The Knowledge (TV 1979)

Four men attempt "The Knowledge" examination to qualify as London taxi drivers.

Director:

Bob Brooks

Writers:

Jack Rosenthal, Bob Brooks (original idea)

Stars:

Nigel Hawthorne, Mick Ford, Kim Taylforth

1 nomination.

Cast

Cast overview, first billed only:
Nigel Hawthorne	...	Mr. Burgess
Mick Ford	...	Chris Matthews
Kim Taylforth	...	Janet
Jonathan Lynn	...	Ted Margolies
David Ryall	...	Titanic
Michael Elphick	...	Gordon Weller
Maureen Lipman	...	Brenda Weller
Lesley Joseph	...	Val
June Watson	...	Lilian
Philippa Howell	...	Miss Stavely
Gary Holton	...	Eddie Hairstyle
Natalie Ann King	...	Margaret Louise
Nigel Humphreys	...	Harry
Ivan Steward	...	Cliff
Tim Stern	...	Stan

Storyline

Follows a out of work Londoner looking for a job. Applies for the "Knowledge", which is learning all the streets and routes through Greater London. Takes about 2 years and when you are proficient, you are London Cabby

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Plot Keywords:

london taxi | taxi | taxi driver | independent film

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Genres:

Comedy | Drama

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Details

Country:

UK

Language:

English

Release Date:

1979 (UK)

Also Known As:

Mister Burgess' Tour

Filming Locations:

London, England, UK

Company Credits

Production Co:

Euston Films

Technical Specs

Runtime:

89 min

Sound Mix:

Mono

Color:

Color

Aspect Ratio:

1.33 : 1

Did You Know?

Quotes

Gordon Weller: Ignorance is bliss. My wife is completely blissful about the whole thing.

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Soundtracks

"The Knowledge"
Lyrics by Jack Rosenthal
Sung by Mick Ford

User Reviews

Universal appeal, not just Londoners

Just to correct something in a previous review here, I don't believe this film is only for people who know London, it's a case of a very specific situation being used to make universal comments. Jack Rosenthal says in an introduction to the published script that it was meant to be about characters who, by going though this gruelling Knowledge test, gain some measure of self-knowledge.

I think it's one of the most perfectly-written dramas I've seen: technically it's supremely adept at conveying quite complex details but it's also joyous in how it involves you. At the start you know no more about this London Knowledge test than the main characters but you get scooped up right along with them until it's vitally important to you. You become tremendously proud of those characters who succeed, and you are crushed for those who don't. Especially one whose downfall, without giving anything anyway, will make your hands fly to your face.

Also just as a point of fact, Nigel Hawthorne's character, Mr Burgess, is called the Vampire, not Dracula. You don't need to know this, I'm not saying it's crucial, but it's a measure of the drama: once you've seen this, you will want everyone to and you will evangelise about its every detail.

I hope you get to see it.

William