Poldark

A Cornish Gone With The Wind

Poldark was produced by HTV and first screened in 1975, and ran for two series. The series is based on the novels if Winston Graham, and is often called a "Cornish Gone With The Wind".

The first BBC series dramatises the original four novels which Graham wrote at the end of World War II. Graham was interested in the social inequalities of 18th century Cornwall between the landowners and the opressed miners and other workers. Much of the popularity rested in the love affair and marriage of the urchin Demelza (Anghard Rees) who marries Ross (Robin Ellis).

The first series established Ross Poldark as a character at war with his own class. After his return to Cornwall and his failure to win back Elizabeth, Ross attempts to restore Nampara his father's ruined estate. He shocks his neighbours by marrying Demelza, the daughter of a brutal miner, and interesting himself in the affairs of those who work for him. His legitimate business deals and mining company ventures bring him into direct competition with George Warleggan. Illegal activities, such as the false charge of incitement to riot and, later, smuggling, also bring him the power of the Warleggans. In this feud Poldark is portrayed as the forward looking benevolent landowner and entrepreneur, whereas Warleggan is seen as a tyrannical arriviste whose grand house is burnt to the ground by dispossessed miners and tenants.

All are affected by the intense rivalry between Poldark and Warleggan. Ross Poldark and George Warleggan continue their feud in London as well as Cornish society by becoming opposing members of parliament.