Winston Graham’s emotionally-charged tale of life in late 18th-century Cornwall, first hit the TV screens in the UK at 7.25pm on October 5th, 1975–45 years ago today.
Remembering Angharad Rees, Ralph Bates, Paul Curran, Mary Wimbush, Richard Morant, and Frank Middlemass.
The cast and crew had been hard at work on location in remote Cornwall and at the BBC-TV White City Studios in London. If I remember rightly, we hadn’t finished all sixteen episodes by that October evening–and were feeling nervous about how it would be received.
We knew it was a good story, with all the right ingredients to engage–and even entrance–an early-evening audience–but you never know.
I only remember one review. It was from the witty and candid Clive James in The Observer the following Sunday. At the end of three paragraphs reviewing other programmes he wrote:
“Oh yes, and there is POLDARK which I can’t help noticing is an anagram for OLD KRAP. I rest my case.”
It was a bit of a shock at the time–and made my mother very cross!
Well–when the run of the first series came to an end four months later, with viewing figures topping 15 million, we had the last laugh.
A quarter of a century after that October evening and not long after Winston’s death, Angharad Rees and myself accompanied Winston’s son, Andrew and daughter, Rosamund, on a return to Cornwall to launch Winston’s autobiography–Memoirs of a Private Man.
Andrew Graham signing Winston’s autobiography at Waterstones in Truro in 2003.
Rosamund, Robin and Angharad signing Winston’s autobiography.
I took the opportunity to revisit the house that had served as Nampara–to the surprise of its owner at the time.
The last time Angharad Rees and I were on the cliffs of Cornwall together.
It was a poignant trip for everyone.
An opportunity to remember and celebrate the life of a man who had had a lasting and positive influence on each and every one of us.
Still does on my life.
Robin Ellis 
This is still one of my favorite programs to watch. I introduced my daughter to this version as well and she truly enjoyed it. This series stands the test of time.
…. and on that of a twelve years old Italian girl who watched the series a few years later, every Sunday afternoon at the Italian tv. Then dreaming about Cornwall on her English books (a dream came true in 2009). And still does.
So happy your dream came true, Antonella!
It was always treat to watch when it eventually aired on PBS in the US, so not a surprise it originally was so well received in the UK. So many of us became die-hard Poldark and Robin Ellis fans, along with admirers of Winston and others in the cast, but hard to believe it started so long ago!
I know, Leslie–thank you.
I recently saw both adaptation of the Poldark saga and quite frankly the original stands above. The fine acting of the entire original cast is superb, particularly in the supporting roles (Paul Curran) etc. In my humble view the tension, mystery of the relationship between Ross and Demelza and if he really loves her is lacking in this new release. Many of us was addicted episode by episode to what would be the outcome. Both Robin Ellis and Anaagard played their part to perfection which I do not think was matched in the 2015 re-do. In closing if you can watch a series from nearly 40 years ago and still enjoy it over and over again is testament to the brilliance of the work.
A forever original Poldark fan
Hi Robin my sister also has diabetes and I have purchased your cookbook and will be presenting it to her as a Christmas gift this year. My warmest regards to both you and you wife. How splendid your fond memories of the role continues
I hope the book is a help to your sister, Janet. And thank you.
Thank you for sharing such a lovely memory. Winston Graham’s Poldark Saga and the Poldark original series are still as exciting to me as when I first was introduced to the world of Poldark in the 1970s!
Thanks Annwenn.
You were the perfect Poldark.
Too kind, Betty!
The original Poldark remains one of the best things I have ever seen.
Thank you Connie!
Love all things Poldark. Watched the original series with my mom. We read all of the books! Was so glad that you, Robin, were in the recent series!
And if it wasn’t for Poldark, you wouldn’t have met your lovely Meredith, correct? Best wishes- stay healthy.
Absolutely right. Thanks POLDARK and thanks Leslie!
Happy Anniversary! My Mum’s birthday is the 5th of October (today) My parents loved watching Poldark, as a kid in the 70’s I was allowed to watch it and loved it! I shall have to tell my Mum later she will be tickled she shares her special day with Poldark!
Happy Birthday to your Mum!
