Based on the novels by Winston Graham, this made-for-TV movie follows the highly acclaimed 1970s TV series telling the story of Cornish mine owner, Captain Ross Poldark (John Bowe).

Ten years have passed from the ending of the original series and, in this feature length edition, Poldark is now a Westminster MP. While Poldark is based in London, his wife Demelza (Mel Martin) and their son Jeremy (Ioan Gruffud) battle to keep the family's mining interests alive. When the Tory government decide to continue the War with France, it spells disaster for his arch rival George Warleggan. Will Poldark be able to take advantage of Warleggan's misfortune and protect the livelihood of the Cornish communities?

Meanwhile romance and intrigue are in the air, as Poldark's daughter Clowance is torn between the love of an aristocratic young man and a mysterious stranger, Stephen Cravenson.