Sunday night’s splendid finale to the second series involved a scene which brought back vivid memories for me.
Here’s what I wrote in my memoir, Making Poldark, about the studio recording of the miners attack on Trenwith–the final episode of our first series.
We finished the series with a bang – in fact we nearly burned down the BBC Television Centre. The last scene to be done in the studio was the burning of Trenwith – from the inside.
This was another diversion from the books – where Trenwith was kept well intact by Winston Graham. For television it was felt a more dramatic climax was needed and what better than the burning down of the bosses’ home by the disaffected and starving miners.
The set was a fine recreation of an eighteenth century upper-class living room filled with a mixture of real antique and good reproduction furniture and objets d’art. Well in line with the BBC tradition of authenticity, it had cost a fair amount to bring it together.
With the miners in this mood any thoughts of negotiation or arbitration were clearly out of the question. It was simply a matter of looking after one’s own and everyone for himself. The miners attacked through the windows of the drawing room where Ross was trying to persuade George Warleggan to run for his life; Elizabeth was there as George’s wife and Demelza arrived with the news that the attack was imminent.
It was the finale – the `walk down’ and in came the miners, professional extras who had been given instructions to set light to the place with their burning torches. This they did in a most professional manner. Original eighteenth century furniture was smashed and burned. But nobody said `Cut‘ and so this bizarre spectacle continued, until things got so hot that the action ground to a halt and an instinctive responsibility prevailed.
It was a spectacular ending to an eventful nine months – and a few questions were asked.
Exhausted, we all went to the party at Angharad’s house. We’d been looking forward to it and it was not a disappointment. Two hundred people were there and it finished at 8 a.m. the next morning.
And so ended the first series of Poldark.
Well–“A more dramatic climax”?
I haven’t re-screened the seventies version–but Sunday night’s was pretty dramatic!
And I fancied Aidan’s approach, parting the angry red sea of miners.
My horse, Dennis, would have relished the drama of that–he was a natural born star and a bit of a show-off.
This was a terrific episode; for American viewers–a couple of episodes behind–something exciting in store!
Now–onwards!
Just eight books to go…!
Robin Ellis 
I have been re-watching the original version while watching the new one. Great fun seeing the different choices. I can’t say I have a favorite as both are so well done.
“Whatsapping” with Jen last Sunday evening, I told her I could not remember the attack to Trenwith in the books and I searched and found no one. But it was good to have it in both the series to dramatise the effect of the story and better outline the characters. Certainly the Seventies shooting was more “revolutionary”!!!
I just LOVED the whole series, can’t wait for the next one. Every episode i teresting with plenty of content and …. NO MUTTERING OR MUMMBLING, you could hear every word. It finished with you just longing for more, you could imagine a lot of twists and turns in the next series, the father of Elizabeth’s baby, Caroline ?pregnant etc. You were an excellent Ross in the first series Robin …. but Aiden !!!!!!! WOW. A hero, a scoundrel, a lover all rolled into one, maybe a bit of Irish blood comming out???? EXCELLENT SERIES, hope it goes on in this fashion and keeps its high quality content.
What an exciting end! However; having watched many times ‘Your’ Poldark with all the great team, I cannot bring myself to watch the new version. We do not watch television, have not for over 10 years as the programs were appalling. If we like we can watch all programs on the internet but have much better things to do. I am pleased that you are happy with the latest Poldark, this must be very much close to your heart and if you are happy, then so am I 🙂
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The new version of Poldark is pretty, the cast is pretty, not crazy about the editing, the great story endures, but I have to say in all honesty and with respect towards those involved in latest version — it simply lacks the soul, skill, complexity of the 1970’s version. The adaptation, the direction, and the ensemble of actors of original version simply cannot be matched. Part of me wishes they had simply re-run the original in order to turn new generations on to it. It deserves to be seen. That party described by Mr. Ellis on the last night of shooting of first season sounds pretty great. Ah, the ’70’s ….
