D.C. Cab (released in theaters on Dec. 16, 1983) is the ultimate cinematic time capsule of Reagan-era grit and neon-soaked comedy. Directed by Joel Schumacher, the film serves as a frantic, ensemble-driven celebration of the underdog spirit. It captures Washington, D.C. not as a city of pristine monuments and polished politicians, but as a vibrant, chaotic urban jungle where the loudest voices win.
The story follows Albert Hockenberry (Adam Baldwin), a naive young man from the suburbs who arrives in the nation’s capital with dreams of working for his late father’s old friend, Harold (Max Gail).
Harold runs the “D.C. Cab” company, a fleet of dilapidated taxis manned by a crew of misfits who are as dangerous as the streets they navigate.
Albert’s coworkers include the muscle-bound Samson (Mr. T), the manic Dell (Gary Busey), the wisecracking Tyrone (Charlie Barnett), and the sharp-tongued Ophelia (Marsha Warfield).
The company is on the brink of bankruptcy, plagued by crumbling vehicles and a lack of respect from the city’s more prestigious taxi fleets.
The plot thickens when Albert falls for a beautiful girl named Claudette (Jill Schoelen) and the cabbies find themselves embroiled in a high-stakes kidnapping plot involving an ambassador’s children.
After Harold is kidnapped and the fleet is nearly shut down, the drivers must unite.
Using their collective street smarts and a fleet of newly customized cabs, they launch a daring rescue mission across the city.
Bill Maher, Paul Rodriguez, John Diehl, Bob Zmunda, Anne De Salvo, and Ron Canada round out the supporting cast.
Irene Cara appears in a cameo as herself.
By blending a ragtag collection of comedians and action stars, Schumacher created a “service-industry” comedy that feels like the rowdy, street-wise cousin to Police Academy.
Adam Baldwin and Mr. T in D.C. Cab (Photo/Universal Pictures)
Reception for D.C. Cab
D.C. Cab grossed $1.6 million on its opening weekend, finishing ninth at the box office.
The highest grossing film of the week was Sudden Impact, which earned $7.1 million on its second weekend.
D.C. Cab grossed $16.1 million in its theatrical run.
Roger Ebert gave D.C. Cab two out of four stars in his review.
Legacy
D.C. Cab is a quintessential 1980s cult classic that launched and solidified several major careers. It is most famously remembered as a peak showcase for Mr. T at the height of his fame.
The film’s soundtrack, anchored by Irene Cara’s high-energy track The Dream, remains a staple of eighties nostalgia, perfectly capturing the frantic pace of the decade.
Schumacher’s flamboyant visual style—which would later define his work on The Lost Boys and Batman Forever—is already on full display here in the vibrant cab designs and kinetic editing.
