In the 1970s, Actor Robin Ellis attracted fame across the world when he appeared as the central character, Ross, in the BBC's two Poldark series. Based on a series of books written by Winston Graham, the trials and tribulations of the Poldark family have since developed a cult following. The residents of Cornwall love the series because it exploits their locale, while historical buffs and costumers like to discuss and reenact the characters. Making Poldark is Ellis's memoirs of filming the series and it's like reading a letter from an old friend.

This slim 1978 book opens with Ellis's job interviews for the part of Ross Poldark and most of his narration details his memories through the wrap of the second series. It ends with a brief summary of the work he's done since then. The 1987 edition updates the info provided in the first. These 88 pages are loaded with black and white photos from the filming of both the Poldark series and a few from roles (most of them in period settings) Ellis has taken at other times in his career.

The concept of this book was pitched to its publisher by a Cornish bookseller, presumably thinking it would make a good souvenir for the local tourist trade. The ease of starting the project was a good indication that it would be completed. The first thought was that Ellis would tape conversations and a ghostwriter would do the grunt work. In the end, Ellis composed the book himself, during those days just before the increasing popularity of word processors, in (wowsy) "painstaking longhand."

In all due respect and honesty, the prose lacks some polish. He dives straight into "the action" without giving his overall assessment how the experience of playing Ross Poldark affected him. Obviously it kept him employed for over two years and it is the role he is most widely known for, but how did it compare to his participation in Elizabeth R, where he's barely recognizable; Fawlty Towers; or The Moonstone, for instance? However, there is a charm in having his viewpoint in his own "voice" (and it's such a provocative one). It feels like one friend telling another about a year's trip he took abroad.

Some of the behind-the-scenes info is obviously going to appeal to any serious Poldark fan. According to Ellis, Graham was disappointed in how the first series handled the catalyst that spurred Ross and Demelza to marry. This was probably the biggest liberty the TV series took with the storyline, but this reviewer quite frankly saw it as an improvement. The alteration was much more passionate and heightened the tension level of the situation for the rest of the series without any major deviations from its final outcome.

Among some of the related topics Ellis covers are the competitive nature of Richard Morant, who played Dwight Enys in the first series, and a Poldark vs. Warleggan cricket match amidst the filming of the second. He supplies an account of his work at the Royal Shakespeare Company during the interim between the two series. He describes the rigors of filming in "France" (actually Lerryn Creek in Cornwall).

All in all, Making Poldark is a friendly must have for all Poldark fans. People unfamiliar with the series may not be able to appreciate it, but it is an excellent primary resource for anyone looking for background material. It should also appeal Robin Ellis fans who would like to become a little better acquainted with the actor and his approach to the profession.


More Poldark reviews:

The Stranger from the Sea, the 8th Poldark novel, by Winston Graham

Bella Poldark, the 12th Poldark novel, by Winston Graham

Poldark's Cornwall, a small coffee table picture book with Graham's memoirs of his series, by Winston Graham and Simon McBride

Poldark, the 1996 made-for-TV movie



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Originally posted at Amazon.com on March 18, 2003.


Recommended: Yes