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Making Poldark: Memoir of a BBC/Masterpiece Theatre Actor
This is the memoir of BBC/Masterpiece Theatre actor Robin Ellis, who offers his own behind-the-scenes account of making Poldark--one of the most successful British classic television series of all time.
Based on the novels of Winston Graham, Poldark is a swashbuckling saga of passion, adventure and heartbreak, set against the dramatic backdrop of eighteenth-century Cornwall. Hugely popular in both the US and UK when it first aired in the 1970s, the series remains a favorite on DVD, entertaining and enchanting new generations of viewers in 35 countries throughout the world.
This updated edition of Making Poldark reveals the story behind the proposed-but-never-filmed third series, along with a look at Robin's later work--including his second career as cookbook author. It also includes previously unpublished photographs from Winston Graham's personal Poldark album and from Robin's own private collection.
Based on the novels of Winston Graham, Poldark is a swashbuckling saga of passion, adventure and heartbreak, set against the dramatic backdrop of eighteenth-century Cornwall. Hugely popular in both the US and UK when it first aired in the 1970s, the series remains a favorite on DVD, entertaining and enchanting new generations of viewers in 35 countries throughout the world.
This updated edition of Making Poldark reveals the story behind the proposed-but-never-filmed third series, along with a look at Robin's later work--including his second career as cookbook author. It also includes previously unpublished photographs from Winston Graham's personal Poldark album and from Robin's own private collection.
174 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 1, 1978
7 people are currently reading
371 people want to read
About the author
Robin Ellis
9 books39 followersRobin Ellis is best known for playing the leading role in the original BBC series Poldark, based on the novels of Winston Graham. He has had a long career in British television and theatre, including a stint with the Royal Shakespeare Company. He appears in Fawlty Towers, The Good Soldier, The Europeans, Blue Remembered Hills, She Loves Me and many episodic TV series including the Swedish police series Wallander.
A new, updated and expanded edition of his memoir, Making Poldark, was recently released with an extra chapter recounting his experiences being involved with the current BBC adaptation of Poldark in which he plays the unpleasant Rev. Dr. Halse. Also included are fresh photos from the new BBC/Masterpiece series, including photos from Robin's personal collection.
Robin lives in southwestern France with his American wife. Robin’s lifelong passion for cooking, plus a diagnosis of type 2 diabetes, led him to author his first cookbook in 2011, Delicious Dishes for Diabetics: Eating Well with Type-2 Diabetes, based on Mediterranean cuisine.
In 2014, he followed with a second cookbook Healthy Eating for Life: Over 100 Simple and Tasty Recipes.
His third cookbook, Mediterranean Cooking for Diabetics: Delicious Dishes to Control or Avoid Diabetes, was published in 2016 by Little, Brown UK.
For more information check out his blog: http://robin-ellis.net.
A new, updated and expanded edition of his memoir, Making Poldark, was recently released with an extra chapter recounting his experiences being involved with the current BBC adaptation of Poldark in which he plays the unpleasant Rev. Dr. Halse. Also included are fresh photos from the new BBC/Masterpiece series, including photos from Robin's personal collection.
Robin lives in southwestern France with his American wife. Robin’s lifelong passion for cooking, plus a diagnosis of type 2 diabetes, led him to author his first cookbook in 2011, Delicious Dishes for Diabetics: Eating Well with Type-2 Diabetes, based on Mediterranean cuisine.
In 2014, he followed with a second cookbook Healthy Eating for Life: Over 100 Simple and Tasty Recipes.
His third cookbook, Mediterranean Cooking for Diabetics: Delicious Dishes to Control or Avoid Diabetes, was published in 2016 by Little, Brown UK.
For more information check out his blog: http://robin-ellis.net.
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Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews
April 9, 2016
A very fast read for me since I had been so patient until I could get the book.
It is not a heavy, in-depth memory of that time of Poldark but it is a simple and joyous memoir of the past and how it affected the future.
For myself this was enjoyable as I heard the voice of Robin Ellis saying the words I was reading. It just brought me back to that time in the early part of the 80s when Poldark was being shown on PBS Masterpiece Theatre. I fell in love with Ross, died at Demelza's raucous voice until I soon fell in love with her. I was glued to every episode. I cursed Ross when he kissed Elizabeth, and I cried when Demelza and Ross lost their first born child. Later, I grew angry with Demelza as she had her attention turned by 'that young man'. It hurt when 'that young man' died, Demelza grieved, and Ross was at a loss as to how to win back his wife.
