The Rockford Files: Rocky’s old friend Peter Preli comes to Jim requesting help because his granddaughter Houston has been kidnapped. Not wanting to involve the police, Pete is prepared to pay the ransom. He goes home and Jim proceeds to Houston Preli’s home but is stopped by some goons warning him to stay out of it. Jim finds Houston’s house has been knocked around, with evidence of a fight. Jim goes to Peter’s but finds him dead. Lieutenant Diehl tells Jim that Pete appeared to have no money, so why was he hit for ransom. Rocky says Pete always gave the illusion of wealth. Jim takes Diehl and Dennis to Houston’s home only to find everything has been fixed. Jim is arrested. Next day Beth has him released, so Jim goes with Rocky to Houston’s home to finds her there, having just returned from Texas for a business trip. They offer to take her to the police but her friend Jerry arrives and takes her instead. Jim investigates further and learns the entire estate where pete lived had been bought for development by Jerry, and Pete’s home was the essential piece. Jim goes to Jerry but finds him dead so has the Preli property transferred into his and Houston’s names as security and hides her away for safety. Jim then goes to Blackhorn, a wealthy builder who owns the properties around and sets out a price. Blackhorn reluctantly agrees so forces Jim to take them to Houston …

Starring:

James Garner, Joe Santos, Noah Beery Jr

Genre:

Crime, Drama, Mystery, Thriller