Whoops Baghdad (1973)

6.0 (2 votes)

1 Season

January 25, 1973

English

Comedy

Synopsis

Whoops Baghdad is a BBC television comedy programme first broadcast from 25 January to 1 March 1973. The series stars Frankie Howerd, and was similar to his earlier programme Up Pompeii!, with the setting moved from Ancient Rome to mediaeval Baghdad. However, it was significantly less successful than its predecessor, only running for six episodes and is little remembered, although all episodes survive. The original proposed title, Up Baghdad, was rejected because it was felt that it might have been seen as supportive of the then-current Iraqi regime.

Network

BBC One

Episodes

The Wazir Takes a Wife

Jan 25, 1973

32 min

When the Wazir of Baghdad decides it is time for a new wife, Ali Oopla, his servant, begins a search for suitable candidates.

Festival of Magic

Feb 1, 1973

31 min

Ali is caught up in a curious case of identity confusion when Baghdad plays host to a festival of magic, and the most powerful sorcerers in the land arrive in town.

Genie of the Bottle

Feb 8, 1973

31 min

The Wazir hopes to marry his two daughters, Boobiana and Saccharine, off as the latest wives of the Sultan, the richest man in the world. However, he'll need to raise a dowry, and that could involve selling Ali to become a galley slave!

A Cargo of Crumpet

Feb 15, 1973

31 min

Ali's sent to the market to purchase a woman for his master to gift to the Caliph. Unfortunately a rival bidder is particularly wealthy, and Ali must pull some tricks out of his sleeve to avoid being roasted alive himself!

Ali and the Thieves

Feb 22, 1973

28 min

Ali is initially less than concerned when his master is captured for ransom or slavery by thieves operating on behalf of a foreign ruler — until, that is, he is reminded of the law decreeing the death of a slave upon the loss of his master!