A bit of Casablanca and James Garner in "The Rockford Files overlays an action paced tale. Robert Knott, a reluctant hero, is barely holding down his post in the semi-functional US Embassy in Madagascar. Newly sober from a booze habit, he's switched his choice to gambling. A casino owner gives him an offer he can't refuse to make his losses at the tables disappear. Along with a demoralized embassy staff, there's an ex-wife, and ex-girlfriend, a new Madagascan women in his life, some zany locals, and an incipient local revolt keep the plot moving. ( )