Up Pompeii!

Up Pompeii! is a British television comedy series broadcast between 1969 and 1970, starring Frankie Howerd. The first series was written by Talbot Rothwell, a scriptwriter for the Carry On films, and the second series by Rothwell and Sid Colin. Two further specials were transmitted in 1975 and 1991. In ancient Pompeii, much-put-upon slave Lurcio navigates the chaotic lives of his owner's family

Comedy

Seasons

1. Up Pompeii!

Air Date: 1969-09-17

Lurcio struggles to deliver the prologue; Ludicrus Sextus suggests the price of freedom should be 500 drachma; and Captain Bilius' shipment of slave girls brings an opportunity to make money.

2. Vestal Virgins

Air Date: 1970-03-30

Ludicrus Sextus must choose Miss Vestal Virgin of BC72, Noxious plots to rig the contest because of the Senator's stance on bawdy houses, and Lurcio is told to find someone more suitable.

3. The Ides of March

Air Date: 1970-04-06

Ludicrus becomes involved in a plan to assassinate Julius Caesar. Ammonia gives Lurcio the job of foiling the plot. Lurcio is arrested and taken to Caesar's lieutenant, Ponderous. He's forced to impersonate Caesar in an attempt to catch the plotters.

4. The Senator and the Asp

Air Date: 1970-04-13

Ammonia is expecting an unwelcome visit from an old flame. She tells Lurcio to get rid of him using a poisonous asp. When a man arrives at the front door, Lurcio disposes of him, as instructed. Then Ludicrus announces that he's expecting a visit from Stovus Primus...

5. Britannicus

Air Date: 1970-04-20

An army has to be raised to go to Britain to put down revolting natives. Lurcio is forced to go along, though he'd prefer not to.

6. The Actors

Air Date: 1970-04-27

When the Olympia Theatre Company comes to town, Ammonia sends Lurcio to the theatre with a note for one of the actors, who's one of her old flames. At the same time Ludicrus wants Lurcio to deliver a note to one of the actresses.

7. Spartacus

Air Date: 1970-05-04

Spartacus is the leader of a growing revolt among the slaves of Rome. Lurcio doesn't want to get involved in anything as dangerous as a revolt, but there's no way he can prevent it from affecting him.

8. The Love Potion

Air Date: 1970-05-11

Lurcio is given the night off when everyone goes out. Ammonia, Ludicrus and Erotica each give him money so that he'll be out of the house for the evening. Lurcio, however, has other ideas. He's expecting a visit from new neighbour, Lusha. He uses the money to buy a love potion and looks forward to a night of pleasure. Everything goes according to plan ... until the various members of the family sneak back home, expecting the house to be empty.

1. The Legacy

Air Date: 1970-09-14

Ludicrus' uncle dies and leaves him 10,000 drachma. The only snag is that the money will only be paid to Ludicrus if he has a son named after his uncle.

2. Roman Holiday

Air Date: 1970-09-21

Lurcio is looking after the house while the family are away. He agrees to hide two escaped slaves. Then various members of the family return home unexpectedly.

3. James Bondus

Air Date: 1970-09-28

The secret plans for a new catapult have been stolen. Lurcio becomes involved in attempts to recover the stolen plans and meets the famous secret agent, James Bondus.

4. The Peace Treaty

Air Date: 1970-10-05

Lurcio becomes involved in attempts to prevent Pompeii from going to war with the Barbarians. One of h anti-war activities involves trying to persuade the women of Pompeii to deny conjugal rights if their husbands get involved in the war.

5. Nymphia

Air Date: 1970-10-12

Nausius is in love with a beautiful young girl named Nymphia. He wants to marry her, but his parents aren't sure that this is a good idea.

6. Exodus

Air Date: 1970-10-19

Ludicrus loses his seat on the Senate. He decides to sell up and move his family to Rome. Lurcio is up for sale to the highest bidder. He's worried about the kind of master or mistress he'll have next.

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Rating

7.6/10

Release Date

1969-09-17

Episodes

14 (2 seasons)

Status

Ended

Cast

Production Companies

BBC