Ooooo she will love that thank you. ❤️
Dear Robin,
“Old krap?” Makes me mad today!
How I loved that series, and I was reluctant to watch the latest version. Aidan Turner is handsome, I must admit, but he is no Ross Poldark.
I cherish the books and the memories!
Thank you Robin, for being Robin and Ross!
Nel
Thanks, Nel.
My name appears in Winston’s autobiography! It was an error, and I am ever so grateful that the editors didn’t catch it. My orbit around Winston was a very distant one, but I still feel his gravitational tug every day. A lasting influence indeed.
Me too!
Get Outlook for iOS ________________________________ From: Robin Ellis Sent: Monday, October 5, 2020 3:03:19 PM To: ang.el@hotmail.co.uk Subject: [New post] POLDARK–Marking 45 Years Hello Robin Ellis posted: “Winston Graham’s emotionally-charged tale of life in late 18th-century Cornwall, first hit the TV screens in the UK at 7.25pm on October 5th, 1975–45 years ago today. The cast and crew had been hard at work on location in remote Cornwall and at the B” I Respond to this post by replying above this line New post on Robin Ellis [http://1.gravatar.com/blavatar/f88d521e202ece1e6aebc356656098ae?s=32&d=http%3A%2F%2Fs0.wp.com%2Fi%2Femails%2Fblavatar.png] [http://1.gravatar.com/avatar/db47b5011d83d79bcc76820302ca33d8?s=50&d=identicon&r=G] POLDARK–Marking 45 Years by Robin Ellis
Winston Graham’s emotionally-charged tale of life in late 18th-century Cornwall, first hit the TV screens in the UK at 7.25pm on October 5th, 1975–45 years ago today.
[https://robinellisdotnet.files.wordpress.com/2020/10/screen-shot-2020-10-05-at-1.52.36-pm.png?w=420]
Remembering Angharad Rees, Ralph Bates, Paul Curran, Mary Wimbush, Richard Morant, and Frank Middlemass.
The cast and crew had been hard at work on location in remote Cornwall and at the BBC-TV White City Studios in London. If I remember rightly, we hadn’t finished all sixteen episodes by that October evening–and were feeling nervous about how it would be received.
We knew it was a good story, with all the right ingredients to engage–and even entrance–an early-evening audience–but you never know.
I only remember one review. It was from the witty and candid Clive James
Married and the mother of two toddlers, I had little time to myself in 1977, but I always insisted on shutting myself into the bedroom on Sunday nights to watch Masterpiece Theatre on our little black and white tv. (My husband commandeered the larger color set in the den to watch Sunday Night NFL Football. I got even by answering the tiny knocks on the door with “Ask your Father!”) I was absolutely obsessed with “Poldark.” I read all the books (but was less excited after Ross and Demelza became secondary characters) and wore out my VHS recordings over the years. This was all before DVDs, streaming, and the other ways to easy-access your favorites. I did not expect to like the remake, but ended up loving it. However, nothing will ever be quite as moving to me as the original cast and storyline.
Thank you.
I was 22 when Poldark came out , watched every episode, even have the box set , you were so kind as to answer a letter I wrote to you and enclose a signed photo , loved the new Poldark but the first will always be my favourite, thank you Robin 😊
Relieved to hear I wrote you back!
Wonderful post. Thank you so much for sharing these memories. I re-read the Memoirs recently after re-reading all of my Winston Graham novels over the space of a few years (to prolong the enjoyment!). It reads almost like a novel. He had a remarkable life. You were so fortunate to have met him.
I was, we were.
Indeed Robin, such a wonderful legacy to be a part of along with your fellow actors. I loved Winston Graham’s writing from the time I found the first book in a library at aged 20. I am now 84. My family had connections with Cornish cousins and enjoyed holidays there. My mother, myself and then two daughters eagerly awaited the later novels, sometimes with a big gap. The BBC showed the original series more or less as repertory which was wonderful at the time. The only comment I would make on the modern series was that it never gave itself time to fill in all the little social history although it did attempt to depict the plight of the poor. Aidan and Eleanor did a good job but the series was over all too soon. Enjoy your life in France, look after each other, your pets and keep safe.
Thank you, Joan.
