Television in the 1970s was a sea of polyester, car chases, and men who solved problems with their fists. Then there was Beth Davenport. She wasn't just another pretty face or a "damsel in distress" waiting for a private eye to kick down a door.
As the idealistic, sharp-tongued attorney on The Rockford Files, played by the brilliant Gretchen Corbett, Beth was the adult in the room. She was the one who kept Jim Rockford out of jail—or at least tried to.
Who Was Beth Davenport?
Beth wasn't just Jim’s lawyer; she was his conscience, his occasional romantic interest, and his most reliable ally. She first appeared in the episode "The Dark and Bloody Ground" on September 20, 1974. From that moment, she changed the dynamic of the show.
While Jim (James Garner) was busy living in a rusted-out Malibu trailer and getting beat up for $200 a day plus expenses, Beth was navigating the high-stakes world of the California legal system. She took on the "lost causes" that the rest of the world ignored.
👉 See also: Diego Klattenhoff Movies and TV Shows: Why He’s the Best Actor You Keep Forgetting You Know
Honestly, the chemistry between Corbett and Garner was electric. It wasn't the typical TV romance where they’re constantly pining. It was deeper. They had a mutual respect that felt real. You’ve probably noticed how she’d look at Jim with a mix of affection and total exasperation. We've all had that one friend who is a total disaster but we love them anyway. That was Jim to Beth.
The Real Reason Gretchen Corbett Left
If you’re a die-hard fan, you know the heartbreak of Season 5. Beth was just... gone. No big farewell. No dramatic courtroom exit. She simply vanished from the regular rotation.
Why? It wasn't because of "creative differences" or a feud with Garner. It was much more boring and much more frustrating: corporate legal battles.
✨ Don't miss: Did Mac Miller Like Donald Trump? What Really Happened Between the Rapper and the President
Gretchen Corbett was a contract player for Universal Studios. The show’s producers and the studio got into a massive dispute over contracts and money. Basically, Universal pulled their contract players off the show. Corbett was caught in the crossfire of a boardroom war.
It’s a shame. The show lost a significant piece of its heart when she left after the fourth season. She appeared in 33 episodes total, but her impact made it feel like she was there for the whole run.
Life After the Firebird
Corbett didn't just disappear after leaving Jim and his gold Pontiac Firebird behind. She kept busy. Very busy.
🔗 Read more: Despicable Me 2 Edith: Why the Middle Child is Secretly the Best Part of the Movie
- She starred in the cult horror flick Jaws of Satan (1981).
- She did a stint on the sci-fi series Otherworld.
- She showed up in Cheers as a date for Sam Malone.
- She even played Nurse Ratched on stage in One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest.
In recent years, you might have spotted her in Portlandia or the Hulu series Shrill. She’s also a powerhouse in the Portland theater scene, serving as the artistic director of The Haven Project.
But for most of us, she will always be Beth.
The Reunion Films
Thankfully, we got some closure. In the 1990s, when James Garner returned for those Rockford Files TV movies, Corbett came back too. Seeing her as Beth Davenport again in films like Friends and Foul Play and If It Bleeds... It Leads felt like a warm hug from an old friend. She had that same spark, that same "Jim, what have you done now?" look in her eyes.
Beth Davenport remains one of the best-written female characters of 70s TV. She was independent, professional, and never needed saving. She was the hero’s equal, which was a rare thing to see back then.
How to Relive the Beth Davenport Era
If you’re looking to dive back into the best of Beth, start with these specific steps to get the full experience of the character's arc and Corbett's performance.
- Watch "The Dark and Bloody Ground" (Season 1, Episode 2): This is the introduction. See how the "lost cause" dynamic is established right out of the gate.
- Focus on the Season 2-4 run: This is where the Beth and Jim rapport really peaks. Look for the subtle ways she handles Jim's father, Rocky, and the shady Angel Martin.
- Track down the 90s Reunion Movies: Specifically, Friends and Foul Play (1996). It’s the best way to see how the character aged and remained an integral part of Jim's complicated life.
- Check out Corbett's 2021 film Pig: She appears alongside Nicolas Cage. It’s a great way to see her range decades after her time on the beach in Malibu.