There are lots of photographs but my favourites are of Robin Ellis and Aidan Turner. The hero worship in Aidan's eyes, the admiration, and the respect, are phenomenal.
It a grand little memoir -- made all the more special when I got up the nerve to say "hi" to Robin Ellis, a Goodreads author!
Yes, I name drop. So sue me. I'm older and I got more insurance.
It is not a heavy, in-depth memory of that time of Poldark but it is a simple and joyous memoir of the past and how it affected the future.
For myself this was enjoyable as I heard the voice of Robin Ellis saying the words I was reading. It just brought me back to that time in the early part of the 80s when Poldark was being shown on PBS Masterpiece Theatre. I fell in love with Ross, died at Demelza's raucous voice until I soon fell in love with her. I was glued to every episode. I cursed Ross when he kissed Elizabeth, and I cried when Demelza and Ross lost their first born child. Later, I grew angry with Demelza as she had her attention turned by 'that young man'. It hurt when 'that young man' died, Demelza grieved, and Ross was at a loss as to how to win back his wife.
There are lots of photographs but my favourites are of Robin Ellis and Aidan Turner. The hero worship in Aidan's eyes, the admiration, and the respect, are phenomenal.
It a grand little memoir -- made all the more special when I got up the nerve to say "hi" to Robin Ellis, a Goodreads author!
Yes, I name drop. So sue me. I'm older and I got more insurance.
September 27, 2020
Un "cómo se hizo", o memorias de Robin Ellis, totalmente obligatoria para los fans de la adaptación de Poldark de los años 70. Los recuerdos del actor nos cuenta la historia de la serie, su popularidad, el rodaje, el éxito y más sobre el intérprete.
Hay una gran cantidad de fotos del rodaje y los actores.
PD: alguien debe encontrar el anuncio de calzoncillos que hizo Ellis debido a su popularidad en España XD
Hay una gran cantidad de fotos del rodaje y los actores.
PD: alguien debe encontrar el anuncio de calzoncillos que hizo Ellis debido a su popularidad en España XD
June 2, 2013
I loved Poldark in the 70s on TV, which enticed me to read the books and I loved these too, Reading Robin Ellis's recollections of filming the series has brought it back to me and I must read the books again. The only criticism I have is that it wasn't long enough. In my opinion, it only scratched the surface and I wanted to know much more. Recommendation - if you loved Poldark, you'll enjoy the book. I nearly gave 3 1/2 because of the photographs, but stuck at 3 because of the lack of depth. Can I just say that this is not a reflection of Robin Ellis, who portrayed Ross Poldark marvellously and on whom I had a terrific crush, but just that the book didn't tell me enough of what I wanted to know.
February 21, 2016
I am a big Poldark fan - the books (12 in all) of the Winston Graham series; the first BBC production of Poldark which ran from 1975 to 1977; and the latest adaptation in 2015. Both televised series were shown in the States on Masterpiece Theatre (currently Masterpiece).
While recently reading about the author, Winston Graham, I came across this little gem of a book, MAKING POLDARK: MEMOIR OF A BBC/MASTERPIECE THEATRE ACTOR by Robin Ellis. My 2015 edition is the 4th edition of this book, first published in 1978.
Robin is the British actor who played Ross Poldark in the first BBC production in 1975. Robin sat for a series of interviews (with author, Michael Williams) in 1978 intending to produce a ghost-written paperback about the production of Poldark, but later decided to write the book himself.
The book is quietly exquisite, brimming with personal observations and memories. He writes of his highs and lows as a professional actor and his love of the Cornish countryside. He writes a bit of an autobiography which includes his many comments and experiences while on the various sets of Poldark. There are many pictures full of of laughing faces - people who seemed to genuinely like each other and had fun while on set. There are reminiscences of the author, Winston Graham, and his wife Jean. Robin writes of his diagnosis of type 2 diabetes and his subsequent interest in cooking and writing 2 cookbooks, centering on the ‘Mediterranean diet’. He writes of his participation in the new Poldark series, playing the Reverend Dr. Halse.
