On the face of it Ralph Bates and Usain Bolt have little in common.
For one thing Ralph died over 25 years ago and Usain is about to defend his Olympic titles at 100 and 200 metres.
So why on earth are they sharing the title of this post?
Ralph loved sport–but as a spectator. Together we once attended a Barry Macguigan boxing match at Queens Park Rangers Football ground and as a mover I never saw Ralph “bolt”. To the contrary, he swayed elegantly.
Well, he was half-French! The eminent scientist, Louis Pasteur, was his great-great uncle.
It’s a question of attitude.
The interview below reminded me of dear Ralph and his insouciant nature.
With his third Olympic Games coming up, Usain Bolt a.k.a. the Human Arrow–double 100 and 200 metros champion–says the key for him (about performing) is to actively avoid thinking too much.
“I’m in good shape and I’ve done all the hard work in training I know I’ll be good.
“When you’re waiting there, minutes before the race starts, it’s easy to end up staring down the track and getting caught up in it all; but when you know you’re in good shape then the performances come. Everything clicks and you just run the perfect race. You don’t need to think too hard, just execute–you are focused and ready to perform.”
As I read this, my mind switched locations to an over-lit corridor outside a BBCTV studio in Birmingham, where we were about to record an episode of the second series of Poldark–circa May 1977.
I was pacing up and down, “actively thinking too much“, worried about the next two-and-half hours of filming.
Ralph, dressed as the suave George Warleggan, spotted me anxiously pacing and quietly tapped me on the shoulder.
“It’s only a play, Robin!”.
He might have added:
“You know you ‘re in good shape, you’ve done all the hard work in rehearsal and you know you’ll be good. You are focused and ready to perform!”
That’s what he meant with his reassuring pat on my shoulder.
Yesterday I learned that the Reverend Dr. Halse–that admirable, upstanding, pillar of the Cornish establishment–would be making another appearance in the third series of Poldark. which starts filming next month.
I’ll try to remember– It’s only a Play!
An unusually insouciant Dr Halse
Robin Ellis 
Ralph Bates, lovely! Such a shame he left us so early.
Very nice.
Thanks, Bob.
Like most things in life … it’s mind over matter. Except for serious illness etc (although a mind set can help in that also) the mind can do great things, the strongest muscle in the body. Positive thinking is a great thing .. plus a good (?wicked) sense of humour.
Je suis d’accord avec vous, Ingrid.
I enjoyed reading this blog. I do like that last photo of you. I shall look forward to the third season more now.
It is very sad that Ralph Bates was cut off so young.
Thank you for this memory. As much as I am enjoying the “new” Poldark, the 1970’s series is dear to my heart. Your performance, the whole cast, was just brilliant. It is delightful to know that the two series are being bridged with your ongoing portrayal of Dr. Halse to continue.
Dear Robin: I am sure I am not alone in relishing your memories of cast members. Ralph Bates was wonderful as Warleggan, and I loved his outfits! I am so sorry he is gone, though the absence that breaks my heart is Angharad Rees—I feel like I’ll never get over her being gone. It just seems so wrong that a sprite and spirit like hers is not with us. She will never be matched as the bright light Demelza…I wanted to ask you too—doesn’t Demelza mean “honey-like”? Do you know or can you find out? I think that’s what her name may mean. Happily, I have Acorn DVDs of the original Poldark to cheer me and her wonderful attitude to life always cheers and inspires me. Thanks for all you share and I look forward to your future reminiscenses of cast members as well as your next appearance as the leggy and snappish Dr. Halse.
Stevie de Longmont USA
Thanks Stevie. Your “honey-like” surmise sounds credible.
Poldark: 4th – Warleggan
Book Three, Chapter Eight
“… ‘I admire your name, Demelza. Where did you get it and what does it mean?’
‘I got it where you got yours, I suppose, Malcolm – from my mother. I do not know where she came by it. An old gipsy who came to the door once told me that in the true Cornish tongue it meant “Thy sweetness.” But he was an ignorant old man and I do not suppose he was right.’
‘”Thy sweetness.” Very apt. Though I think I should be more happy still if it were “my sweetness.”‘ …”
Poldark’s Cornwall by Winston Graham
“… What does the name mean? According to Dr William Pryce, author of Mineralogia Cornubiensis, that definitive book on eighteenth-century mining, writing in his other book, An Essay to Preserve the Ancient Cornish Language, published in 1790, De means the or thy, and Melza means honey or sweetness (links here, presumably, with the French miel). It’s a nice thought; and I hope it is not too far out to consider the name means ‘Thy sweetness’. …”
Thank for this, Lynn.
Thanks Lynn for pulling out that quote. To think I’ve read all 12 books 3 times and didn’t recall…much appreciated. Sounds like we have some real Poldark scholars. I love Win Graham. The fun goes on.
Stevie
Ralph Bates was perfection in that role, just as you were!! Glad you are returning!!!
