Dark Shadows (1966–1971) User Reviews

A history lesson on soap operas, yet it stands apart from its peers

[AlsExGal · 9/10 · 24 July 2015]

I didn't even see Dark Shadows on TV until it began running as reruns back in 1976. Even though these episodes were ten years old at the time, I was instantly hooked. I had never seen anything like it - a Gothic soap opera with a vampire as both heartthrob and sympathetic villain. The 1976 reruns did the same thing the initial DVD collection did. It ignored the fact that the first 210 episodes ever existed and started with the appearance of Barnabus Collins in Collinsport, Maine, and the simultaneous disappearance of Willie Loomis, the Collins' handyman. I've never seen the first 210 episodes, but I've read their descriptions. Apparently they revolved around a series of love triangles and mysteries that just weren't that interesting to viewers, and so the storyline was radically changed and TV history was made as a result.

Jonathan Frid was really born to play the part of Barnabus. He is not a good looking guy in the classical sense, but he's got style, dignity, and class and was extremely magnetic in the role. Barnabus is a vampire in the mold of Lugosi's Dracula. However, rather than looking to expand an ever-growing harem as Dracula did, Barnabus is a romantic, intent on reclaiming only one lost love. That is the initial emphasis. Even with the magnetic Barnabus, you'll notice the show moves at a snail's pace compared to later episodes. However, what you are seeing is pretty much the way most soap operas progressed up through the early 1970's. The formula for most soap operas in those days was that there was one dynastic and wealthy family, and lots of middle class families with ordinary problems. Problems generally had to do with affairs of the heart with the occasional crime mystery thrown in, and resolution was very slow. Not until 1975 or so did you see everyone in town being CEO of their own company with fashion models as the cast. So have patience, because the pace is definitely worth the overall storyline and the atmosphere.

Classic and justifiably popular show, despite a slow start

[TheLittleSongbird · 9/10 · 2 June 2016]

Being familiar with Dan Curtis through his 1968 and 1974 adaptations of 'The Strange Case of Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde' and 'Dracula'(both starring Jack Palance), both recommended especially the former, re-watching 'Dark Shadows' over the past few months as uni slowly became less intense brought many a day and hour of sheer joy.

It does get off to a slow start, with the characters not being as interesting and the budget limitations coming through quite loud and clear. However, 'Dark Shadows' improves significantly with the switch to colour and once the show's most iconic character Barnabas Collins is introduced, and it is very easy to see why it was so popular and why it is considered a classic still now.

The budget limitations are still obvious in the switch to colour, though not as badly affected. From this point on, there is more atmosphere with some quite sumptuous and suitably ominous at times lighting, the sets are less threadbare if not exactly sumptuous and the costumes are nice. Bob Cobert does a great job with the music, with 'Dark Shadows' in particular boasting one of early television's most haunting and unforgettably memorable theme tunes. Check out his scores for 'The Strange Case of Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde' and 'Dracula', both of which demonstrate how well music can add to the atmosphere.

'Dark Shadows' is always a lot of fun in the writing, sometimes because there is some unintentional corniness but often because there are some well-written fun moments, and the writing is always smartly written with some meaningful moments and a real sense of fear at times. The stories are always compelling, the slow pace never posing a problem at all, helped by a genuine creepy Gothic atmosphere and they are well-developed with any issues explored intelligently and in some considerable detail. The characters are likeably kooky, with the most memorable being the show's most popular asset Barnabas.

The acting is mostly fine, apart from some overacting, underplaying and fumbling of lines from some of the less major roles in the earlier seasons. On the whole though, everything is played straight with no pantomime and no things taken too seriously. The chemistry between the cast is also one of the show's best assets, especially between Barnabas and Julia. The main cast are great, with Joan Bennett and Grayson Hall for examples being very well cast and Jonathan Frid is just magnetic as Barnabas and can't be topped.

Overall, despite a slow start 'Dark Shadows' at its best was a classic, it is easy to see why it was popular at the time and it is equally easy to see why it is so loved and remembered with fondness now. 9/10 Bethany Cox

Dark Shadows-The Best of Barnabas Collins

[Scarecrow-88 · 8/10 · 16 April 2012]

I picked up the special edition Dark Shadows disc commemorating the Gothic soap featuring episodes celebrating the immortal (pun intended) Barnabas Collins, chosen by popularity. Because IMDb doesn't have an episode listing (boo!), I will have to edit this review with the episodes featured.

The first is Episode 221 where Barnabas eyes waitress Maggie, striking up a conversation after the diner has closed. This has dialogue about his wolfshead cane, as the two become acquainted. It is obvious even here Barnabas's intentions, his infatuation with the innocent and sweet Maggie, and how whiny, weak servant Willie expresses his concern for her as his master becomes irritated at his accusations. Barnabas tells her that he is a cousin of Elizabeth Stoddard and will be staying at the decrepit "Old House" near Collins' master house. Maggie's boyfriend, Joe, mentions a near-attack on a local girl and we hear the cries of restless dogs, not to mention, the ominous nature surrounding Barnabas, that palpable menace is established excellently in this great episode. Remember that this is a soap opera so dialogue and performance, as well as, staging, are of particular importance so Dark Shadows won't be for everyone. The inspiration of Dracula is obvious during this period of Dark Shadows, but to the soap's credit, it would eventually evolve beyond this source of vampire lore.

Watching Episode 349 just has me yearning for the entire series of Dark Shadows. It concerns an aged Barnabas (the horrifying results of Dr. Julia Hoffman's failed experiments to cure his vampirism) aching from the wrinkled body he now has and how Hoffman tries to convince him to feed from the blood of Victoria Winters in order to regain his youthful appearance. Meanwhile Carolyn Stoddard speaks with both Victoria and Joe about her concerns regarding boy cousin David's fear of Barnabas. Lots of story is covered in this episode but I felt you long to have seen these events covered in conversations. Carolyn is the device who fills us into what has been missed; in particular, David's seeing Sarah, a girl considered fictional, and the complex relationship between Hoffman and Barnabas is noticeable. Willie is in prison, and Carolyn will soon be Barnabas victim, herself to be a vampire. Also, Hoffman's in love with Barnabas so her motivations regarding his using Victoria for a meal has ulterior motives, at the forefront jealousy. It is hard not to envy what is missing while watching this set as huge leaps are taken per episode featured.

