Poldark (BBC Drama, Robin Ellis, Angharad Rees)

In BBC drama Poldark dashing Cornish squire Ross Poldark (Robin Ellis) returns home from doing battle with the Americans in their War of Independence. He learns that his family think him dead, discovers his late father’s estate is in ruins. Not only that but the tin mines he owns are up for sale and the love of his life, Elizabeth (Jill Townsend), is betrothed to his cousin Francis.

Determined to rectify matters, Ross sets about tackling the local powers that be, especially the loathsome George Warleggan (Ralph Bates). He aims to re-establish the Poldark name and to bring justice to his workers and other oppressed Cornish folk. He even takes on the invading French. However, one battle he struggles to win is with his heart over the fair Elizabeth. Even after she was married to Francis (Clive Francis) and he to Demelza (Angharad Rees), the fiery, nit-ridden, urchin servant-girl he has made pregnant.

Winston Graham’s novels were adapted by the BBC into 29 serial episodes and, thanks in no small part to the good looks of its leading man, Poldark was one of the most popular dramas of its time. The story was revived by HTV in 1996 (Broadcast 2 October) in a two-hour sequel costing around £1.5 million and set ten years after the close of the BBC serial. John Bowe and Mel Martin took over the roles of Ross and Demelza in the Winston Graham story, Strangers from the Sea.

The BBC remade the series to great popular and critical acclaim in 2015 with Aidan Turner in the lead as Ross. Robin Ellis also appears in a recurring role as judge Dr Halse.

Cast: ROBIN ELLIS as Ross Poldark; ANGHARAD REES as Demelza Poldark; RALPH BATES as George Warleggan; JILL TOWNSEND as Elizabeth Poldark Warleggan; CLIVE FRANCIS as Francis Poldark (season one); JUDY GEESON as Caroline Penvenan Enys; NORMA STREADER as Verity Poldark (season one); PAUL CURRAN as Jud Paynter; MARY WIMBUSH as Prudie; THOMAS GRADY as Jeremy Poldark (season two); DAVID DELVE as Sam Carne (season two); KEVIN McNALLY as Drake Carne (season two); FORBES COLLINS as Zacky Martin; STEFAN GATES as Geoffrey Charles; JANE WYMARK as Morwenna (season two); RICHARD MORANT as Dwight Enys (season One); MICHAEL CADMAN as Dwight Enys (season two); CHRISTOPHER BENJAMIN as Sir Hugh Bodrugan (season one); CYNTHIA GRENVILLE as Lady Bodrugan (season one)

Creator: Winston Graham / Theme Music: Kenyon Emerys Roberts / Script Editors: Simon Masters (Season 1), Cicely Hawthorne (Season 2) / Producers: Anthony Coburn, Richard Beynon, Morris Barry

UK / BBC One / 29×50 minute episodes / Broadcast 5 October 1975 – 4 December 1977