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A genie, a swindler, and a king walk into 1981. Only BBC could make it this posh.

Tales from the Thousand and One Nights (1981)

Campy period dramaTheatrical chaosBritish actors doing 'exotic'

Overview

Drama

BBC adaptation of The Arabian Nights

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Content warning

Standout Aspects

Acting

Patrick Troughton swindling with absolute glee

Production

BBC thrift-store opulence at peak power

Costume

Turbans clearly from costume department basement

Best for:Solo: When you want Doctor Who energy with extra sand·Rewatch: Spot which actor phones it in most·Background: Fold laundry to theatrical shouting
Michael Hayes

Director

Michael Hayes

ReleasedDec 30, 1981
Runtime1h 51m
StatusReleased

Vibe

Pacesteady
Intensitymedium
Tonemixed
Feelmedium
BBC

Top Cast

Frank Finlay

Frank Finlay

Shahriar

Stratford Johns

Stratford Johns

Genie of the Lamp

Patrick Troughton

Patrick Troughton

The Swindler

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Deep Dive

Trivia, insights & behind the scenes

Trivia

Patrick Troughton played the Second Doctor from 1966-1969; this was his 'I'm not typecast' era.

Cultural

The 1981 BBC 'Arabian Nights' cycle came during a brief fascination with prestige fantasy—just before it became unfashionable again until LOTR.

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