American Gothic Classic.........

[mrcaw12 · 7 May 2004]

Originally airing in the afternoon in 1966 as a half hour "Gothic" soap opera then a few months later morphing into pure supernatural story telling, Dark Shadows is unique in American television. Though not 'run' live, the show was taped with almost no interruptions so it 'felt' live. Only the most catastrophic of events would cause producers to re-shoot a scene. The show is famous for the occasional slip-up: crew visible on screen, a boom-mike shown above the actors' heads, actors struggling to remember their lines or actors calling another character by their wrong name. Still , this only helped to give the show a theatrical feel, as if you were sitting in the audience watching a live piece of theatre which consequently endowed the show a certain prestige that typical soap operas never achieved. Former movie star Joan Bennett, headlined the show as the Collin's family matriarch, Elizabeth Collins Stoddard. Ms. Bennett's 'old' Hollywood trained voice & poise gave the show glamour. Many of the jeweled baubles Ms. Bennett wore on the show were the real thing from Ms. Bennett's private collection. Closing credits of the shows always had.."Fashions by Orbachs.." The show is great for, if nothing else, a study in late 60s early 70s fashion sensibilities. From Ms. Bennett's upswept hairdos & flowing chiffon dresses or tailored skirt/blouse 'sets' to the younger womens' minis & long flip hair styles, the show's a veritable time capsule of retro chic. But the show is so much more than its fashion. The show is a true American Gothic original.

The Collins family live in the coastal town of Collinsport, somewhere on the coast of Maine. The Collins have money & breeding. The initial modern Collins family was not a traditional nuclear family. There was Elizabeth Collins Stoddard & her grown, 20something daughter Carolyn, played by Nancy Barrett who lived on the family estate/mansion Collinwood. Mr. Stoddard, mysteriously missing for twenty years or so, is presumed dead. They share the estate with Mrs. Stoddard's brother, Roger Collins, played by Louis Edmonds & his young pre-teen son, David, played by David Henesy. Roger Collins's wife, Laura (Diana Millay) has recently died in a fire. As the series opens, we are introduced to the character Victoria Winters, played by Alexandra Moltke, raised an orphan on her way to her new position as governess to young David at Collinwood. Each show would begin with a shot of the impressive mansion Collinwood, bathed in moody lighting, while Victoria Winters' voice eerily introduced themes of mystery & secrets hopefully to be revealed on that day's episodes while Dark Shadows' famous theme music played in the background. As the shows progressed over the first few months from mystery Gothic to supernatural suspense we are introduced to the character of Barnabas Collins played by Jonathan Frid. Mr. Collins represents himself to the family as a distant cousin newly arrived from England. Hanging in the entry hall, is a portrait of the original Barnabas Collins from the 1700s, which bears a striking resemblance to the newly arrived cousin. We as the audience know that they are one in the same & that Barnabas Collins is a member of the undead, a vampire who has been imprisoned in a chained coffin for over two hundred years & who has only just recently escaped. Story lines would go back in time, revealing how Barnabas became a vampire by an evil curse from witch Angelique (Lara Parker), a maid of French Caribbean descent. Angelique, in the service of Josette Dupres (Kathryn Leigh Scott), Barnabas's true love, was jealous of the love Barnabas had for Josette. So she cursed Barnabas with the curse of vampirism. Josette herself would reach an untimely death at the edge of Widow's Hill overlooking the rocky shoreline hundreds of feet below. Later back in modern time, Roger Collins will bring home as his new bride, Cassandra, a woman who looks amazingly like the Angelique from the 1700s. Soon we learn that it is in fact the immortal Angelique still seeking either love or revenge from her spurned lover Barnabas. Meanwhile, Barnabas has met a young woman in the village of Collinsport, a Maggie Evans (Kathryn Leigh Scott) who reminds Barnabas very much of his beloved Josette. He soon kidnaps Maggie and tries to turn her into his long lost Josette. Along the way Collinwood becomes haunted by the spirit of long lost relative Quentin Collins (David Selby). Completing the major characters of the show was Dr. Julia Hoffman, (Grayson Hall), a woman committed to transforming Barnabas by scientific (or supernatural if necessary), means back to a normal man. Their friendship (and her secret love for Barnabas) would form one of the shows' main plot lines.

The show moved slowly and deliberately & revelled in it's Gothic, supernatural feel. It was in no hurry to move from storyline to storyline. Instead, it relied on shadows, mysteries, lightening, candlelight, vampires who longed for the brightness of the sun and witches pining for love. In an era of MTV and commercials, Dark Shadows is our television equivalent to classics by the Bronte sisters with a dash of Edgar Allen Poe mixed with Bram Stoker.

Dark Dilemmas

[hellraiser7 · 10/10 · 20 April 2012]

Personally I hate soap operas from their crappy and overlong story lines, unrelatable and unbelievable characters, and just simply being boring as hell at least that's my opinion. However this show is the only exception I make because it is what most to all of them aren't actually good. This wasn't just a show back them it was a phenomenon that was a huge influence for TV shows "Buffy the Vampire Slayer", "Angel", and a little of "Once Upon a Time". But most importantly the show was revolutionary for it's time because it helped bring monsters from the horror genre we know and love translated to our modern times.

I got into this show when I was about 11, one day decided out of boredom to give it a shot and of course I watched more and more and soon it grew to become one of my favorite TV shows of all time. I'm just going to present at least five reasons why I love this show.

