A seven-part documentary entertainment, in which actor and writer Michael Palin attempts to emulate the achievement and adventures of the late Phileas Fogg. 2: Arabian Frights
Fate lies in wait for Michael at the port of Suez on the Red Sea. With Passepartout, his faithful film crew, he has left behind the timetabled certainties of Europe and progress now depends on the will of Allah.
They cross Egypt safely, by train, camel and battered taxi, but in Suez the ferry to Jeddah is cancelled at the last minute owing to engine trouble. By the time Michael eventually sails, he knows he will miss a vital connection in the Saudi port. He also knows that there isn't another ship to the Persian Gulf for many days.
Indeed, by the time he reaches Bombay he's likely to be at least seven days behind his fictional rival. The challenge seems over - only two weeks into the journey. Film cameraman NIGEL MEAKIN Film recordist RON BROWN
Film editor HOWARD BILLINGHAM Producer CLEM VALLANCE
• TRAVEL: page 103
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