The two versions are both of their time and excellent entertainment. The story is just so good and when you team that with wonderful acting and sets, it’s impossible to go wrong. The ONLY thing that jars with me about the current Poldark is that Ross & Demelza are so well-matched that they are the perfect team and the Elizabeth/Cap’n McNeil elements aren’t quite so understandable. In ‘your’ day, Ross was older and a totally different social class to Demelza – also very obviously still totally in love with Elizabeth at the beginning of their relationship and this did hold back his feelings for her for quite a long time – until he realised she was his true soulmate around the burning of Trenwith time! But I love them both and could watch either anytime! Looking forward to the odious Osborne Whitworth in the next series…..x
We’ve just watched the last episode this afternoon – we saved it to watch as it’s a classic grey wet Cornish day down here ! All the walking along clifftops in the series whilst only wrapped in a light woollen shawl they’d all have expired from pneumonia in reality . Re the burning of Trenwith , I believe the real house used in your version was Godolphin House ? So glad you didn’t burn that down as I now have the joy of going to work there each day. Having watched and remembered the series as a child, who would know the hands of fate that would lead me to here – we live in what would have been one of the down trodden miners cottages !!
Only another year to wait for series 3 😞
TH ANK YOU SO MUCH. FOR YHE MEMORIES
I remember that episode very clearly. It was a fantastic finish to that first series. I wait now for the finale here in the states. I have been very impressed with all performances even the subtle battles between George and Aunt Agatha. Great job by all. Already looking ahead to season Three
Until the next time
I watched the original and didn’t think I could ever enjoy the new one , but I loved it and it was so lovely you were in it as the judge , well done to all .
I will always be an ‘original’ girl but this is an excellent adaptation. I am now going back to my old books and reading it all through again. But it Robin that I see in the role.
All credit to Aiden and Elinnor as well
All looking good for the next series, Robin G and W
Hi you two–such good memories of you and the workshop.
Robin, I remember that scene very well! Also I have the DVDs of the 1975 Poldark and have been re-watching them since my return to Australia after seeing you in Arlington. At the same time watching the new version as it appears on TV. Loving it all over again! As much as I love the new version I think the characters and the extras are much more realistic people than the new ones. Unforgettable! Best wishes, Joan
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Thanks Joan–i remember meeting you and the family in Arlington.
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I remember the original series very well and have the original novels. Excellent performances by Aiden and Elinor but I feel that the BBC has gone a bit, pc. Elinor now seems to dominate. The interaction between you and Angharad seemed more convincing and thrilling. Your Ross was more ambivalent I think – a more unpredictable, mix of hero and villain and completely believable as both. There’s less shock now when Ross goes bananas because his gentlemanly side is less clear. It was impossible to know which ‘class’ your Ross fitted into best. He didn’t know either. Which would he stay with, what would happen as a consequence. This time, it’s too clear. That takes away more, unpredictability.
That’s not at all, criticism of the current actors. The cast – fantastic. There are lots of great things happening eg some of the directing, photography and I love, Prudie and Jed! I’m enjoying the series tremendously. I just think that there have been changes in attitudes to some male characters generally, in drama, since the original series. Of course, adaptations of novels reflect the social attitudes of the time they’re adapted in but I’d like to have seen a little more of the attitudes and behaviour of the time in which the novels were set. I think that the original series was more successful in getting closer to that. Plus as I’ve said, whilst I passionately agree with some aspects of feminism, I think that care is needed to not skew drama a little too much, to meet current attitudes. That takes it back to unpredictability. If we see only what we expect to see, I think that can weaken drama as giving different perspectives on our reality.
There’s a reason that there’s a new adaptation of course. The original one had such an impact. That’s due to the novels, the people involved in production but also the unforgettable performances by you and Angharad as Ross and Demelza. I have felt occasionally that I’m watching a superb tribute band.
Agree that we all have Winston to thank.
I am watching the new series, but I have to say I still prefer the 70s version. thanks for sharing the memories
I remember the “burning” episode, and the first time I watched it wondered how the heck they did it so convincingly, as it was so very clearly NOT just a set! And I was thrilled in 1998 when hubby and I toured Cornwall — and Trerice– and saw how brilliantly Graham had used the countryside and its manors and cottages. An astounding look at a time long gone, peopled by such very real characters. Thank you for making it so heartfelt, then and now!
Just rewatched your version, and it was a great episode!
Looking forward to seeing the new one in a couple of weeks, but wow! It has a lot to live up to!
Genie Pohl
I have to admit I am an Aidan Turner fangirl, but this updated Poldark can’t hold a candle to the original. Yes, the 1975 sets and filming techniques are dated, but the quality of the script, the story building and the acting are superior. Maybe it’s a generational thing, but when I watch the current Poldark I’m not feeling a connection and so, I am re-watching your version and waiting for Ross to get angry and for Angharad to say, “Oh, Ross!”
PS Love your blog.