1. It's funny well uninterionally: Yeah this show had a lot of hiccups from it's budget and technological limitations it has some of the worst special effects I've seen or non existent effects, it was hilalrous. But that to me is part of the shows charm it's like those amateur films from independent production companies like "Dead Gentlemen" and "Zombie Oupaus" despite the limitations they are entertaining all the same because you can see they really try and it's the same with this show. The limitations of the show were to it's advantage because it gave the show an almost lighthearted sensibility about it which re enforced the fun of the show.

2. The use of progressing story arcs: What I love about these story arcs are each of them are used the right way because they are actually interesting and do add up to something. From this and what goes on I actually found myself caring and it really felt like what happened next mattered.

3. 1790 episode arc: Alright this is really more opinion of episode but it's a good enough reason. This arc is my favorite of the entire show and I personally is is what most Pre Sequels fail to be. What made this intriguing is even though we have been given some info on the past we really don't know all of the details, and as Victoria Winters discovered the hard way most of what we've known is false which gives the story it's mystery element. But also from how much you invest emotional in the love stories with Josette and Barnabas as well as Peter and Victoria it was all the more suspenseful and sad because we know what's going to happen and I wished to God it wouldn't but their was nothing I could do about it.

4. Sense of participation: Throughout what happens in the episode and the knowledge we hold, there are time I couldn't help but at times say out loud "No don't do it Barnabas, don't bite her" or even "Don't go over there your going to die." This is all because of how much emotional investment and time we have spent on the show, and that is a good feeling I don't get often.

5. The colorful characters: Yeah this show had tons of characters and usually that's not always a good idea but here it works because of the characters in the show were actually fully developed which was something most shows back then lacked. They really felt human at times because the characters make good and bad choices which puts them in a gray area at times, or even do things that can at times put us at odds with how we feel. But most importantly we actually cared about them what happened with them mattered. I'll just say four characters I really like since there is no room.

Barnabas Collins: He's a great character due to how dark and complex he is and yet at times is capable of warmth. I like the fact that his character is one like the protagonists in the "Elmare Lennard" stories is crippled both psychologically and physically with his vampirism. He is capable of heroism as well as viciousness necessary or unnecessary. He's also a person plagued by great loss of his lover Josette and is struggling to move on.

Angelique du Pres: She is one of my favorite fictional villains because she is one that you love to hate. From the amount of menace she displays she is someone you wouldn't want to be alone in a room with. However what makes her the most interest is that fact she is somewhat sympathetic, there are times you feel bad for her because her feelings of love for Barnabas are genuine. However she does cross the line which at times makes you plain hate her.

Dr. Julia Hoffman: I like how she is a person of science but she is also open minded to the realm of the supernatural. She is dark and gutsy which made her a great sidekick for Barnabas and personally I felt both of them as a romance couple are a better match. It's true she's not the most beautiful but from her persona she's almost even more attractive that the other women.

Maggie Evans: I remember when I was a kid(I said I was a kid) I had a crush on Kathern Leigh Scott she was just so fraking hot and with the persona to boot. The naivety, vibrancy, even charisma of her character perfectly reflected her beauty. It's always great seeing her happy and whenever she was in trouble or depressed you really felt sad, it was times like that I almost wanted to just come to her rescue.

Well I've said enough, so visit Collinwood but beware there are creatures lurking in the shadows.

Rating: 4 stars

The Ultimate Gothic Soap Opera

[FloatingOpera7 · 10/10 · 2 November 2006]

Dark Shadows (1966-1971): Starring Alexandra Isles, Jonathan Frid, Joan Bennett, Louis Edmonds, Nancy Barrett, Kathryn Leigh Scott, Grayson Hall, David Henesy, Joel Crothers, Thayer David, Lara Parker, Mitch Ryan, Roger Davis, David Ford, John Karlen, Humbert Allen Astredo, Robert Rodan, Clarice Blackburn, Diana Millay, David Selby, Bob O'Connell, Don Briscoe, Anthony George, Jerry Lacy, Denise Nickerson, Dennis Patrick, Sharon Smyth, Addison Powell, Robert Gerringer, Terrayne Crawford, Timothy Gordon, Craig Slocum, Alex Stevens, Betsy Durkin, Vince O'Brien, Duane Morris, James Shannon, Natalie NOrwick, James Hall, Paula Laurence, Gene Lindsey, Ken McEwen, Michael Stroka, Mary Cooper, Keith Prentice, David Hurst....Director John Sedwick, Sean Sullivan, Henry Kaplan, Jack Sullivan, John Weaver, Pennbery Jones....Screenplay Art Wallace, Ron Sproat, Gordon Russell, Sam Hall.

When "Dark Shadows" came to television from 1966 to 1971, audiences had never seen anything like it before. It was a combination of daytime soap opera, supernatural horror drama and Gothic mystery/romance. It was said that children, despite being frightened of the show, did not miss the episodes which they were able to see after school, that nuns in certain convents which have TV sets found the show to be their guilty pleasure and that this TV series garnered such a huge following that they made a film of it "Night Of Dark Shadows" in 1971. Filmed on location in the coastal town of Newport, Rhode Island and the historic Carey mansion, the series followed Victoria Winters (Alexandra Isles and in later seasons played by other actresses), the governess to the Collins family, a distinguished, old money family whose estate, Collinwood, has a history of witchcraft, hauntings, murders, suicides, and other strange, unexplained phenomena. Through the eyes of Victoria Winters, we learn of the family's dark secrets. Throughout the evolving series, the Collins fight for inheritance of the estate, even if it means murder, betray one another, fall in love, scheme, rage, curse and basically destroy themselves till they are no more. Dark Shadows was essentially a sort of Edgar Allan Poe-inspired, Grand Guignol Gothic melodrama in a whose powerful theme was that of humanity's wickedness toward each other. Because it was horror, the humans often encountered ghosts, werewolves and possibly the world's most famous vampire before Anne Rice's Lestat - Barnabas Collins played by Jonahtan Frid. Barnabas was despicable, murderous, money-hungry and yet experienced a tragic romance. The first seasons (1966-1968) were shot in dull, black and white, and the slowly unfolding mystery of the Collins was the focus. The latter seasons from 1969 to 1971 were in color and the series picked up momentum. The horror was toned up a notch, though tame and campy by today's standards. The looming shadow of the vampire Barnabas was all over the latter episodes but to spice things up, the series also featured time travel and parallelism from the Victorian Era to the late 1960's. The show was filmed mostly inside a studio set and it shows, except for the few exterior shots of the Rhode Island coast and the Carey mansion. The teleplays, written by various writers, suffered from excessive melodrama and was unmistakably corny but for some reason, this show was popular and well-received by TV audiences. The show's original music was by Bob Cobert, including a subtle but haunting main theme and Victorian as well as 1960's costumes by Mary McKinley, Hazel Roy and Ramsey Mostoller. All the episode of the show's six seasons are available on DVD. It has also appeared on the Sci-Fi channel and elsewhere on television. This was a wonderful series full of intrigue, suspense, danger, and genuine moments of fear and enjoys a huge cult following to this very day.