Thank you for this interesting post and the beautiful pictures. I loved watching the series in the 70ies and still watch in from time to time on DVD. You are the one and only true Captain Poldark for me! But I also appreciate your recipies and have all your wonderful cooking books. Best regards and wishes from your old fan from Austria!
Thanks Grita.
Oh goodness, Poldark was my most favourite TV series ever when it began in 1975. I couldn’t wait to see the next episode each week. I have all the DVD’s now. I also loved the new adaptation and was so pleased that you had a part in it, but my heart is with the 1975 original series
I was living in Cornwall with my Aunt who bought me my first Poldark novel, which you kindly signed for me and made my 15 year old self very happy, I thought you a true gentleman
Sent from Mail for Windows 10
From: Robin Ellis Sent: 05 October 2020 15:03 To: alexberry2@hotmail.co.uk Subject: [New post] POLDARK–Marking 45 Years
Robin Ellis posted: “Winston Graham’s emotionally-charged tale of life in late 18th-century Cornwall, first hit the TV screens in the UK at 7.25pm on October 5th, 1975–45 years ago today. The cast and crew had been hard at work on location in remote Cornwall and at the B” Respond to this post by replying above this line
New post on Robin Ellis [http://1.gravatar.com/blavatar/f88d521e202ece1e6aebc356656098ae?s=32&d=http%3A%2F%2Fs0.wp.com%2Fi%2Femails%2Fblavatar.png]
[http://1.gravatar.com/avatar/db47b5011d83d79bcc76820302ca33d8?s=50&d=identicon&r=G] POLDARK–Marking 45 Years by Robin Ellis
Winston Graham’s emotionally-charged tale of life in late 18th-century Cornwall, first hit the TV screens in the UK at 7.25pm on October 5th, 1975–45 years ago today. [https://robinellisdotnet.files.wordpress.com/2020/10/screen-shot-2020-10-05-at-1.52.36-pm.png?w=420]
Remembering Angharad Rees, Ralph Bates, Paul Curran, Mary Wimbush, Richard Morant, and Frank Middlemass.
The cast and crew had been hard at work on location in remote Cornwall and at the BBC-TV White City Studios in London. If I remember rightly, we hadn’t finished all sixteen episodes by that October evening–and were feeling nervous about how it would be received.
We knew it was a good story, with all the right ingredients to engage–and even entrance–an early-evening audience–but you never know.
I only remember one review. It was from the witty and candid Clive James
Hello again!
These memories must be very precious for you.What a wonderful story, and Anghared was a great Demelza! I absolutely loved that series! I remember watching it here in the states on the night I went into labor with my son, and when he was an infant. I never missed a week when it was on Masterpiece Theater, as it was my favorite show. Later on, I read the books.
I was supposed to take a trip to Cornwall this past summer, but because of the virus, I haven’t been able to go. Looking forward to the day when I can see those beautiful cliffs!
We are too, Genie–cross fingers!
I absolutly love the poldark serie,still after many years it is a amazing serie,i am very happy that in 2018 i met Robin ellis and his lively wife Meridith in England,it was a great afternoon…
Thank you for this wonderfull serie and anazing actors
Greetings from Holland
Thank you, Sandra from Meredith and me.
It captivated me from the first episode, and I’ve read all the books several times over the decades. I sent copies, three at a time, to my niece when she was an au pair in Italy just a few years ago, and now she’s a fan. A rare case of the books and the series being of the best quality.
I loved the original Poldark and you are Poldark to me, even though Aiden does a good job, the 70’s series had more depth. Made me want to visit Cornwall which I finally did in 2012. I am rewatching it again on a streaming channel. Thank you also for your cookbooks, wish I could have gone to your cookery school.
Thank you.
Thank you, Robin, that memory was just so lovely. I paid Clive a nevermind anyway. Now I know why.
Thank you for sharing this. Poldark was the first Masterpiece Theatre I had seen and I was in love within minutes. I was starting out newly married so the romance was a bit heightened. I read all the books. So many years later and I am still a fan of Masterpiece but I remember where it all started. I am glad the producers of the new series tipped their hat to you in respect and included you. Seemed right and at the end when the two Ross’ stood face to face smiling at each other (shaking hands?) as if to say “well done” both of us. I say “Well done, indeed”!
