Baretta

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Synopsis

Baretta is an American crime drama television series that originally aired on ABC from 1975 to 1978. The show blends gritty police procedural with moments of humor, featuring a rebellious, unconventional cop as its main protagonist. Known for its realistic portrayal of the life of an undercover detective and its integration of streetwise slang and unique characters, "Baretta" stands as a defining example of 1970s TV, with its focus on individualism, anti-authoritarian themes, and raw urban drama. The series is remembered for its memorable characters, particularly its lead, and the use of a catchy theme song that remains iconic to this day.

Technical Sheet

• Air dates: 1975 – 1978
• Number of episodes: 57
• Creator: Stephen J. Cannell
• Genre: Crime, Drama

Summary

"Baretta" follows the adventures of Tony Baretta, a street-smart undercover detective with the Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD). The show centers on Baretta's unconventional methods of solving cases while navigating the underworld of crime. Baretta, portrayed by Robert Blake, is known for his tough, no-nonsense attitude but also his ability to connect with the people of the streets. The character is deeply flawed—often engaging in morally gray actions—but his loyalty to justice and his compassionate side add depth to his persona. Baretta's signature look, a leather jacket, and his pet bird, Fred, set him apart from other TV cops of the era, emphasizing his individuality and his non-conformist approach to law enforcement. Throughout its three seasons, the show explores a variety of crimes, from drug dealing and robbery to murder investigations, with Baretta often working undercover or using unconventional tactics. While Baretta's methods are sometimes controversial, his success in solving cases is undeniable, leading to high levels of respect among his peers, despite his non-traditional approach. The show’s tone is a mix of hard-edged crime drama with moments of light-heartedness, often brought out by the interplay between Baretta and his partner, Billie, or his interactions with other members of the LAPD. The series also takes a deep dive into the personal challenges Baretta faces, including his battles with authority figures and his attempts to find balance in his chaotic, dangerous world. Baretta’s personal and professional lives intertwine, giving viewers an inside look at both the high-stakes tension of his job and the more vulnerable sides of his character.

Main Cast

• Robert Blake as Tony Baretta
• Antonio Vargas as Billie (Baretta’s partner)
• Stephen Shortridge as Detective Cotton
• Michael A. Miranda as Officer Tony
• Sharon Acker as Angie

Why Was It Iconic?

• Iconic Lead Character: Tony Baretta, played by Robert Blake, became a cultural icon thanks to his memorable portrayal of the rebellious, street-smart detective. With his distinctive leather jacket and pet bird, Fred, Baretta stood out as one of the most memorable TV cops of the 1970s.
• Unconventional Police Procedures: The show was groundbreaking for its depiction of an undercover cop who didn’t always play by the rules. Baretta's disregard for authority and his ability to solve crimes using streetwise tactics set it apart from more traditional cop shows of the era.
• The Theme Song: The theme song of "Baretta," performed by Sammy Davis Jr., is instantly recognizable and remains a nostalgic favorite. The lyrics, with their simple yet powerful message, resonated with audiences and became an anthem of the show.
• Realistic Urban Drama: Unlike many shows of its time, "Baretta" was unafraid to delve into the gritty, real-world struggles of urban life. Its portrayal of Los Angeles and the underbelly of crime gave the series an edge that set it apart from more polished, idealized cop dramas.
• Memorable Supporting Cast: The interactions between Baretta and his diverse array of partners, including his street-savvy partner Billie, brought a human element to the show. Their bond, along with other recurring characters, helped make the world of "Baretta" feel more alive and authentic.

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Casting

Michael D. Roberts

Rooster

Dana Elcar

Inspecteur Shiller

Robert Blake

Détective Tony Baretta

Tom Ewell

Billy Truman

Photos

Trivia

This series is indirectly the result of Toma, unprecedented police series in France. When his main actor, Tony Musant, left it, the role was proposed to Robert Blake, who accepted him. We then changed the title of the series: Baretta was born.

The credits of the series, entitled Keep Your Eye on the Sparrow, is interpreted by Sammy Davis Jr.

Authors of the card

• Creation date: 2003-07-01 by abdest
• Last Update: 2007-09-06 by sunnmagic