A Fantastic and Stressful Gothic Soap Opera!!!

[Pumpkin_Man · 10/10 · 23 June 2013]

Last year, I was introduced to the world of 'Dark Shadows' by Tim Burton's movie. I loved it, so I wanted to buy the complete series. I started watching this series on July 20th, 2012 and I finally finished it tonight. It has been a great experience watching the whole series, but it has been stressful as well. I love how it changed direction once Barnabas Collins showed up. It's a shame that people diss the beginning episodes 1-210 because he hasn't shown up yet. Some of the stories were really good. This show is filled with ghosts, vampires, phoenixes time travel, witches, werewolves, monsters, warlocks, possession, crazy dream sequences and much more. It has a great classic look.

It was great in the beginning. Very mysterious with ominous characters who were always up to something. You have Victoria Winters, who has been asked by Elizabeth Collins Stoddard to come to Collinwood and be a Governess to Roger's son, David. Getting off the train with Vicky was Burke Devlin, one of my favorite characters. He has come back to seek revenge against Roger Collins for a crime he didn't commit. While Vicky is dealing with the ghosts of Collinwood, Roger, Sam Evans, and Burke must deal with the police and try to figure out who killed Bill Malloy.

Willie Loomis shows up to Collinwood, harassing them and looking for money. When he finds the Collins mausoleum, he finds something much worse. Barnabas Collins, a vampire from the 1790's is unchained on the present day family of Collinses. He meets the waitress, Maggie Evans and kidnaps her, forcing her to marry him and become his lost love, Josette. When she escapes, she is taken to Windcliff Asylum, under the care of Dr. Julia Hoffman, who hypnotizes her and makes her forget everything. Dr. Hoffman arrives at Collinwood to figure out what happened to Maggie. When she learns Barnabas's secret, she offers to help him and tries to cure his curse. When a seance is held to contact the ghost of Barnabas's sister, Sarah, Victoria Winters is transported back in time to Collinwood 1795.

Vicky meets Barnabas beforehe was a vampire. The family in that time slowly begin to think Vicky is a witch because of her 1960's clothing. We are introduced to Angelique, the real witch who was in love with Barnabas. When Barnabas refuses her and wants to marry Josette, she places a curse on the family, making Jeremiah Collins fall in love with Josette, Sarah Collins become sick, and eventually turns Barnabas into the vampire we know and love. Reverend Trask arrives and holds a trial for Vicky for witchcraft. When she is hung, she is transferred back to 1968.

When Vicky gets back to 1968, Barnabas is afraid that she may have learned his secret. While driving at night, Vicky and Barnabas have a car-crash. Dr. Lang cures Barnabas of his curse and reluctantly agrees to help Dr. Lang with his 'project' Dr. Lang is trying to create life out of dead human parts, like Frankenstein. The monster comes alive, and named Adam. Barnabas tries to teach him, but Adam is very slow and dim- witted. Angelique returns and puts a dream curse on the family.We are soon introduced to Warlock, Nicholas Blair, who is very interested in Adam and creating more monsters like him. Adam soon becomes violent and forces Barnabas and Dr. Hoffman to create a mate for him.

After Adam and Eve disappear, we are introduced to Chris Jennings, who becomes a Werewolf when the moon is full. Chris's sister, Amy begins a friendship with David and wonder off to a closed-off room in Collinwood. They find an antique telephone that holds the spirit of Quentin Collins. Quentin begins harassing the residents of Collinwood, so Barnabas uses the I-Ching wands to travel back in time to 1897 to stop him.

In 1897, Barnabas has become a vampire again and needs the help of gypsies, Magda and Sandor to protect him during the day. Magda has put the Werewolf curse on Quentin for killing her sister. Barnabas tries to help him fight it. Soon, they must deal with Count Petofi, an evil being with special powers in his hand.

When Barnabas returns to the present, he becomes the leader of a Leviathan cult, under their control. He recruits Megan and Philip Todd to help him. The Leviathans are after Paul Stoddard for a promise he made to them 20 years earlier. A Leviathan baby is born and grows rapidly into Jeb Hawkes. Jeb is infatuated by Carolyn, who he intends to marry.

Barnabas and Julia must once again travel back in time to 1840 to stop Gerard Stiles from taking over Collinwood. They learn that he became possessed by the head of Judah Zachery. Reverend Trask's son believes that Quentin is a Warlock and tries to convince the court to hang him. In the end, Barnabas succeeds and gets back to his own time. This seemingly would've been a great way to end the series because Barnabas was cured and everything was right with Collinwood, but it doesn't end there.

1840 parallel time, we are introduced to a new set of Collinses. Johnathan Frid is now playing Bramwell Collins, a human that is in love with Catherine. The Collins family must hold a lottery and force one member of the family to spend a night in a haunted room, possessed by Brutus Collins. Will the family finally be able to rid themselves of this curse? I highly recommend DARK SHADOWS: THE COMPLETE ORIGINAL SERIES!!!

