Don't get me wrong, as explained in my review for the recent 'Poldark' series, the recent adaptation of 'Poldark' which first aired last year is a great and often magnificent series that was one of 2015 television's highlights in a year where my television watching was pretty sporadic.
Just that this 1975 adaptation is even better. Whereas the newer version had minor flaws with occasional pacing issues and Jud being played too straight (for my liking that is), this one was perfectly paced and the performance of Jud brought much needed levity and beautifully timed humour to the proceedings. Didn't have any problem with this version, didn't detect any scenery chewing (something that's obvious to me) and the 70s production values still looked good and added to 'Poldark's' charm.
Even if the production values are of its time and the newer version has more clarity and polish, the series still looks great. It's beautifully photographed, evocatively costumed to the extent that it's like being transported back in time to that period, has very faithful attention to detail (even more so than the recent version) and has splendid scenery that doesn't look confined or studio-bound.
'Poldark' is understatedly scored, intelligently written, richly characterised and dramatically compelling with plenty of tense and poignant moments handsomely staged. Robin Ellis and particularly Angharad Rees are excellent in the lead roles, while Jill Townsend and Paul Curran are notably sterling support.
In summary, wonderful and the superior version. Both versions are highly recommended. Will watch the 1996 version, but am not expecting much. 10/10 Bethany Cox
Just that this 1975 adaptation is even better. Whereas the newer version had minor flaws with occasional pacing issues and Jud being played too straight (for my liking that is), this one was perfectly paced and the performance of Jud brought much needed levity and beautifully timed humour to the proceedings. Didn't have any problem with this version, didn't detect any scenery chewing (something that's obvious to me) and the 70s production values still looked good and added to 'Poldark's' charm.
Even if the production values are of its time and the newer version has more clarity and polish, the series still looks great. It's beautifully photographed, evocatively costumed to the extent that it's like being transported back in time to that period, has very faithful attention to detail (even more so than the recent version) and has splendid scenery that doesn't look confined or studio-bound.
'Poldark' is understatedly scored, intelligently written, richly characterised and dramatically compelling with plenty of tense and poignant moments handsomely staged. Robin Ellis and particularly Angharad Rees are excellent in the lead roles, while Jill Townsend and Paul Curran are notably sterling support.
In summary, wonderful and the superior version. Both versions are highly recommended. Will watch the 1996 version, but am not expecting much. 10/10 Bethany Cox