What I most enjoyed about this book was Robin’s own personality which was exhibited in his writing, and his musings on why Poldark was (and still is) an enduring series.
I quite enjoyed this book. I immensely enjoyed this book. I would recommend this very personal, very special book by Robin Ellis; the many works of Winston Graham; the two productions of Poldark (both special in their own way), and, of course, the star of all this, Cornwall itself.
While recently reading about the author, Winston Graham, I came across this little gem of a book, MAKING POLDARK: MEMOIR OF A BBC/MASTERPIECE THEATRE ACTOR by Robin Ellis. My 2015 edition is the 4th edition of this book, first published in 1978.
Robin is the British actor who played Ross Poldark in the first BBC production in 1975. Robin sat for a series of interviews (with author, Michael Williams) in 1978 intending to produce a ghost-written paperback about the production of Poldark, but later decided to write the book himself.
The book is quietly exquisite, brimming with personal observations and memories. He writes of his highs and lows as a professional actor and his love of the Cornish countryside. He writes a bit of an autobiography which includes his many comments and experiences while on the various sets of Poldark. There are many pictures full of of laughing faces - people who seemed to genuinely like each other and had fun while on set. There are reminiscences of the author, Winston Graham, and his wife Jean. Robin writes of his diagnosis of type 2 diabetes and his subsequent interest in cooking and writing 2 cookbooks, centering on the ‘Mediterranean diet’. He writes of his participation in the new Poldark series, playing the Reverend Dr. Halse.
What I most enjoyed about this book was Robin’s own personality which was exhibited in his writing, and his musings on why Poldark was (and still is) an enduring series.
I quite enjoyed this book. I immensely enjoyed this book. I would recommend this very personal, very special book by Robin Ellis; the many works of Winston Graham; the two productions of Poldark (both special in their own way), and, of course, the star of all this, Cornwall itself.
March 30, 2015
The upcoming PBS broadcast of the remake of the Poldark saga made me think of the original Poldark back in the mid 1970's starring Robin Ellis. I absolutely loved that series and Robin Ellis in the role. So when I found out he had written a book, of course I had to read it. His book is part biography and part memoir about his experiences in making the show. I found it fascinating!
July 23, 2016
I watched the series back in the 1970's, and am watching the new version. ( I personally prefer Robin to Aiden.). This book is a memoir by Robin, with some back stories about filming and cast members. It also has information about his time in various other venues, including on stage. There are numerous photos included. It was fairly interesting, but not very detailed.
September 8, 2015
Enjoyable, fast read, by the star of the older BBC series "Poldark." Mostly interesting if you've seen that show, but also entertaining in light of the 2015 remake, in which Robin Ellis played a small role.
January 4, 2015
A well written fun book. Thank you for the signed copy as well.
May 7, 2015
This is an enjoyable book especially if you are interested in the behind-the-scenes stories. Poldark has been become popular again and people will want this book after watching the new series.
May 31, 2015
I'm a big fan!
October 25, 2018
A very brief booklet recounting the actors filming of the original tv series.i think mine must have been an original 1978 copy only contains 80 pages.the picture above is from the updated version that has twice as many pages.
June 17, 2025
[Bossiney Books] (1978). SB. 80 Pages. Purchased from Richard Dalby’s Library.
A well illustrated, interesting and informative guide to the original “Poldark” series (1975-1977), penned by its superb lead actor, Robin Ellis (1942-).
A well illustrated, interesting and informative guide to the original “Poldark” series (1975-1977), penned by its superb lead actor, Robin Ellis (1942-).
April 1, 2018
Very interesting. Now I want to watch the series and maybe read all 12 books.
June 2, 2024
Audible re-read - loved it!
October 5, 2016
Maybe the hard copy was different from the audio version of this book, but I just didn't get much from it.
I watched the 70's version of the show which I thought was excellent. It stands the test of time. This book however does not. I've read other books by actors and they're self centered to be sure, but this was so off putting I returned the book. Not my cup of tea.
I watched the 70's version of the show which I thought was excellent. It stands the test of time. This book however does not. I've read other books by actors and they're self centered to be sure, but this was so off putting I returned the book. Not my cup of tea.
September 11, 2016
Wonderful way to end my Poldark weekend. Both original 1970's series and season 1of latest. Will be adding all 12 books to next years reading challenge.
Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews