincidence?? I think not!! Thanks for the shout out of my Mom on “Bewitched”. Her part was small, but she said Elizabeth Montgomery was very nice and a pleasure to work with. In reality, my Mom was not the best housekeeper and worked a lot, so we had a lady come to the house and cook, clean and babysit when both parents were filming. My Mom’s mother died when she was 3 and she was raised by her Dad and his 2 sisters. But Mom was 5’9” and both these aunts were around 5 feet. They would always tell my Mom to get out of the kitchen since she was just underfoot. That impacted her and she never liked to spend a lot of time in the kitchen. Strange how offhand remarks can remain with you forever. I think my Mom didn’t mind the 5am make up call times and getting home from the studio at 8pm. At least she didn’t have to cook and, due to her income, we could afford a maid. Win- Win all around! I might agree about Jason because he was the only Walton with the sticking out ears but the Olivia/ Matt offspring was a girl. I just discovered reading online about Gunsmoke; The Last Apache that the daughter's name was ... Beth. That means Elizabeth is the one who isn't a Walton.
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Post by patriciaanne on Oct 5, 2021 19:48:59 GMT -5
Do you enjoy cooking yourself? Just curious. I'm not so sure she would fit in the oven.
Ba Dum Bump!
Thank you ladies and gentlemen! I'm here all week!
Lol!!
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