Still Holds Up After All This Time

[ladymidath · 10/10 · 20 August 2020]

I remember watching Dark Shadows when I was little with my mother. Now watching it again as an adult, it really shows the quality of the story lines and acting. Yes there are more of a few lines flubbed and glimpses of equipment in the background but it had a grueling schedule and every shot was left in, probably because they thought it would never been seen more than once. I watched the series from the very beginning before Johnathan Frid was introduced as Barnabas Collins. It was creepy and was excellent at building atmosphere and suspense. The scenes in the cemetery during the Laura Collins story lines were truly scary. In fact I was surprised at how creepy they were for a daytime soap. It's nice coming back to Dark Shadows and seeing how well done it was, especially after the Johnny Depp film which really did not do the original series justice.

Still Popular and Deservedly So!

[babyfir77 · 10/10 · 25 September 2011]

I flip flop between Lost in Space and Dark Shadows as my favorite show. Both quite different, but the enjoyment value of viewing the shows is what counts.

Dark Shadows is so popular on Facebook. A few of the cast members are found there, as are many role players. There are a few groups dedicated to the show. Awesome!

As a child, I began watching the show after the introduction of Barnabas Collins. Of course the ratings went up dramatically after he was written into the show. I got caught up with that and watched the show religiously until the end of the series in April 1971.

Those of you reading this and familiar with the show know what I'm talking about. Memorable characters such as Julia Hoffman, Angelique, Nicholas Blair, Adam, Quentin, Willie Loomis, Carolyn, Roger, Elizabeth, Maggie, David, Count Petofi, etc etc.... That's why we watch it. Of course, some ghosts, some other vampires, werewolves.

The music.....Robert Cobert, you are a genius.

The sets.....likewise, Seymour Tomashoff. Incredible!!

Why try to update the show? I couldn't handle the NBC version after maybe 30 minutes. Thank goodness it has arrived on DVD (I do have plenty of VHS tapes....)!!!!!

Shame On The Night: The History of Dark Shadows

[Tromafreak · 10/10 · 25 February 2011]

Imagine a TV show so popular, so powerful, that it just wouldn't die. A somber, captivating epic of a series about a rich, family, living in Maine, by the sea, in a gigantic, old House. Originally, Dark Shadows revolved around Victoria Winters, who landed a job with the tormented Collins family as a governess. Victoria is taken in and treated like she was one of their own. Perhaps she was. We'll never know the answer to that question. Get used to it, because the more you watch this show, the more unanswered questions there are. Sometimes intentional, but often not. Yet, inept qualities such as that just add to the mystery. And did I mention how funny it is when someone screws up their lines?. this once black and white soap was once more of a Gothic-romantic thriller than anything. Soon, ratings would prove that poor Vickie and her problems just wasn't cutting it. Things needed to be spiced up a bit. Maybe a little Horror wouldn't hurt. The most successful storyline to date, concerned Laura Collins: Immortal phoenix. Dark Shadows was finally headed in the right direction. But now that Laura is dead, now what? Enter Barnabas Collins.

Vampire with a conscience: Nobody at Collinwood really cares for Willie Loomis, but Willie is about to do that family a bigger service than they will ever know. It just doesn't start out that way. For nearly 200 years, a vampire lay, chained in his coffin, in the family mausoleum, because his father couldn't bare to stake him. Driven by greed and ignorance, Willie accidentally releases this long-dead family secret. Barnabas quickly makes Willie his slave, and heads to Collinwood to introduce himself as "a cousin from England". Chaos ensues, to say the least. We are eventually treated to a 1795 flashback of Barnaba's origin, proving he wasn't always vicious. Introducing Angelique, the witch with a broken heart that would nearly destroy the Collins' family. Barnabas' wife did this to him.

Adam & Evil: Everyone knows that if you lend out your life-force in order to bring a corpse (Adam) to life, you'll die. But if you're a vampire, the curse is drained from you. The Frankenstein ripoff, Adam, who is nothing more than an over-grown infant, only knows one thing. He hates Barnabas. But that's another story. Angelique is back, and has put a new curse into motion in order to re-vamp Barnabas. Ultimately backfiring on her in the worst way. Her boss, Warlock, Nicholas Blair has other plans, involving Adam... and world-domination.

Werewolf + Quentin's Ghost = 1897: Since Barnabas killed Angelique, things have been rather calm. Other than that werewolf that's been mauling people, Quentin Collins ghost has been wreaking havoc. Being the nice guy he is, Barnabas goes to 1897 to find out what all the fuss is about, and discover the origin of the werewolf/Quentin. Of course, Barnabas is made a vampire again. We got gypsy curses, Dorian Gray-ripoff solutions, the return of Laura Collins. And Angelique is back!

The Other Side: Barnabas stumbles upon a parallel universe. He decides to pay an extended visit to the other side, mainly to make sure he's no longer a threat to those he cares about. I guess he doesn't care about the Parllel Collins'. And why should he? Who the hell are they, anyway? After being flung from parallel time, into future real time, Barnabas discovers Collinwood demolished. A new ghost now haunts these grounds. The ghost of Gerard Stiles.

The Head: In what is known as the real finale of the show, 1840 is when Gerard Stiles lived. A friend of the original Quentin Collins. A decent guy who would become possessed by Judah Zachary. The man who will seek vengeance on the Collins family from beyond the grave. And ironically, the man who made Angelique a witch. So, Barnabas travels to 1840, with a mission; save Collinwood from destruction, without getting staked by current family. As long as Angelique doesn't complicate things, things should go smoothly. Not the longest. Truly the most epic of all the story lines, Culminating in a bittersweet reconciliation.

Parallel Lottery Ripoff: It was actually pretty good, but it never should have ended here. No Barnabas, no Angelique, no Quentin. Almost like a spin off. All is at peace with the real Collinwood. Just one loose end. It may not have gone the way I wanted it to, or ended the way I wanted, but Dark Shadows went out gracefully. All is at peace at Collinwood... For now.

