The Best of Baretta (1975)

It is a sordid fact of life that were it not for Robert Blake's newfound infamy as an accused wife murderer, Baretta, which lasted three seasons beginning in 1975, might have been relegated to late nights in TV land. But as they say in Hollywood, there's no such thing as bad publicity. So for those who do not want to invest in the Season One boxed set, here are three episodes from this offbeat cop series' first season, including the atypically gritty and brutal pilot, in which funky undercover cop Anthony Baretta goes after his girlfriend's killer, and speaks those grimly prophetic words: "If you can't do the time, don't do the crime." As these episodes testify, Baretta is more than a newly minted sick joke. The randy, rule-bending Baretta was a cop like no other on TV. And, as Tony was fond of saying, you can take that to the bank. --Donald Liebenson Amazon.com

"..and that's the name of that tune".

Robert Blake is "Tony Baretta", a tough detective who always gets his man on the street, and the women too.
Robert Blake was in his prime in "Baretta" which aired on the ABC Network, January 17, 1975 to 1978 (80 episodes). The tv series was a re-working of another ABC tv series "TOMA" (1973-74), that starred Tony Musante, based upon the real-life detective who made special appearances on-screen from time to time.
The first episode on this DVD is the test pilot episode "He'll Never See Daylight Again" that was broadcast Friday night, January 17, 1975. Regulars: Dana Elcar, Michael D. Roberts, Tom Ewell. Guest stars: Joseph Mascolo, Madlyn Rhue.
"Keep Your Eye on the Sparrow" is episode 10, broadcast April 9, 1975. The title of this episode is also the title song of the theme music that plays during the opening credits. In later seasons, Sammy Davis Jr. would sing the title song. Guest stars: Burt Young, Jerry Hausner.
"The Secret of Terry Lake" is episode 11, broadcast April 16, 1975. Guest stars: Margot Kidder, Nick Colasantro, Allan Rich, Joe Santos, M. Emmet Walsh.
Darn those boy scout meetings and flthy camp-outs I had to go to. I always had to miss "Baretta".
Mr. Blake knew it was time for the series to end when he was filming a scene where he was sleeping and the Cockatoo bird pecked his toe. Blake in such pain, wanted to kill that bird.
Robert Blake (MIckey Gubitosi) was the ages of 41 -44 when he played "Baretta". He ended Baretta and decided to get himself together.
In 1985, he returned to television in the NBC tv series, "Hell Town". He played a priest, "Father Noah 'Hardstep' Rivers", who wanted to help the people in his community. He wasn't exactly playing Baretta, but once in a while, their would be an in-joke. After only 18 episodes, he decided to depart the show because he needed to take care of himself.
In the 1990's, he appeared several times on The Late, Late Show with Tom Snyder, talking very candidly and frankly about things that had happened in his life. In return, he learned that the fans still appreciated him.
Currently, Robert Blake is raising sheep and likes to travel on his own free will.

This DVD only contains 3 episodes. No specials, No extras. Option of subtitles in English, Spanish, French.

If you really like the Best of Baretta, you can now buy the entire Baretta: Season One DVD set. The background music really sets the mood.

That damn cockatoo! February 23, 2007

Bereta gets the job done.

The humor of Starsky and Hutch and the attitude of Miami Vice rolled up into one solo package. This is one grungey cop show. Tony Beretta grew-up on the wrong side of the tracks but trust him to use his streetwise antics to bring the bad guys to justice. This was my favorite police show when it was syndicated in the latter 80's. Just don't confuse this guy with Columbo. Beretta dosen't fight fair. Buy this if your into gritty street cops and keep an eye open for season 2, there's no word on it but there is hope. May 15, 2005

WHY BUY THIS???

I give this two star, ONLY BECAUSE....and I mean this....WHY BUY THIS DVD SET WHEN THE COMPLETE FIRST SEASON HAS THESE SAME EPISODES? I give the FIRST SEASON DVD SET about 10 stars, because I love watching Baretta. It brings back some great memories. Truly just "one" of the best shows from the seventies. So any fan of this show would know, why waste the money. I'm not sure why the companies do this. JUST PUT OUT THE OTHER SEASONS. Then we'll be happy. March 5, 2004

I LOVE BARETTA

I watched aLL THE bARETTA SHOWS AND I just love him and still do. THis episode is one of the hottest.Only robert blake can come across as he does for I BELIEVE a little of it is part of him....he is just great!!! August 7, 2003

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