Thanks Linda. We both enjoyed that “moment”.
I watched it originally when we lived in Toronto and was thrilled when it eventually came out as a complete series on VHS. Then I also bought it when the DVDs came out. Now I live in Nashville and I still watch the whole thing almost every year and just finished watching it again (I had to buy a new original series Volume one since one of my DVDs had cracked) I’m now rereading all 12 books, I can’t help but compare the new production with the original, (and I also have the first 4 new seasons on DVD / sorry but season five was “made up” and wasn’t in the books so even though I had arched itI didn’t want to buy it. I do wonder what Winston Graham would have said about it)). The new production follows the books more closely but I still prefer the original and when I read the books, it’s the original cast I picture in my mind! I was thrilled that there were a few times where both “Ross” were together in the same scene! I constantly say to my husband and daughter, “The original series was better – there’s nothing better than a scene with Ross and Demelza!”❤️
Thanks Cyndi.
Really enjoyed the photos – thanks for posting. Marilu Ellis
Thanks, Marilu!
You must be the only Marilu Ellis in the world!
I am from Houston, TX but my Ellis relatives were Martindales from the Lake Area via Indianapolis,IN. I ordered your recipe book some time ago and am planning upon attending your cooking school when you restart!
Thanks, Marilu
Thanks again, Marilu.
The house that was used for ‘ Nampara’ looks very familiar, is it in the Botallack area ?
I was about 8 when Poldark started & was allowed to watch it.
It was definitely one of those dramas that stay in your memory for all good reasons !
It was and a lovely house too.
45 years!?! I hadn’t realized it had been that long – it seems like only 10 years. You brought tears to my eyes – good tears. As always, thanks for keeping the memories alive, Mr. Ellis!
Thanks Cheryl, for those good tears.
My family and I were stationed in Hawaii in 1976, when Poldark was shown on the local PBS station. Years later, my late husband and I made a pilgrimage to Cornwall, because we wanted to visit Poldark Country. There we made friends who changed our family’s lives forever. Poldark 1975 remains our favorite series of all time, and because of the follow-on personal events as a result of our watching it, we owe a lot to the cast and crew of the original (and superior!) Poldark. Cheers, love, and best wishes to you all!
Wow–that’s a story!
All the very best to you too.
Oh Robin! What wonderful memories your post inspires! How I loved Poldark! We had been married for just two years when it was first televised and we had scraped together enough money for a tv. Sunday night was ‘Poldark Night’ What joy. You will always be ‘my’ Ross and Anghared ‘my’ Demelza. You and indeed the whole cast were brilliant and brought those wonderful books to life. Thank you Robin!
Thanks, Fran–very generous.
What a marvellous anniversary. Wendy and I congratulate everyone on what is a lasting legacy. We hope you and Meredith are both well, and of course, keeping safe. We became grandparents last Friday so quite emotional. Wendy hopes he grows up to become as handsome as the original Captain Poldark.!!! I obviously couldn’t comment on that!!haha best wishes
Grahame and Wendy
Many congratulations Wendy and Grahame–lovely news.
Stay well and safe all the family.
Nel 1975 mi innamorai di Ross Poldark. L’unico Ross Poldark è il meraviglioso Robin Ellis
Grazie a lei, Mara!
Thanks Robin, this is a sweet remembrance. I very much appreciated the acting, the scenery, and the light, which was natural and beautiful.
Altogether a great show! Very good acting, different from now a’days.
Thanks, Penny.
Thanks, Penny.
Dear Sir
Great series.
Ross, a vestige of what had been good in the lower aristocracy, Warleggan, the would be lower aristocrat bad guy bourgeois foil.
Ross did marry his servant, not on for his status, and paid a price.
American audiences did not necessarily pick up on such 18th Century distinctions, but followed a good story line as if they did
Wonderful post..
All the best
Thanks, Gerald and you are right about the mysteries of the English pecking orders!
Loved the Original series of Poldark, I thought it had more charm than the new series, you and Angharad will always be Ross and Demelza. The whole cast was brilliant, Ralph Bates and Christopher Biggins as Oswald was excellent, I have the whole series on DVD and read all the books. Take care. xx
Thank you, Dianne.