And there you have it. The greatest story ever told. I love everything about this show, but my favorite character has always been Angelique. Played by the most beautiful woman in the world, Angelique was the driving force behind the show's popularity. A hopeless romantic driven to the point of unholy evil, with the occasional glimpse of compassion. Angelique's ability to make Barnabas, the villain, into a swell guy, would catapult this show into territory where no Soap Opera was ever meant to go. Anglique is the absolute worst case scenario of a woman scorned. tormenting her one true love with the vampire curse, for centuries at a time. Not letting him die (or live) because she knows deep in her soul that living without him would be worse than the flames of Hell. The Barnabas-Angelique love-hate relationship would just be one of many reasons this show flourished in the way that it did. Since the show ended in 1971, there has been 2 movies starring the original cast, a revival mini-series from the 90's, and next year, we finally get that big remake, starting it all over again. And recently, it has been brought to my attention that the original DS lives again on CD. You heard me. New episodes! The future looks bright (or dark) for a show that will clearly live forever. Only because we the fans will keep it alive. 10/10

Keeping it serious in spite of being surely silly.

[mark.waltz · 6/10 · 1 November 2015]

Unless you are referring to Grayson Hall by her real name of Shirley Grayson, do not call anybody Shirley here. The tongue is in the cheek, the gloves are off and the blood is flowing in this serial which used vampires, witches and werewolves to create conflict in the foggy Massachusetts town of Collinsport. Repeated as both of brief 1990 TV series and a recent movie that failed to live up to the original success, this still has to the steps of time and is among the most rerun of daytime soap operas ever produced. Of course that is and rarity in rebroadcasting, but recently, other day time soaps has been brought back as well and with all of the vintage TV shows making comeback, the medium of soap opera which has pretty much disappeared anyway, is looked on now as a special form of art.

"Dark Shadows" takes on both elements of the classic cinema serial and the traditional daytime soap opera, utilizing plot devices of the chapter plays of the 1930's, 1940's. and 1950's. While those were certainly better made then this video taped TV show, there are definite influences of that mixed in with a continuing bedtime stories that has been popular for close to two decades by the time "Dark Shadows" made its premiere.

Headlined by Hollywood veteran Joan Bennett as the matriarch of a wealthy family, the basic story took some time to develop. Initially low rated, it was with the presence of vampire Barnabas Collins, played by stage actor Jonathan Frid, that it took off, and being broadcast late in the afternoon attracted a school age audience. Then there were many other creatures of the night who popped in and out, it was Barnabas and a werewolf named Quentin that attracted the bulk of the attention, with a witch named Angelique as the villainous who had influences on both character's fates. Future night time TV soap actor David Selby was first seen in this as Quentin, while a beautiful blonde named Lara Parker was an excellent Angelique, the gorgeous which who unlike Bewitched's Samantha Stevens, had nothing but evil up her sleeve.

But any supernatural story like this needs a mad doctor, from somebody to destroy them or to help them recover from their cursed lives, and that came in the presence of the very eccentric Dr. Julia Hoffman, played by Oscar nominee Grayson Hall who became, like Frid, extremely popular, and dominated the show by appearing almost daily. When Hall appeared a decade after the show's cancellation on "One Life to Live", gothic elements of her character reflected memories of her on "Dark Shadows", ironically reuniting her with several fellow cast members including Nancy Barrett and Anthony George.

As the modern drama began to make the writers run out of story ideas, they tried to take it into Collinwood's past to explain much of the background that set up the initial years of plotlines. The story went into various time periods and even in two parallel time, allowing Hoffman's character to cross paths with a quite different version of her character. The quality of the video was often static, actors often fought to find their places on the teleprompter or had to deal with intrusions such as flies, noises from the backdrops and other minor annoyances, but this made it all the more fun to watch. Always expect the unexpected, that seem to be the rule of fun for Dark Shadows.

Now 50 years since its original premiere, it is as popular as ever, and even though its only ran for a short five years, it has made it onto home video via VHS and DVD, and has been we broadcast on television over the years many times. Dark Shadows obviously was an influence for many soap opera writers who remembered the fun story lines from theirs youth and utilize similar themes in supposedly more realistic settings.

The lovely Joan Bennett was still very glamorous when she made the switch from movies to television, and while not as hard as some of her film noir vixens, there is definitely something mysterious about her. Louis Edmonds, who went on to play con man turned alleged professor Langley Wallingford on "All My Children", first one day time same playing for rather stern brother. There were several young characters to mix out the veterans with newcomers, and while some of them seem to pale in comparison to the older actors, they certainly were attractive, a trend that has continued on daytime TV until this day.

Dark Shadows remains a controversial show that people I do remember with fondness or with laughter or with the comment to that camp show. Yeah I remember that from when I was a kid, but isn't it rather juvenile now? The shows from the sixties that stand the test of time, and those who don't. Some are simply just fun reminders have any more innocent time in our lives, and it is a thrill to see that shows like this can still stay up memories of how great entertainment used to be. Television may indeed be a medium, but I will certainly call this a definite classic.

goof by Lady Kitty Hampshire

[T-27 · 9/10 · 6 April 2009]

In the 1895 storyline, Lady Kitty Hampshire mentions that in England Cout Petofi used his hand to control people's minds. At he time Count Petoffi was supposedly thus using his hand, he did not have it, the Gypsies had cut it off. He had not gotten it back until several episodes before in Collinwood. He was in Collinwood the whole time he had his hand the second time. So he would not have been able to use the hand in the presence of Lady Kitty Hampshire in England some time before. I know this comment is a bit wordy, but it has to be ten lines long!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I am about to finish watch Dark Shadows on DVD.It has taken me almost two years. I hear the the first year, the pre-Barnabas portion, is to be released soon. I hope my local public library buys it so I can see that too.

