Nichols (1971, Opening)

Hilarious offbeat, black comedy Western with one of the strangest series finales ever. In 1914, Nichols (James Garner) a soldier, sick of killing, returns to his Arizona home town, named after his family, and is strong-armed into serving as sheriff by the Ketcham clan, who run the area. Nichols, who doesn't believe in toting a gun, scoots around via an Indian motorcycle. The character is similar to Garner's quick-witted, laid-back lawman in the "Support Your Local Sheriff" movies (1969 & 1971), but greedier and sneakier. The Ketchams install as deputy their relative, Mitch Mitchell (Stuart Margolin - not Jimi Hendrix' drummer). The nasty deputy has a dog named Slump, and Mitchell is even dumber than Angel, who Margolin portrayed on Garner's next series, "The Rockford Files." A business-savvy local gal (Margot Kidder) has an undefined relationship with Garner, but it's obvious there's lots of action in the back rooms of her saloon. The strict moral lines of traditional Westerns are absent in this very Vietnam War era show's view of the Old West's dying days: the Ketchams aren't all bad, and little-respected Sheriff Nichols wouldn't mind ripping off the town to head for Mexico. As the series' only season ended, network execs called for major changes from Garner's company which co-produced the shows - they got 'em. At beginning of the last episode, Nichols is killed breaking up a fight between 2 old men, then is replaced when his much-meaner, black-mustached identical twin materializes ! Many of the series' creative team went on with Garner to produce The Rockford Files.
Written by David Stevens

My copy of this TV series has deteriorated due ravages of time, so that's why it's in that red colour.

Nichols (1971)
Pilot Opening

Starring
James Garner
Margot Kidder
Neva Patterson
John Beck
Stuart Margolin

Created and Directed by
Frank Pierson

Series Original Music by
Bernardo Segall

Series Produced by
Frank Pierson
Meta Rosenberg
Michael Zinberg

Series Cinematography by
Lamar Boren

Series Production Management
Terence Nelson

Copyright (c) 1971-1972 Warner Bros. Television.
Uploaded by Historical and Educational Purposes only. No infringement is intended.

Category:

Film & Animation

Tags:

• Nichols
• Opening
• TV

[hamtrak]

This series was a labor of love for James Garner.Years after it was cancelled He would get very upset when it was mentioned.

[RWayne72160]

I remember I was about 10 or 11 when this show was airing prime time. I liked it and was sorry to see it cancelled. In fact Nichols was more likeable than the Hawkeye Pierce character, especially when Pierce would start preaching and ridiculing American heroes like Gen. MacArthur. Nichols was funny without having to put up with the political correctness b.s.

[JustAintthatWay]

this show was only about 2 generations ahead of tv's 'evolution'

too bad too was m*a*s*h before m*a*s*h and deadwood before deadwood

(w/o the cussing but that not really necessary when the acting's good enough)

bravo for jimmy garner

& t/y for the upload

[555paint]

sad this show didnt get the audience it deserved...it was the equal of Rockford but just never got a fair chance.

[dancinkindofguy]

This was a great show. Offbeat show in that the Ketchams were mostly atagonists of Nichols they sometimes were on the same side. Same with deputy Mitch in that sometimes he supported Nichols and others he was doing something illegal with the Ketcham. Garner reprised his role in "support your local sherriff".

[johnrx9243]

I dont suppose that any of the episodes of Nichols will ever see the light of day again? Per Mr Garner, its one of his favorite roles... that said I am really interested to see any of the episodes

[Whammer79]

I was 13 when this show was on the air. I really enjoyed and was sorry it was cancelled. I had forgotten it only lasted 1 season. Too bad they haven't released the single season on dvd.

[jlovebirch]

Many thanks for posting this ultra-obscure bit. Haven't seen this since I was a kid. A really charming, unique show that should have been a hit. Classic example of the early 70s when producers took a chance on offbeat concepts -- like Bearcats! and many others -- that never got a chance to build an audience. At least Garner bounced back with Rockford Files.

[thegrayareas]

This is one of my favorite TV shows. If I remember correctly the cast, with the exception of Garner and Kidder, played different roles. You'd have to pay attention to the clothes and the context to determine who the supporting cast was playing when they first entered the scene. The show explored the fading of the Old West and the introduction of the new society, much the same theme as "The Ballad of Cable Hogue." I wonder who has rights to this show. I'd love to buy a set. Anyone? Mr. Garner?

[OaWorld]

Nichols was one of the few shows that both my dad and myself liked. It's a shame it only lasted one season.

[davidls11]

I thought I had imagined this show.

[kresblain]

@salinagrrrl69 Actually, one of those shows mentioned lasted two seasons.