It’s hard to believe it has been over 25 years since Mr. Bates passing. In every role he played he made everything seem so natural. He was a fine actor and human being. Thanks for sharing. Looking forward to the beginning of season 2 of Poldark here in the USA.
God bless.
I loved Ralph Bates in all his acting roles. I wish I was more like him in his approach to life. I will remember your experience next time I’m overthinking!!!
The original Poldark series was sheer perfection! It has stood the test of time. I have only watched the reboot because it is a rare chance to see you on the screen again!!
I remember meeting Ralph bates at the ‘poldark cricket match’ on boconnoc estate. I very timidly asked for his autograph, he had quite a ‘presence’.
He came across as a true gentleman and also quite shy and reserved.
Lovely man and much missed.
You can only imagine what great portrayals he would be showing us now.
Yes, indeed, Brigitte.
Re: Mr. Bates and ‘being in shape’.
Mr. Bates, as Warleggan, was a great antagonist to your Poldark. Mr. Graham sure knew how to create a character to get under one’s skin…;-)….If I recall you guys really went at it in an all-out fight. I’d think you had to have that one choreographed real good! And be in ‘good shape’.
Ep 12!
It is sad when people die but to be honest … I would rather they had lived and left such good memories than never lived at all, or lived and no one noticed them. I think it is very fortunate when people leave things behind like an apperance in a film, a song etc, that lives on after them, some people die and there is nothing left behind. Sad he died … but great that he left these films etc behind him, it keeps giving people joy and makes you smile after their death. You are fortunate in that way Robin, your films etc will live on after you, they will give people joy after you are gone (l hope that’s not for a long time though, don’t mean to sound morbid !!!)
That was an insightful comment you shared and can be applied to many situations. It is lovely to see “Warleggan’s” aka Ralph Bates’ face again after so many years. I knew him, he never knew me, but the witch-ey thing is that I was thinking about Bates the other day, possibly because of your impending trip to our country. And here you sent me your posting about him. Brings him back to life. He made a wonderful villain! We haven’t had the second series of Polldark over here yet. Really looking forward to seeing it. And you are onto #3 already. Again looking forward to meeting you and Meredith. Rachel Ps love the wig!
Sent from my iPad
>
Thanks Rachel.
Succinct as ever, Sir. (read: in good shape)
Hello Robin,
I loved reading that. I thought Ralph Bates was a lovely actor and it seems he was a lovely man.
I saw him in other t.v. programs (he was great in “Dear John” with his expressive eyes and comic timing)…… but to me, he will always be my George Warleggan just as you will always be my Ross.
Hope you and Meredith are both well and enjoying life.
With love Heth xxxx
Hi Heth and a very late thank you for sending the Ted Peth tapes–very much appreciated.
Say Hi to Bill–I just deconstructed a chicken for tonight!
Hooray!!!
Looking forward to seeing you on the new series!!
Interesting that Ralph Bates and Angharad Rees both died of pancreatic cancer.
An interesting post. So looking forward to seeing Rev Dr Halse again. Wise counsel indeed!. x
Sorry? Have no idea what this is about.
As a teenager, I was interested in all things Poldark. I named my children after Winston Graham’s characters. I followed the careers of the actors and actresses who brought them to life for this 15 year old girl. As an older woman now, I look forward to the American debut of the remake of Poldark, but I am especially looking forward to seeing you again as the Rev. Halse. Thanks for your blog and sharing your thoughts with us all.
PS I’m making your Aubergine, garlic and walnut rounds this evening. One of my favorites!
Loved Ralph Bates in Poldark, in fact I loved everything about the first Poldark, need to watch my DVDs again
Hi Robin,
Ralph Bates was so good in Poldark . I also enjoyed him in a few Hammer films as I was and I guess still am a fan of those Horror films. He left us to young but so happy that we have the films and TV shows to keep him in out thoughts. So glad to hear your will be in Season 3.
I say keep enjoying every wonderful opportunity that comes your way. Your new role is growing on me.
My husband and I watched the 1977 series of Poldark about 5 years ago – it was wonderful – we were so taken with it , and we thought that the characters were all so much better portrayed than in the new series. Ralph Bates ‘s portrayal as George was outstanding and balanced yours as Ross beautifully.
I didn’t know Ralph Bates was half-French or related to Louis Pasteur! I do remember feeling a bit guilty for thinking that “George” was kinda good-looking despite his being so LOATHSOME (and sometimes scary!) in that little play of yours, haha! Years later, when I found Ralph Bates starring in “Dear John,” it was so neat to see him in modern clothes and as a character we often felt sympathy for.
Anyway, don’t worry–you always commanded the screen in the Ross/George scenes. We never saw any nerves!
Can’t wait to see your Rev. Halse again, though I guess we’ll have to be rooting for Aidan in the storyline. You were so unnervingly cold in those earlier scenes! How do you like playing the baddie, this time around? 🙂
Don’t tell anyone else, Dianne–I love it!
