This week, it's one of my favourite images from Dark Shadows – actor Jonathan Frid (Barnabas) snapped while being menaced the poster of Bela Lugosi as Dracula that hung in the show's rehearsal room. In 1969 journalist Donald Freeman, writing for the Toledo Blade, noted the picture and asked Frid if Hollywood's vampire had influenced Collinwood's resident fiend:
"Barnabas is like Macbeth, a hero of sorts, but very guilt-ridden," Jonathan suggested. "Every woman among our viewers wants to accept him. Women love to see men admit guilt. Women love men to be vulnerable." By comparison, "Bela Lugosi's vampire loved being a monster, but Barnabas, while being a rotten character, has the emotional qualities of a hero."
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3 comments:
I love this quote. The image is groovy, too.
perfectly put mr frid, beloved Barnabas. :)
This is what made Barnabas the "new age" vampire...His was a unique creation -- vulnerable and heroic yet dangerous. Frid's Barnabas broke the mold and paved the way for the "modern" vampires to follow, however they have seriously messed with the traditional vampire mythology (i.e. glistening in the sunlight -- come now, give me a break). Long live Barnabas Collins and thank you Jonathan for creating a truly immortal character. R.I.P.
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