84 Charing Cross Road1987

[first lines]

Businessman on plane:
Your first trip to London?

Helene Hanff:
Yes.

Businessman on plane:
You want a word of advice? Don't trust the cab drivers; they'll take you five miles to go three blocks... and, uh, don't waste your time looking at a street map. Nobody can find their way around London - not even Londoners.

Helene Hanff:
Maybe I should go to Baltimore instead.

Businessman on plane:
No; you'll enjoy it. London's a great place. What kind of trip is it - business or pleasure?

Helene Hanff:
Unfinished business.