TheLittleSongbird Don't get me wrong, as explained in my review for the recent 'Poldark' series, the recent adaptation of 'Poldark' which first aired last year is a great and often magnificent series that was one of 2015 television's highlights in a year where my television watching was pretty sporadic.Just that this 1975 adaptation is even better. Whereas the newer version had minor flaws with occasional pacing issues and Jud being played too straight (for my liking that is), this one was perfectly paced and the performance of Jud brought much needed levity and beautifully timed humour to the proceedings. Didn't have any problem with this version, didn't detect any scenery chewing (something that's obvious to me) and the 70s production values still looked good and added to 'Poldark's' charm.Even if the production values are of its time and the newer version has more clarity and polish, the series still looks great. It's beautifully photographed, evocatively costumed to the extent that it's like being transported back in time to that period, has very faithful attention to detail (even more so than the recent version) and has splendid scenery that doesn't look confined or studio-bound.'Poldark' is understatedly scored, intelligently written, richly characterised and dramatically compelling with plenty of tense and poignant moments handsomely staged. Robin Ellis and particularly Angharad Rees are excellent in the lead roles, while Jill Townsend and Paul Curran are notably sterling support.In summary, wonderful and the superior version. Both versions are highly recommended. Will watch the 1996 version, but am not expecting much. 10/10 Bethany Cox

timcon1964 Ross Poldark returns to Cornwall from fighting against the Americans in the Revolutionary War to find his father dead, economic conditions bad, the Wheal Leisure mine nearly exhausted, the family's residence in a ruinous condition, and his true love Elizabeth, who had thought him dead, engaged to his cousin, Francis. And this triangle becomes a quadrangle, because Elizabeth is also the object of banker George Warleggan's affections. Tension between Poldark and the Warleggan family also arises from the fact that the Warleggans, although descendants of illiterate blacksmiths, often employ their considerable financial power against Poldark. Francis' sister Verity appears destined to become an old maid. And Ross's servants, Jud and Prudie, have been raising chickens in the living room and sampling libations from the family wine cellar. After rescuing what he believes is a young lad who is being beaten by an angry merchant, Ross discovers that the "lad" is actually a destitute teenage girl, Demelza. Thus, as there are three men in Elizabeth's life, there are two women in Ross's life.The Poldark saga is based on the novels of Winston Graham. Graham spent many years in Cornwall and was evidently fascinated by its history. From 1945 to 2002, he published 12 novels about the adventures of the Poldark family from 1783 to 1820. Graham conducted extensive research in Cornish history. And his books reflect his knowledge of mining, and local customs, notably the tradition of collective action in smuggling, rioting (the riot in episode 5 may have been inspired by an actual riot in Truro over corn prices), dealing with ship wrecks, and punishing informers. In general, Graham's sympathies are with the common people, although he finds worthy and unworthy persons in all classes.Several Poldark novels were brought to the screen in the 1970s—the first four volumes (1783 -1793) in Series I, and volumes 5 – 7 (1794 – 1799) in Series II. Two decades later, an attempt was made to film the events in volume 8 (1810-1811), but this effort met a somewhat unfavorable reception—those who had not seen Series I and II did not know the history of the Poldarks, and those who had seen the previous Series did not accept the changes in the cast. A new Poldark series is currently being telecast in the U.S. by PBS.The 1970s version was filmed in location in Cornwall. In it we see filthy miners in dimly lit mines, and the gentry socializing and dancing in collars, frilly cuffs and powdered wigs. The domestic scenes were filmed in Cornish houses and farms; the mine scenes in the Levant Mine, with filming guided by advice from the Camborne School of Mines.The casting in Series I and II was extremely effective. As Ross Poldark, Robin Ellis captures the hero's courage, loyalties, strong emotions, impulsiveness, and occasional willingness to break the law. He is more comfortable around the common people than around the gentry; and he informs an Anglican clergyman that North American Indians are "often more Christian than we." Angharad Rees was an excellent choice for the role of Demelza, who gradually transforms herself from an unwashed, uneducated, and undisciplined pickpocket into a lady. But Demelza (who may be based on Graham's real life wife) is never entirely accepted by society—and her loyalties are to her people, who are "poor, ignorant and rough, but at least they're honest." Jill Townsend, with an improbable resume that includes a number of American television westerns, is effective as Elizabeth. Even the minor characters, such as the dissolute neighbor Sir Hugh Bodrugan, the loquacious banker Pascoe, and the absent-minded solicitor Pearce, have distinctive personalities. Especially noteworthy is Paul Curran, whose portrayal of Jud—fond of liquor but averse to work, missing various teeth, but never lacking explanations for delaying tasks, or assigning them to someone else—brings a touch of levity to many scenes.The newest version of Poldark features more imaginative filming techniques, especially panoramic shots and views of figures walking or riding along the horizon. But its casting is more conventional, and the differences between the characters are less pronounced. In particular, Eleanor Tomlinson is less credible as Demelza—a motherless waif who has been sleeping rough and stealing food to stay alive—than Angharad Rees. And Philip Davis' performance as Jud lacks the antic humor that Paul Curran brought to this role in the earlier version. But Heida Reed, as Elizabeth, bears a strong resemblance to Jill Townsend. Casting is a matter of personal preference—if you believe that some performances by members of the 1970s Poldark cast were "over the top," you may be happier with the performances of the current cast.If you are ever in Mineral Point, Wisconsin, you can visit the Pendarvis Historic Site to see how Cornish miners lived, and patronize local restaurants to sample pasties and figgyhobbin.

whoster69 Poldark originally was broadcast here in the US on Masterpiece Theater. While many Masterpiece Theater Shows have been excellent, Poldark stood out as probably the best of any I have ever seen. It was amazing. A story about a man just returning from the revolutionary war to find his home and estate in ruins, the girl he loved gone and many challenges to face. Well acted and well directed this story will keep you guessing and wanting more. I can't recommend this one enough. I hope they put it on DVD soon so I can see it again and again.Note: There is also another Poldark series, Poldark II, which is a continuation of this series and tells you the rest of the story.

coyne This series is a welcome dramatization of the Winston Graham novels dealing with the Poldarks of Cornwall. The acting is great and the local scenery enthralling. The programs are full of adventure, intrigue, romance and also provide an interesting insight into the lives of miners at the end of the 18th century.