Villains: Knocker (ITV 16 Sep 1972, with Bob Hoskins)

Bob Hoskins takes centre stage in Knocker and again it’s the immediate aftermath of the robbery and the sex obsessed Knocker is looking for a safe haven with one of his numerous ex-girlfriends.

His old mate Vic, who is looking after the remains of Knocker’s cut of the robbery, fixs him up with the none too friendly Sandra. Meanwhile large scale villain Mr Lillicoe wants to take advantage of Knocker’s safe blowing skills whether he is interested or not.

It’s another brilliant performance from Bob Hoskins, at times the episode descends into farce, not least when former girlfriend Penny turns up quickly followed by Sandra. It turns into something of a 70’s male fantasy as both girls end up in bed together but Knocker is unable to “perform”

With his complete obsession with the opposite sex and sex itself Knocker could easily be considered something of a proto Arthur Parker, the character Hoskins played in Dennis Potter’s Pennies From Heaven.

Michael Turner who plays the villainous Mr Lillicoe would go on to take the lead in the final series of LWT’s New Scotland Yard.

“I love tea after, but not instead of.” – Sandra

production details
UK / ITV – London Weekend Television / 1×50 minute episode / Broadcast Saturday 16 September 1972 at 9.30pm

Writer: Robin Chapman / Production Design: Colin Pigott / Director: Tony Wharmby

Series: Villains Episode 9 (of 13)

cast
Bob Hoskins as Knocker
Jackie Pallo Jr as Boy
Katie Allan as Girl
Leslie Schofield as Vic
Elaine Donnelly as Merle
Pam Scotcher as Sandra
Peter Childs as Lillicoe’s man
Valerie Holliman as Penny
Michael Turner as Mr Llilicoe
Pamela Vezey as Sandra’s mum
Colin Rix as Uniformed policeman
Mervyn Hastings as Policeman
Brian Grellings as Plainsclothes officer
Maurice O’Connell as Plainclothess officer