1970 saw two series of Up Pompeii shown on BBC-1. In 1971 the success of the BBC TV comedy series led to a feature film of the same name, Up Pompeii. The film was followed by two others of a similar rich comedy vein - Up the Chastity Belt (1971) and Up the Front (1972). In Chastity Frankie played Sir Lurkalot at the time of Crusades, while in Front he played Private Lurk at the time of the First World War.

In 1972 the BBC asked Frankie to star in Whoops Baghdad - written by Sid Colin, who had contributed to series 2 of Pompeii. Frankie played Ali Oopla, a servant to the Wazir of Baghdad played by Derek Francis. In 1973 Frankie starred with Ray Milland in The House in Nightmare Park. This has to be one of my most favourite Frankie films - the scene where he arrives (the biscuits bit) is wonderful. Another Dr Who connection coming up - written by Clive Exton and Dalek creator Terry Nation. In 1978 he flew to the US to play Mean Mr Mustard in the film Sgt. Peppers' Lonely Hearts Club Band - another direct result of being in with the RSO label.

On tv he did a series called An Evening with Francis Howerd on BBC-2.

In the later 70's he continued making radio, tv special and appeared on BBC and ITV. He wrote his life story And on the way I lost it - released in 1976. Also in that year he was the subject of This is Your Life.
Tessa Le Bars became his agent and ensured the work flowed.
The Frankie Howerd Variety Show from 1978 was underwritten by several new names in writing - namely Jimmy Mulville, Rory McGrath and Clive Anderson.

Panto was also a favourite during the 70's and he played in Jack and Beanstalk at the London Palladium (1973) and Cinderella (Plymouth) in 1978.

Frankie was awarded the OBE in 1977. Due in part to his many overseas forces concerts (the fees were given to charity) which he kept going throughout his career. The tours were a closely guarded secret and only publicised after his return to the UK. He also played in Northern Ireland, during the height of the troubles, and even gave one concert in the Maze Prison for warders.