scscott45 I never saw the TV series of the same name; just the movie. I really don't know how they made a series out of it, as the movie was perfect just the way it was made. It is simply a charming, warmhearted, funny little story that was totally enjoyable, and I have remembered it all these years after seeing it. I looked it up on the net just on a whim tonight, and got enthusiastic and lonesome for it all over again, so I just ordered a copy of it online from overstock.com. I can't wait to show this movie to my daughter; I'm certain she will love it as much as I do. I was glad to discover that it has other fans as well. If you've never seen the movie version, do yourself a favor and check it out!

karian333 I loved the movie Bagdad Cafe with CCH Pounder and really liked the little I saw of the TV series with Jean Stapleton and Whoopi Goldberg. I would love to have those original TV episodes. I think there were 15 episodes. Does anyone know where I could get them? I read where there was one full season and part of a second season. There were 13 episodes shown here in the States and I saw on one website that there were 2 more shown in England. If anyone knows where I might be able to locate these 15 episodes, I would be very grateful. The theme song for the TV series was the same as in the movie. It was very haunting and very beautiful.

blair-56 Well, further to the previous comment you should note at the top that it says TV Servies next to the title. This means that you are indeed incorrect about Whoopi Goldberg as she played the character in the TV Series, but not as you point out in the film version.I must be bored too - and now I have to fill in the prerequisite number of lines. I don't think this correction was worth the time or effort, but never mind.I have never seen the film, but remember enjoying the TV series when it was on some years ago, though i was quite young at the time and one should never revisit these things as they have a habit of disappointing you.

Fred-172 Baghdad Cafe ran for two seasons on CBS. It had a different plot than the movie. It centered on a desert hotel and cafe owner (played by Whoppi Goldberg) whose husband (played by Cleavon Little) left after an argument. She was then left with the task of running the hotel, the cafe, and taking care of her family. Jean Stapleton played a older woman whose husband threw her out of the car after a argument. Stapleton winds up at the cafe and hotel and an unusual friendship then begins. Secondary characters included Rudy (played by the wonderful James Gammon) a desert artist who becomes romantically involved with Stapleton's character. They first season he just flirted with her, which was funny. The second season brought changes. Exceutive producer Mort Lachman was out and was replaced by Tom Patchett and Kenneth Kauffman. Goldberg's son went to college. Two new characters were added: an African-American Sheriff (played by William Shockley) and Rudy's nephew Dewey (played by Sam Whipple) who became the cook in the restaurant. The show did not see a complete second season and was canceled shortly into the second season. Despite the changes this show went through, the quality did not waver. The writing was excellent and the pairing of Stapleton and Goldberg was magnificent. It also had a magnificent supporting cast. Too bad it only got two seasons. It deserved better.