The first eight episodes of series one in this Cornish saga, first screened in the 1970's. In Cornwall, the 1780s. Ross Poldark (Robin Ellis) returns from the American War of Independence to claim his inheritance and marry his fiancée, Elizabeth (Jill Townsend). However, during his two-year absence, false reports of Poldark's death have been circulated, and Elizabeth has found comfort in the arms of another. Ross marries the housekeeper Demelza after she first seduces, then falls pregnant to him. Meanwhile his true love Elizabeth is trapped in her loveless marriage to Ross' cousin Francis. Ross tries to make a profit from his copper mines by forming a consortium. The banking family of Warleggan will object, but can do nothing as long as Ross keeps the names of his investors secret. However, given their unspoken love rivalry, can Ross rely on cousin Francis to keep a promise?