Watching a two-parter Rockford Files episode called "This Case is Closed", I couldn't help noticing the Columbo alumni who appeared in it:

James McEachin (Etude) and Robert Karnes (Candidate, Greenhouse), along with Jude Farese and the stoic girl behind the counter at Tricon Industries (both from Exercise).

I couldn't nail down the name of the Tricon babe (she's always intrigued me so), but her appearance on Rockford was the only other place I'd ever seen her on film. She was playing Jim's date at a pool party, and believe me, you'd think she were two entirely different women.

Incidentally, the pool party scene was shot at the same location Columbo delivers the grave news about Rick to his girlfriend (and chums) in Any Old Port -- only a year later.

Of course, none of this comes as any real surprise, because these shows were being filmed at the same time on the same lots with the same props, people, and Universal ideas -- it's just fun to catch them.

I see you are like me, a fan of both series. I also
look for all the actors that appear in both. Maybe
you can help with something I never understood in
"This Case is Closed"...what does Rockford mean when he tells Lt Larry (Eddie Fontaine) in Newark (as he is being run out of town) "get in touch with me if you come to L.A., maybe we can go out and ROLL A FEW DRUNKS". What does that expression mean? (I guess I don't hang out on the streets enough to pick up all the street jargon) My guess is that it means to go
beat up drunks who are in no position to defend themselves.

I believe to 'roll a drunk' means to roll him over and rob him while he's passed out...I think the term originated back in the 30's or 40's.

I agree, I think that is the predominant criminal meaning. I'm gonna check, though, with the captain who works with the DA's office for the exact definition. God knows he knows more than I do about that. Me I'm just a detective..looking and thinking...thinking and looking...

^

'Roll' basically means 'mug', particularly regarding drunks, as in "roll him over and go through his pockets."