TV-Show
Baretta originally started as Toma, in which Tony Musante played the lead role.
Robert Blake then was attracted to take over the Musante's, but due to bad reviews the
show was renamed into Baretta.
Baretta was a series about an unconventional cop, living in a hotel (room 2-C King Edward
Hotel) with his cockatoo. Thanks to his 'unusual appearance' he was able to infiltrate gangs and mafia. The show was slightly humoristic because of Baretta's
cockatoo, Fred and Baretta's informant, Rooster.
Robert Blake's real-life wife, Sondra Blake made an guest appearance in one of the
episodes.
Baretta ran 4 seasons on ABC, from 1975 to 1978 and was one of the TV shows by the
hand of Stephen Canell.
Cast
Det. Tony Baretta - Robert Blake
Lt Hal Brubaker - Edward Grover
Rooster - Michael D. Roberts
Insp Schiller - Dana Elcar
Billy Truman - Tom Ewel
Fred - Layla
Themesong
"Keep your eyes on the sparrow" (Dave Grusin / M. Ames)
performed by Sammy Davis Jr.
Don't go to bed, with no price on your head
No, no, don't do it.
Don't do the crime, if you can't do the time,
Yeah, don't do it.
And keep your eye on the sparrow.
When the going gets narrow.
Don't do it, don't do it.
Where can I go where the cold winds don't blow,
Now.
Well, well, well.