In the series, Rosco serves as a lawman in Hazzard County. However, he is corrupt, having become angry after his pension was wiped out in a failed bond referendum. Rosco will use every means to control his new wealth. The series explores his corrupt nature in the early episodes, with Deputy Enos questioning his motives in episode #4, “Repo Men.”
He is always armed, and always carries a gun. He is a skilled shooter, though he’s far too nervous to use it while on duty. He drives a 1970 Dodge Polara, a 1974-5 AMC Matador, a 1977 or 1978 Dodge Monaco, and a Plymouth Fury. In the third season, “To Catch a Duke,” Rosco has several other cars. He is often seen driving his patrol car, but he is also shown driving other vehicles.
Another television series based on the book Moonrunners is titled The Dukes of Hazzard. The series follows Rosco P. Coltrane as an underling in the law department. The series was made famous by the character’s misdeeds. James Best portrayed Rosco in all but five episodes. The series also featured his basset hound, Flash. He was a cultural icon in America and the show was a huge success.
James Best’s role in “The Dukes of Hazzard”, as Sheriff Rosco P.Coltrane, is one of his most well-known roles. Born in 1926, the actor was a child of the Great Depression. He enlisted in the U.S. Army in April 1944. He was a member of the military police during and after the war. After the war, Best moved to New York City, where he began his long-lasting career in the acting industry. He later branched out into stage productions and television movies.