Good writing makes me smile

8:53 AM - good writing makes me smile
Current mood: nostalgic
Category: nostalgic Movies, TV, Celebrities

Before the Simpsons came dashing to their couch every week in a different way in their episode opening theme, there was the answering machine of one ex-con turned private detective Jim Rockford.

Every week, the show started with a shot of Rockford's answering machine, and the voiceover: "This is Jim Rockford. At the tone leave a name and message. I'll get back to you."

The messages that people left had nothing at all to do with the current episode, but were brilliant in that they colored the character of Rockford perfectly, in a very brief amount of time, in the starting theme.. as opposed to and apart from the episode itself. That the messages are mostly hilarious is just a bonus.

A very clever little idea. One I plan on paying homage to, if I ever write.

Heh.

I have very fond memories of watching the Rockford Files. I read more then any child should, but I also watched a bit of TV. Among these formative experiences were Quincy, MASH, Sanford and Son, The Tonight Show, Lawrence Welk, Hee Haw ( er, yea. we traveled a lot ), and of course a slew of PI shows... but before them all, there was The Rockford Files.


This is Jim Rockford. At the tone leave a name and message. I'll get back to you...

"beep" Hey Rockford, very funny. I ain't laughing. You're gonna' get yours.

"beep" It's Aundra. Remember last summer at Pat's? I've got a twelve hour layover before I go to Chicago. How about it?

"beep" Mr. Rockford? You don't know me, but I'd like to hire you. Could you call me at...my name is, uh, never mind. Forget it.

"beep" Jim? It's Shirley at the cleaners. You know that brown jacket, the one I said looked so great on you? Your favorite. We lost it.

"beep" This is Mrs. Mosely at the library. We billed you for your overdue book "Karate Made Easy." We abuse our libary, we don't get our cards renewed.

Ha.