Up Pompeii, The Pilot Episode, 1969
Frankie Howerd makes his premiere in what would become his most famous role as Lurcio.
Up Pompeii was the final episode of series 8 of the long running BBC Comedy Playhouse screened in 1969. Series 8 produced no less than three shows that went on to become full series. Up Pompeii began a run of two series from 1970. Where in some of the pilots there were subtle differences ie character names, cast, Up Pompeii just carried on from pilot to series.
Summary
Meet Lurcio a much-put-upon slave in the ancient Roman town of Pompeii.
More often than not, Lurcio finds himself keeping his owner’s family members apart, in order to keep them together: a wet, wimpy son; a wife with a rather impressive bosom; a naïve daughter; and Ludicrus Sextus himself, a lecherous and lustful but terribly lazy Senator.
Clips
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Cast
Frankie Howerd – Lurcio
Max Adrian – Ludicrus Sextus
Elizabeth Larner – Ammonia
Kerry Gardner – Nausius
Georgina Moon – Erotica
Details
Channel: BBC1
Written By: Talbot Rothwell
Originally Transmitted: 17th September 1969