It has been my absolute favorite series forever! You will always be Ross Poldark for me. I didn’t see the origiinal series – caught up to it when it appeared on Netflix several years ago. Captivating all the way. It pressed me to read the books.
Thanks, Sandra.
I was just 21 young, care free and single when Poldark was first shown on TV. I loved it from the very first episode. The following summer, that very hot summer of 1976. Dad took me and Mum on a wonderful holiday to Cornwall. We travelled miles that holiday. Dad wanted me to see as much of Poldark’s Cornwall as possible. He knew how I loved the series. Over the Tamar bridge into Cornwall was like entering the world of Poldark. Bodmin Moor, Jamaica Inn, Truro, St Austell to name just a few places. To see the coast and engine houses on the cliffs and to stand on Lands End was more than magical. I was Demelza waiting on the cliffs, waiting for you Ross to ride up and take me to Nampara. We travelled hundreds and hundreds of miles that summer holiday all over Cornwall. My parents had bought a lovely touring caravan, so we could stop and stay anywhere and enjoy the wonders of Cornwall and I could be a part of Poldark. I have all the episodes old and new of Poldark, they bring back many happy memories especially of that very first holiday in Cornwall. Thank you Robin, You, Poldark and Cornwall have a very special place in my heart and life forever. It is so hard to believe it is 45years ago. Kindest Regards Jane.
Wonderful memories, Jane. Thank you.
What a wonderful story! I have loved you and Angharad in the Poldark series and have watched and re-watched the series many times. Also I have read the books quite a few times. I love Winston‘s writing! His empathy is amazing. Such a wonderful story, wonderful series and wonderful actors. I can’t believe it has been so long. Thank you very very much.
Sent from my iPhone
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Thank you, Joan.
Inspiring memories.
>
You were the best Poldark
I loved the series. I also remember when ypu were in Rep at the Salisbury Theatre. I was in college at the time, before coming back to Cornwall!
Wow! I owe Salisbury-it was a wonderful time–Thanks.
Loved Poldark it was magical, acting , story and location.
Cannot believe it was 45 years ago so I was 30 when it was televised.
Thank you one and all.
Thank you, Elizabeth.
Thank you for that lovely picture of both you and Angharad Rees on the cliffs of Cornwall – the real Demelza. The original Poldark of 1975 cannot be improved on. And October the 5th is my mums birthday!
Happy Birthday to your Mother!
Thanks to you for your comment.
One of my favorite memories with my mother was watching Poldark on Masterpiece Theater on Saturday nights. Back in those days there was no binge watching and you had to wait an excruciating week between episodes! Something about the original episodes of Poldark are iconic and cannot be topped in my book.
Thanks Mary–yes it’s all too easy these days!
Thank you for sharing such wonderful memories with us, Mr. Ellis. I’ll never forget seeing that first episode when it was shown in the U.S.. I was 14 and I fell in love with all of it–story, characters, Cornwall, and the 18th century. Winston Graham and you all gave the world something very special. I like the new series, but it will never replace the original, at least for me.
Bless you for this, Andrea.
Wonderful memories, Robin ! I fell in love with this beautiful TV series as a teenager in Australia and believe it is still one of the best series ever made. You and Angharad were perfect together and I still remember how exciting it was waiting for the next Sunday night episode.
I believe Poldark changed my life too. After the series and reading the books I became rather obsessed with the 18th Century. I went on to study literature and philosophy of the era at uni and even persuaded my husband to get married in 18th Century costume – so romantic! While living in London in the 1990s, we took a magical tour of Cornwall including staying at the Nampara house which was a lovely BnB at the time. Happy days!
Thanks to you and all involved in creating this marvellous series. It continues to bring us many hours of pleasure and will never grow old.
What a brave and lovely thing to do! That part of Cornwall is less spoilt and still so beautiful.
One of the greatest drama series of all time it really moved the audience and sparked our trips to Cornwall but at the end of the day it was all about a beautiful love story with all the ups and downs of life along the way!
That’s what it is.
