
Whoops Baghdad
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.
Cast: Frankie Howerd, Derek Francis, Hilary Pritchard
Series 1
6 episodes
- 1. The Wazir Takes a WifeWhen the Wazir of Baghdad decides it is time for a new wife, Ali Oopla, his servant, begins a search for suitable candidates.12CC32minJan 25, 1973
- 2. Festival of MagicAli 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.12CC31minFeb 1, 1973
- 3. Genie of the BottleThe 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!12CC31minFeb 8, 1973
- 4. A Cargo of CrumpetAli'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!12CC31minFeb 15, 1973
- 5. Ali and the ThievesAli 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!12CC28minFeb 22, 1973
- 6. Saved from the HaremWhen the Caliph expresses his desire to take Saccharine as his latest wife, Ali is entasked with finding the innocent girl a new husband first.12CC29minMar 1, 1973
Whoops Baghdad
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.
Creators and cast
- Created by
- John Howard Davies
- Studio
- BBC
Maturity rating
12Check the rating before watching with younger viewers.
Audio languages
English
Where to watch
Not currently listed on any streaming, rental or purchase service.




















