In the TV series, "Remington Steele" (1982 - 1987), a chief reason for Remington Steele's popularity especially in the first season is his regular mention of old movies and their plot lines. He used these to help him solve cases of clients until he learned how to be a competent (decent) detective from his boss and partner, Ms. Holt.

The "Remington Steele" series had as its stars Stephanie Zimbalist as private investigator, Laura Holt, who could not draw clients until she invents a masculine superior for her letterhead. Pierce Brosnan came on the scene as a mystery man who assumes the fictional identity of Steele. He joins the detective agency and will be able to seduce Laura. Together, the pair will battle crime and their feelings for each other.

Even though the original premise of a woman who cannot get clients solely due to her gender wouldn’t play today, Steele was able to use it in the 1980s. It seems to work because, mercifully, most of the episodes don't dwell on Laura as a stranger in her profession. The writers on the show treated her character as a competent, smart, and polished detective who got on with handling business. She and Steele craftily solved important criminal cases.

More Info: people.com