Poldark

If you read the books first or see the series first, either is a very satisfying experience. Lovers of romantic period novels should give this series a try. If I remember correctly, the first series covers the first 3 books; the second, books 4, 5, and 6 (the titles escape me). Graham wrote more books after the first six but those have never been dramatized for movie or television. Look this up on Amazon for more user comments.

I remember my mum being glued to BBC's Poldark when I was little (eight years old to be exact!) so when the first series was shown again in the eighties I watched and was hooked. I bought the videos as they were released and rationed myself to an hour a night! I have watched and enjoyed both series many times since.

The BBC got everything right, it's a rip roaring tale with a wonderful cast, well worth a look if you haven't seen it or if you haven't seen it for a while!

Why couldn't ITV have employed Robin Ellis and Angharad Rees when they made that Poldark 'special' a few years ago.

OK, so Ross originally fought AGAINST us in our Revolution, but he is one of us at heart. A fellow with an appropriate sense of noblesse oblige, even if he ignores his own safety and interests in carrying it out, is so irresistible. How could Elizabeth have been so foolish as to not appreciate that essential element of his character?

Robin Ellis' performance is so amazingly positive we can't help but feel that anyone who finds themselves on a downward spiral can get it together if they have enough courage and determination. He's a role model for anyone who's even tempted to throw in the towel.

And a big Bronx cheer to the late Louis B. Mayer for denigrating things "where people write with feathers." The period of this story is one of my all-time favorites and not just for the clothes (I challenge anyone to say that the men of this series look anything but appropriately masculine), but for the ideals that were born in it. Sometimes we need to go back to our roots...

I first saw this in the '70's when I was about to enter my teens, it made such an impact on me that every time it was re-screened I was glued and made sure I got it on DVD when it was released. Set in 18th Century Cornwall it tells the story of the trials and tribulations of people who you deeply care about, which is part of it's real success. I lived in that part of the world for 14 years and the beauty of the area is shown perfectly and the atmosphere of the times is spot on, it is not glamourised at all. All the performances are excellent without exception and it is a complete joy to watch again and again. A must see. I quite simply love it.

When this "mini-series" first aired in the U.S. I was in junior high school and waited eagerly for each weekly episode to air on our local PBS station. Now, as an adult, I still find it completely engrossing and entertaining, only now on my DVD whenever I desire.

"The Poldark Saga" captures the struggles of an 18th century Cornish family, both economic and social, with characters that one can grow to love and cherish. This was a ground-breaking series in the 70's, taking the action off of the sound stage, and on to location. As the series progresses, the outdoor scenes improve, adding the rugged beauty of Cornwall to the cast of characters. This is a lovely series, and highly recommended for anyone who loves a costume drama that is truly British.