Arabian Knights
A heroic band fights tyranny in a magical Persia.
The animated segment Arabian Knights was part of The Banana Splits Adventure Hour, a Hanna-Barbera production. Its world draws loosely from the classic Middle Eastern tales of Arabian Nights. Voice actors in the cast include Jay North, Shari Lewis, Henry Corden, Paul Frees, Frank Gerstle, and John Stephenson.
Quick Facts
- Genre
- Fantasy
- Director
- Joseph Barbera; William Hanna
- Voices
- Henry Corden
- Paul Frees
- Frank Gerstle
- Shari Lewis
- Don Messick
- Jay North
- John Stephenson
- Country
- United States
- Language
- English; French
- Seasons
- 1
- Episodes
- 18
- Company
- Hanna-Barbera Productions
Facts from the source article.
Plot: Secret origins
The evil conqueror Bakaar the Black Sultan swept through Persia, a land that had known peace, overthrowing every state before storming the capital, Baghdad. He broke into the royal palace, seized the throne from Prince Turhan, and ordered the prince executed. Turhan fled the palace with Bakaar’s guards in pursuit. A magician named Fariik used his magic to help the prince slip away. Heading to El-Rabaul to seek help from Turhan’s uncle the Caliph, the pair met Raseem the Strong in the Caves of Doom while still being chased. Raseem revealed that Bakaar’s forces had already taken El-Rabaul, imprisoning the Caliph and his daughter Princess Nida. Traveling on Raseem’s donkey Zazuum, the three reached El-Rabaul and rescued Princess Nida just as she was about to be sold into slavery. She used her skills in disguise and voice mimicry to fool the guards, but Bakaar’s men soon cornered them. Then Bez the Beast, a shapeshifter, transformed into an elephant, charged through the guards, and carried everyone to safety. Back in the Caves of Doom, the group formed a heroic band called the Arabian Knights, swearing to protect their land from Bakaar’s tyranny.
Series direction
Arabian Knights was a filler segment on Hanna-Barbera's Banana Splits Adventure Hour, airing alongside three other series: the animated Three Musketeers, the hybrid Micro Ventures, and the live-action Danger Island. Its episodes, each lasting nine to ten minutes, follow the Knights as they scheme against the evil Bakaar's soldiers or face other foes. The tone balances action with comedy, leaning semi-serious. Injuries rarely occur, except for Bakaar's bumbling minions, who get comically hurt. Every story wraps up on a cheerful, upbeat note for the heroes.
Characters
Prince Turhan, voiced by Jay North, is the prince of Baghdad and rightful heir to the throne. He is a young, handsome teenage boy who is brave, bold, an agile acrobat, an athlete, and a master swordsman. He leads a revolt against Bakaar and owns a magic scimitar that returns like a boomerang. It is speculated he was a prototype for Scooby Doo's Fred Jones. Princess Nida, voiced by Shari Lewis, is the daughter of the Caliph of El-Rabaul and Turhan's cousin. She is a beautiful teenage girl, a master of disguise and voice mimicry, and skilled in martial arts. Fariik the Magician, voiced by John Stephenson, is a short, tubby, jolly little man and a skilled spell-master. He casts spells by saying "Rosan Kobar" or variations. He can animate carpets and pillows for transport, render himself and others invisible, dissolve into smoke, levitate objects, alter size, create things from thin air, and change one thing into another. Sometimes his magic takes a lot of energy.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which network aired Arabian Knights?
Arabian Knights aired on NBC.
How many episodes of Arabian Knights are there?
Arabian Knights has 18 episodes across 1 season.
When did Arabian Knights first air?
Arabian Knights first aired on 7 September 1968.
When did Arabian Knights end?
Arabian Knights last aired on 4 January 1969.
More in American Children's Animated Fantasy Television Series
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