The works of al-Khowarizmi were translated into Latin, and through a perversion of his name the art of computing with Hindu-Arabic numerals became known as algorism.

It tells you how they work on the mark's own larcenous cravings for a killing, how they build him up to betting his entire stake — and then put the chill on via the cackle bladder routine, a prop murder, so named because originally the corpse bit on a chicken bladder and drenched himself in chicken blood.

Each auto polo team (as pictured above) had one driver and a mallet swinger. They chased a soccer-sized ball. As teams became more competitive, they eliminated seats, doors, floorboards, fenders, and brakes.

The series ran from 1980 until 1988, and won a BAFTA for Best Comedy Series in 1984. It was based on Perry’s experiences working as a Redcoat in Butlins.