45 years I can’t believe it. As a 16 year old girl I watched and fell in love with Captain Poldark and Cornwall. I made my older sister drive me to Cornwall from my native North Yorkshire, and found most of the locations. I still go most years and wander the cliffs around Botallack. Years later and I went to London and worked for a leading theatrical agent and met Richard Morant, Angharad and Clive Francis and became mates with Julie Dawn Cole and Chris Biggins.
Poldark opened my imagination and Winstons stories were just what I needed at that time in the early 70’s. The original series was most certainly the best and most atmospheric of glorious Cornwall. Happy memories all round. Thank you.
Thank you Juliette for this generous comment. The series has been major in our lives. Lovely idea to go regularly to Botallack.
Goodness…45 years! I’ve so enjoyed reading the comments on this post. It’s amazing the influence that Winston, his magical stories and the brilliant productions that have emanated from them have had on so many people. I was an early and avid reader and fell in love with a copy of ‘Ross Poldark’ in a cottage we’d hired over Whitsun in Wales in 1975…and so I was allowed to ‘stay up’ to watch the original series when it began later that year. I had to be bathed and in my pyjamas, teeth brushed, mind you!! Entranced ever since. Thanks for your part in it, Robin…you have entertained and enriched so many lives (and continue to do so) We’ll raise a glass to Winston, Angharad, Ralph, Richard and all the others now gone who contributed to the magic xx Love to you both
Lovely account Rachel–glad to hear you brushed your teeth before viewing–quite right!
It has been amazing for me and all of us. Winston knew what he was doing. He wrote while listening to his characters. Rxx
To me you will always be my Ross Poldark. I fell in love with this epic tale and devoured the books on my train journeys home from work. Every character has stayed with me through the years, I was 18 when I watched this series when it first came Down Under and I love it as much now as then. Thank you Robin.
Thank you, Zora–good to hear this memory.
I still watch Poldark constantly and I think I’m word perfect now. 45 years unbelieveable! It lead me to live in Carnyorth and Trewellard where there is still a photo in the pub. I had the great priviledge of meeting you all through the Poldark Society, Sadly it was for Ralph Bates Pancreatic Cancer Fund in a theatre in London..Even though I worked for the BBC it was the cast of Poldark that made me starstruck.Thank you all cast members past and present, the one and only true Poldark cast,
Lovely Margaret–thank you.
Still The best! Unfortunately I have lost my DVDs in my move to Wales,Will have to try Amazon.
I adored the original TV series of Poldark. Winston Smith was certainly an extremely talented writer and his Poldark books enhanced my life in so many ways.
Thank you for the great photos and memories. I live in Rhiwbina ( Cardiff) where
Angharad Rees if from. She is still remembered as one of the villages most famous residents.
These comments make me want to buy the DVDs to enjoy all over again! Next to “Upstairs, Downstairs” it was my favorite Masterpiece Theater. But its characters were much more human and their story more compelling.
Nancy
Santa Fe, NM
It is also sad to see Angharad Rees’s photo — one wishes she were still with us. I have loved these novels and very much enjoyed the series — which I began to watch 20 years later, in the 1990s when I began to read the books. I fell in love with the books first.
I so loved your Poldark. You were my Ross and I adored every episode. I think I was lucky to be around when the original series was aired. Wonderful stuff. I still have both videos and cds and play them at least once a year. You all gave so much to so many of us and the books were beautifully written. Thank you.
Beautiful and generous–thank you, Trudi!
Despite the 1970s production values, the original series holds up so well. I loved the original and the recent remake. Both have their charms. The chemistry between you and Angharad is one of the great pleasures of the original. Ross’ bemused helplessness (the only time this man of action loses the wind in his sails) in the face of Demelza’s willfulness makes me smile right now as I think of it.
Forces of nature cannot be resisted!
Loved your memories of the original Poldark series in1975. Goodness, is it that long ago? Poldark still remains number 1 in my three favorites in BBC History followed by Downton Abbey and the Duchess of Duke Street. However, hard to pick second favorite out of so many fabulous series. I enjoy your blogs very much and still giggle with delight to know I am actually corresponding with my favorite hero of all time!! Thank you so very much! 💖👩😊
Thanks for commenting, Theresa–yes! it’s that long ago!