LOW BUDGET SERIES THAT BECAME A CULT ICON

[asalerno10 · 7/10 · 22 October 2022]

More than a series, this program began as a daily soap opera that told the story of the Collins family, a kind of Dallas or Gothic Dynasty with a very low budget. The program had a low audience and the writers decided to incorporate a character that would diametrically change the course of history. This character was a vampire man (Dracula style) who was an ancestor of the Collins family and who by a curse had been turned into a vampire and is accidentally awakened from his long slumber. This ingenious twist made the audience grow and the story became a horror series, perhaps because it was the only one of its kind it has become a cult TV show despite its low budget. As the story progressed, the writers began to incorporate increasingly unlikely elements, such as time travel, nightmare dreams, and even the appearance of a werewolf. Fortunately almost all of its episodes have been rescued despite the fact that the series was made on videotape and not on film.

Dark Shadows is not the show for me

[kevsmith-344-814156 · 4/10 · 14 April 2012]

I'm glad I bought the Fan-Favorites DVD before I bought the whole series. I was going to buy it just on its reputation alone, dark Shadows is not the show for me. I love a lot of the older series: Voyage to the Bottom of the Sea, The Wild Wild West, Invaders, Tarzan; staring Ron Ely, The Man From U.N.C.L.E., Barnaby Jones, Harry-O, Mission Impossible, UFO, Space 1999, Emergency, Columbo, Ellery Queen; with Tim Hutton, The A-Team, Hawaii 5-O, The Hardy Boys; even Monk; perhaps it was the old-style English-like Dinner-Theatre format--surveillance-quality cameras, big-heads, and only two-folks in each frame; or, the fact that soap-opera in general has always made me feel queasy? Perhaps if I followed the series from start-to-finish I'd be a better devote; I've always believed that if enough people like something then there must be something to like about it--I'm just not getting it in this series.

It relied heavily on posers; and to a lot of them I found myself say, "So-What!" As George Peppared might say, "I just couldn't get into the Jazz!" There's a peculiar frame of mind this might become enticing to; I just couldn't find the concerted efforts to be bothered with it.

I found Dark Shadows uninteresting and solely designed just to set off your emotions; there is merit here, but not enough for me--I will not be purchasing the complete series.

I would not detract from those who know more about it. I've loved things myself that others have found as nonsensical.

It is a show for those who have had some tradition of watching it; but what do I know, one of my friends loves Coronation Street?

Detailing a tormented New England family's continuing involvement with ghosts, witches, werewolves, vampires, and other fearsome creatures, this was certainly unlike any other daytime TV soap opera ever made

[verna55 · 15 September 2000]

This daytime television soaper-shocker serial has evolved into a cult classic since originally airing on ABC from 1966-71, and is certainly a contender for one of the most unusual television series ever made. In addition to its Gothic tales involving the supernatural, what set DARK SHADOWS apart from the other TV soap operas of its day was the remarkable cast, including famous and glamorous Hollywood screen star Joan Bennett as the aristocratic matriarch Elizabeth Collins Stoddard, Oscar-nominated actress Grayson Hall(THE NIGHT OF THE IGUANA) as Dr. Julia Hoffman who tried to develop a cure for vampire Barnabas Collins but wound up falling in love with him instead. And of course, the superb Jonathan Frid as reluctant vampire Barnabas Collins himself. Incidentally, Frid's perpetually tormented character was what brought the show such tremendous success and remains the best remembered aspect of this enduringly popular series. Made on a noticeably low budget, DARK SHADOWS concentrated on plot and character rather than cheap thrills, though there were plenty of eerie, spooky moments and creepy Gothic atmosphere. The primetime revival of the ever-popular series in 1991 featured more elaborate settings and special effects but was less successful and lasted barely two months on the airwaves. Like it or not, DARK SHADOWS completely changed television history and remains one of the most well-remembered TV series of all time. The show's success led to two offshoot feature films starring a number of the series regulars. The first and most successful was HOUSE OF DARK SHADOWS in 1970, followed by NIGHT OF DARK SHADOWS in 1971.

Started watching, got hooked....

[wkozak221 · 10/10 · 12 March 2021]

I used to watch soap operas with my grandmother. I then started watching this. It was interesting. After the 2nd episode I got hooked. I watched every episode. It was a little complicated for a kid but it was fun. Great series!

My favourite tv drama

[dominic-51241 · 10/10 · 28 April 2020]

I'm absolutely in love with it! It may seem to be a little bit long but "dark shadows" are completely worth watching. Nothing can be compared to it. You want to laugh? Here you are! You want to see some love story? Something spooky? Some sad story? If so, "dark shadows" was made just for you!

Jonathan Frid & Original DS puts Depp's 2012 version to shame!

[shoshaunna · 10/10 · 28 April 2012]

I have always been a fan of the ORIGINAL Dark Shadows series and movies! So when I saw that they were coming out with a "new" version of the DS film (which started Fri. in theaters),and I saw the previews - I just shook my head at how ridiculous they have turned a campy, cult-favorite horror series/movie and turned it into a goof-spoof. Johnny Depp plays Barnabas Collins makes Collin's character no longer the romantic, Gothic-love-lost-revenge-seeking vampire that Jonathan Frid played so well. Instead, Depp makes Collins look like a bumbling, buck-toothed Nosferatu-turned-Not-for-a-lot-clue nerd, only made worse by the living folks who bring him "up-to-date" with the new world. If you are into good, classic "Gothic Horror" from the 1950-70's, then this Dark Shadows movie is a great place to start! All the cast from the show are in the movie, and the house where they filmed the movie & show is in Tarrytown NY called "Lynnhurst Castle" - and is filled with paranormal activity! Ghosthunters "TAPS" of SciFyTV did an investigation there even! This is a fun movie - not too scary or gory, but a nice little horror story that may leave you sleeping with a light on or a crucifix pendant....just in case! ;o)

Now THIS is classic TV drama at its finest!