Thank you for reminding us again what a lovely man Ralph Bates was. He was taken from us far too soon. So pleased that you – the real Captain Ross Poldark – is still there in the new series. It matters!
I’ll share this lovely post, Robin, if I may?
You’re a true STAR * Robin, just like the 2 men you talk about here.
The other true star on my mind is Ronin Willams who left us way too soon 2 years ago yesterday. Love , peace & happiness to you and yours.
Lovely Ralph Bates, always remember seeing an article about his home too, wonderfully decorated. And you shot at Pebble Mill?! Damn, as a Birmingham Poldark obsessed teenager if only I’d known LOL! Although I did live on the outskirts of Birmingham then so getting to Pebble Mill would have been like crossing to the other side of the world! Strange how things go, I now work at Bham University and our new School of Dentistry is on the old Pebble Mill site. So pulling teeth (as in getting great performances out) still goes on there!
Lovely, Savannah–thanks.
Ralph was really a superb George Warleggan as we have all hated him on the screen in that role!! How good he was!
Anxiety is a bad beast to be kept under control, but playing pretending to be someone else must be great!
Glad to hear we will see Reverend Halse once again on screen!!! Evviva!! Fooorza Roooobiiiin!!
Gracie, Paola.
I went to a theatre in the West End that the Poldark Society told us was raising money for research into pancreatic cancer in honour of Ralph, It was a really fun evening for a lovely man. I can still remember the cast of Poldark standing in the foyer with buckets collecting cash!
Good luck and break a leg (still shapely I might add in the black hose!) as Dr Halse. When hubby is in his 17thC kit, I much prefer those clothes rather than jeans and tee shirt. (http://www.thesealedknot.org.uk/) believe it or not Poldark started me re-enacting – but oops got the period wrong!!
Well done Captain Poldark! (life is a Play Shakespeare said)
Yes, it’s only a play, but this play makes all of us very happy! So, I hope to see soon an anxious Reverend Halse in the third series of Poldark!
That’s an idea–Halse showing his vulnerable side–uhmm!
It would be great! Maybe, in this case, you could indulge yourself with a little bit of anxiety 😉
Thanks for sharing, Robin! I agree with Ralph. He gave you excellent advice. Keeping life in proper perspective makes it so much more enjoyable. (I was pleasantly surprised that I was able to translate your response to Ingrid, which was in French. Such a beautiful language!)
Good memory.
But it’s more than a play to us Robin! Good old Ralph: I agree with him totally. There was a similar comment frequently doing the rounds in my job in radio studios when colleagues got wound up ; “it’s only radio”. So true.
Ralph Bates was a fabulous actor who on stage created the George Warleggan we all love to hate. He has not been forgotten.
Gosh, here I am, rolling in at the end, like a caboose on a train – but . . . while I’ve wanted to offer congratulations on the fantastic news about your upcoming performance in the third season of the new Poldark, I’ve been stopped in my tracks owing to your remembrance of Ralph Bates, and his darkly intense character of George Warleggan.
Each time I am reminded of those beautiful fallen actors from the original series — Ralph Bates, Angharad Rees, Richard Morant and those who played Judd and Prudie, I find myself wordless because these ideas are hard to articulate. I sense that actors can create a radiant magic in their performances and, like many other audience members around the world, I find my heart receptive to the gift of that creation. Especially in the original Poldark series which was a passionate expression — a passionate effort by brilliant people at that very special moment in time. I think that it is the actor’s soul which breathes life into these characters, and when that soul leaves the earth, we miss the creator of the magic and feeling grateful, do not forget.
I may be way wrong, but it seems to me . . . that the era of the mid-sixties till the end of the seventies, the early eighties is pushing it – but I feel that there was something extraordinary and soulful occurring in a great deal of British tv and film because it holds a particular attraction that is absent in other films. It is a subjective view and inexplicably difficult to describe – like trying to catch a handful of fog for showing to another person. So I will politely conclude that, who can say — possibly there were some very glimmering astrological energies connecting with your industry in those days, and that combined with creativity and talent and passion and brilliant hard work, an indelible mark was made by you and your colleagues.
So, no longer wordless, I’ll say CONGRATULATIONS on your return to Season III of the new Poldark! This is something we’re ALL happy about!
Thank you, Nadine. I feel lucky to have been born when i was.
A most unexpected and marvelous treat! Our PBS station is airing INSIDE POLDARK, hosted by none other than our favorite English actor, ROBIN ELLIS!
You look dapper and sound intelligent, marvelous and charming — so good to see you on screen!
Poldark forever!!!
Thanks Nadine!
I saw INSIDE POLDARK last night too. I was sorry that they didn’t show some of the original series. It was great to see you and gosh still as handsome as ever. Your wife is a very lucky lady. Looking forward to the new series too.
Thank you, Marge, It’s me who’s lucky by the way!
PS — I also wanted to remark that it was fascinating to see Winston Graham’s son interviewed on INSIDE POLDARK. What an extra special and most welcomed surprise. Thank you, again!