This brought back so many lovely memories! As young newlyweds, my husband and were living near the University of Chicago, and on a Sunday night I would watch Poldark on our small 12 inch black and white tv. The tv was all mine then, as my husband was busy with his graduate studies. To this day, the original Poldark is still one of my favorite series, with a cast that was just pitch perfect, as we all can attest! And, yes, I’ll bet that reviewer’s comment very rightly made your mother very cross!
Once attended a wedding in the Uni church. It was 106F outside!
Thanks for this lovely memory, Julie.
The Robin Ellis series of Poldark, shown on PBS in America, was monumental in its raw, realistic production. The unfettered emotion expressed by the primary actors in that series was unlike anything I’d experienced on American television at that time. Great stories with continuity anyone could follow, intrigue, romance, comedy… Just a wonderful series that remains one of the most involving programs ever produced. I remember watching a recorded interview where Robin Ellis said that he used to tell himself to calm down, or take it easy, while rehearsing his part, but it was his impatience, his youthful drive and raw emotional power that brought his character to Life! Poldark was a great series when new, and remains a great series today, on disc.
Thank you for this generous comment, Jerry–much appreciated.
My wife and I had the good fortune to recently watch the “first” Poldark series again via Acorn and found it even better than we remembered it!
Yes, we’ve read the novels (my wife several times through) and watched the re-make in recent years. But allow me to observe that the characters in the first series are so much stronger and better delineated.
Our thoughts and good wishes will always be with the story – and the cast – of the production. Even the sad passing of so many of the actors involved cannot diminish our love for each…
Keep on cookin’, Mr. Ellis!
Thank you for this, Douglas.
Thanks, Douglas.
Hi Robin,
I have the original series on DVD and watched it again a couple of years ago. Enjoyed it so much and felt it stood the test of time really well.
I totally agree with your comments re the actors and portrayals. When I think of the stories I think of the characters as those in the original show even though I have seen the entire new series.
Would have loved the story to have continued, maybe one day. Thank you for giving us hours of wonderful viewing.
Stay safe
Elizabeth van Oosten
Thanks, Elizabeth!
The original Poldark series had a lasting impact on our family—and it was a wonderful one. Thanks for the memories, dear Mr. Ellis. Best wishes to you and your family.
Wonderful comment.
It sounds a strange vernacular today, but Ross was trying, after fighting the American rebels, to live up to what remained in Britain of noblesse oblige.
I know that Mr Ellis and his wife are somewhat more of a liberal perspective, in our day, but he did a wonderful job in his portrayal, carrying it off, marrying his servant and still in my judgment acting somehow like what was then thought a gentleman.
All the best.
Thank you–albeit a late late thank you! Just thinking of starting over with the blog.
Dear Sir:
My great pleasure.
Have enjoyed your work off camera, here.
.
All the best,
My thanks to you too, Pamela.
Totally hooked on the original Poldark. The acting is unmatched and that may say something about our current times. There’s sex and sexuality and you captured brilliantly the latter in Captain Ross, approaching his character internally. Despite his poor choices, women fell for his masculinity head over heels. He was human and three-dimensional. Excessive brawn wasn’t necessary. The best to you and your family. Happy cooking!
Regarding the OLD KRAP comment by critic Clive James–that’s what critics do. They can’t create so they criticize.
Oh my, Clive James was always just too clever.!!! As you say the huge audience proved him wrong, still the best version of the Poldark stories by a mile.
Hello from Ottawa, the capital of Canada! I just discovered ‘Poldark’ this year, 46 years later. I was watching ‘The Good Soldier’ (1981) and wondered what else you had acted in which led me to discovering ‘Poldark’. I very much enjoyed ‘Poldark’ and learned that you had written ‘Making Poldark’ which is how I found your website. I’m so happy to see you’re enjoying life in France and publishing cookbooks. Fun fact, there are many towns in Canada named after places in the UK including Cornwall, Ontario and Truro, Nova Scotia. Mainly I just wanted you to know that I really enjoyed ‘Poldark’ and people are still discovering the series 46 years later.
Thanks, Melissa, and welcome!