[Darryl-Gonzalez · 10/10 · 12 May 2016]

"Dark Shadows" is one of the finest examples of classic television that one can find. Acting that was sometimes a bit hammy but always enjoyable, special effects that were good but not dominating the show, stories that were always engaging (if not always believable), and little things that happened that kept the series interesting (for example in one episode a house fly comes in and buzzes around Barnabas in a particularly inopportune moment). All that paired with the finest soap opera music of the time.

Truly great! The best time to watch this is late at night with all the lights out. Forget about all the modern shows about zombies, vampires etc....Dark Shadows was the original and still the best! Classic horror story lines adopted to the daytime serial format, all done with the "show must go on" attitude of live-to-tape TV.

Wonderful tribute to dry ice fog & cheap chroma key;)

[mouserd · 9/10 · 12 May 2020]

This show has aged, was made on a shoe string, didn't do retakes for anything, relied heavily on dry ice fog & cheap chroma key.

But it works!

It starts of as a cheap cross between Pyton Place and Jane Eyre but ends up a cross breed of Dr Who and Hammer Horror.

At first glance the scripts and dialog are not always the best but when you stand back and look at how many episodes they (1200+) where making I'm stunned its as good as it is. Also helping this show was the cast which where largely stage actors who fitted their characters well as well as many actresses who where as attractive as skilled.

Near the 200 episode mark the show was on the block so with nothing to lose the show's creator decided F##k it lets drop a Vampire into the plot!

Bang the show was suddenly a hit and the writers proudly pronounced they did not just steal from horror literature they happily looted it!

The Frankenstein monster, the Wolf-man, Ghosts, witches, warlocks, Jekyll & Hyde, dis-embodied hands, even H P Lovecraft as well of course as Dracula. All became fodder for story arcs of this series.

Sadly the last season was just dropped with so many plot threads which where never finished but to be fair they where starting to retread old story lines so it was starting to run on empty near the end.

Keep in mind it is a product of its time (60s), for almost 300 episodes it was in black & white and in that time the concept was definitely new but now in the post Buffy era not so much.

So if you like dry ice fog & wonky chroma key this is for you;)

Addicting

[StreepFan126 · 10/10 · 30 October 2002]

When I started watching it, I did not think there would be anything good about a thirty year old gothic soap opera. Boy was I wrong. The entire plot with Barnabus kidnapping Maggie Evans and controlling her mind to make her his vampire bride, forced me to go out and buy about seven videos to try and follow the plot. Although corny in some places, it still holds up.

Dark Shadows

[goldenhawk40 · 10/10 · 26 May 2012]

I am old enough to be one of the kids who dashed home every afternoon to watch my favorite vampire. I am still just as much in love with it. In watching it again, I realize just how gloriously awful it was - over the top acting, really strained dialogue, cheesy sets, flubbed lines and yes the occasional boom mike in the shot. It is just wonderful, and each scene done in one take. The difference between the series and "the movie" - the series took itself very seriously. It wasn't intentionally campy - they played it straight and full throttle. If Ed Wood had done a soap opera it would have looked a lot like Dark Shadows, although the original DS did have talent. I don't understand how Burton/Depp missed the mark on this, especially since they claim to be fans. The "horror" of Frid's Barnabas was that he looked just like anyone else - you couldn't see the monster inside until it was too late.

Shame...

[Crys2797 · 4/10 · 13 July 2019]

I didn't grow up with this show, so I know maybe the nostalgia & awesomeness was lost on me. I kept hearing about the show and was excited when Hulu added quite a few of the seasons. I read a review saying that it gets better once it turns color so I'm pushing my way thru the first black and white seasons HOPING I like it.... but for now, it drives me absolutely insane. The over-dramatic acting, a few of the characters are excessively pushy, lots of dumb actions (when Maggie dies but the nurse just nonchalantly goes to call a doctor & takes her time), just a lot of parts that are almost like nails down a chalkboard to me. Its sadly not scary or suspenseful in the least bit, and while I like slow shows/movies.... this one takes the cake. Its slower than a snail.

I'm sure back in 1966 this was a great show, but, stick to the old original Twilight Zones, those had a better story line and was more realistic in terms of acting.

Neat, stumbling charm

[boris-26 · 22 November 2001]

As a kid, I waited every day for 4pm for DARK SHADOWS to appear on TV. I watched in fascination all the going ons with Barnabas the vampire, time travel (I wanted that staircase that took you to the 19th century!) corpses rising from their graves. When the show came to an end in 1970, it was a sad day.

The show resurfaced in the early 1980's. As an adult, I could see all the flaws, all the signals that told us, this was live television, done on a very low budget. I appreciated Director/Creator Dan Curtis and company going against all odds.

As with all soap operas, the actors in DARK SHADOW had to stretch the material (Remember they had a collective 2 hours plus every week to cover.) Many actors would repeat what the other actor just said (Example BARNABAS: "This room was once filled the scent of lilacs." GIRL (in awe...) "....the scent of lilacs!" Flaws normally covered by alternate takes came up (much of this was live TV) We saw boom mikes, camera catching the edge of set, and the most celebrated goof- a pesty fly that won't leave vampire Barnabas Collins' (Jonathan Frid) nose, while Barnabas delivers a menacing monologue. But, all in all, it was fun. A thrill. It's always great to see this old soap opera once and a while.

Great Drama

[JustJennings · 10/10 · 4 March 2007]

This has to be one of my all time favourite shows! It is true that it is somewhat dated in production, but when one considers that it was produced in the same manner of the soaps of the day, it is outstanding. There are some flaws such as the microphone appearing, the sets shaking, or a missed line, but they do little to detract from the total effect. Many of the lines have become memorable quotes, and I even found some tee shirts with some on them at Zazzle.com! The characters were great, and the writing was excellent. I would love to see a truly great remake of the series without the limitations of the previous filming era, but I doubt it will ever happen.