The Cornish military captain, now a member of Parliament, is drawn into the war with France while his son falls in with smugglers. Historical drama, starring John Bowe and Mel Martin, and featuring a young Ioan Gruffudd in one of his earliest roles.
Costume
Tricorn hats so crisp they deserve their own credit.
Acting
Kelly Reilly outshines everyone in limited screen time.
Director
Richard Laxton
John Bowe
Ross Poldark
Mel Martin
Demelza Poldark
Michael Attwell
George Warleggan
Ioan Gruffudd
Jeremy Poldark
Kelly Reilly
Clowance Poldark
Nicholas Gleaves
Stephen Cravenson
Hans Matheson
Ben Carter
Gabrielle Lloyd
Jane Gimlet
James Saxon
Prince Regent
Nicholas Rowe
Lord Edward Fitzmaurice
Andrew Readman
Dr. Dwight Enys
Fiona Victory
Caroline Enys
Michael Troughton
Duke of Leeds
Trivia, insights & behind the scenes
This TV movie adapts the final Poldark novels, made as a pilot for a series that never happened — the 2015 Aidan Turner version got the greenlight instead.
The 1996 film exists in a weird limbo: too late for classic BBC heritage drama prestige, too early for the gritty reboot era that followed.
GB
