December News Digest

• Daniel Day Lewis' new film Lincoln features a mini Dark Shadows reunion in its cast. Joseph Gordon-Levitt and Gulliver McGrath play Abraham Lincoln's sons Robert and Tad, having both played David Collins respectively in the 1991 Dark Shadows revival and 2012 movie remake. Jackie Earle Haley (movie Willie Loomis) also features in a supporting role.
• FX's American Horror Story: Asylum included a little nod to Barnabas in its November 14 episode, which featured villain James Cromwell wielding the familiar wolf's-head cane. Series creator Ryan Murphy is a self-confessed Dark Shadows fan and has spoken before of his love of the show.
• Kathryn Leigh Scott (Maggie Evans) is running a holiday promotion on her Dark Shadows books and photographs. From now until the new year, each order will come with a free signed Dark Shadows Christmas card. For more information, click here. Also, Kathryn's next novel, Down and Out in Beverly Heels, is released next March and can be pre-ordered now by clicking here.
• CBC Hamilton has published a fascinating story about departed Dark Shadows legend Jonathan Frid (Barnabas), revealing some of the provisions made in his will and details of his retirement years in Canada. To read it online, click here. And finally, TCM have released their 2012 In Memoriam video reel, which includes footage of Jonathan. It can be viewed in the window below.
  
  

Writing The Visual Companion: Mark Salisbury

As director Tim Burton's official biographer, author Mark Salisbury has worked a number of Burton-related volumes, including the acclaimed Burton on Burton and the newly released tie-in Dark Shadows: The Visual Companion. We caught up with Mark to get the lowdown on the new book...

You've had a long association with Tim Burton. How did you first make contact with him?
One Sunday afternoon in 1985 I went to see a Touchstone Pictures’ dinosaur film Baby: The Secret of the Lost Legend at my local cinema and was surprised to find Burton’s original short Frankenweenie showing prior it. I didn’t know who Tim Burton was – this was before Pee-Wee’s Big Adventure was released – but I was completely enthralled from the word go, and knew I was watching something very special. I remember scribbling Burton’s name on a scrap of paper in the dark when the short ended, certain it was one to remember. 

Did it take long to meet the man himself?
I eventually met him a few years later at a Warners’ Christmas party in London – he was shooting Batman at the time – although I had arranged to have dinner the following week with him and horror author Clive Barker for an article I was writing for the now defunct horror magazine Fear: Their conversation was later reprinted in the book Shadows of Eden. I interviewed Burton again for Edward Scissorhands and Batman Returns and in 1994 approached him about writing Burton On Burton, which was first published the following year.

Given your unique perspective, where would you say Dark Shadows fits into the Burton filmography?
I think all of Burton’s usual themes and preoccupations are present in Dark Shadows. Perhaps the only difference is the film marks the first time Johnny Depp asked Burton to direct him in a film. Typically it’s been Burton doing the asking.

Any theories on what attracted Burton to tackling Dark Shadows?
He grew up on the show. Just like Depp, he would run home from school in order to see it. As a monster movie-loving child what’s not to love about a TV show featuring vampires and werewolves and ghosts? Moreover, a show that was on during the afternoon.

You were on set for Dark Shadows. How would you compare the atmosphere to previous Burton shoots?
Burton’s sets are generally fun-filled and relaxed. This appeared even more so. The script was funny, once the actors got hold of it, wearing those costumes, in those environments it was hysterical to watch. There was much laughter on set and during dailies.

What does The Visual Companion have that will surprise fans?
Because the book’s publication comes after the film’s theatrical and home entertainment release, we were able to show certain images – among them Carolyn’s transformation – that we might not have been able to if the book had preceded the film. For me, the book’s strength, however, is the sheer amount of behind-the-scenes photos that reveal the artistry involved in creating the film’s amazing sets. I particularly love the section detailing the creation of Collinsport – designed by the genius that is Rick Heinrichs – although my favourite photo is on pages 124-125, which shows Alice Cooper performing at the happening.

And what did you think of the finished film?
I always find it really hard to comment on any new Burton film, because, typically, I’ve read the script, spent many, many days on set, and so feel too close to the finished product to form an objective opinion. Typically it takes me a few years to divorce myself from the “I-was-there-when-they-shot-that-bit” or “That-wasn’t-in-the-script” thoughts when I’m watching one of his films. That said, I’ve seen Dark Shadows a couple of times and really enjoyed it.

Dark Shadows: The Visual Companion is available at a discount price by clicking here, and also in a limited collector's edition signed by Tim Burton, which can be ordered by clicking here. UK readers can also purchase the book by clicking here.

Marie Wallace Recovers

As we previously reported, actress Marie Wallace (Eve) was recently injured in a fall onstage and has been recovering in a New York City hospital. Dark Shadows cast mate Kathryn Leigh Scott (Maggie Evans) shares this update from Marie: 

"Please tell our friends and fans that I'm recovering very well, and feeling stronger each day. I appreciate all their loving and healing thoughts. There's no room for flowers here in rehab but I would certainly appreciate a note or card."

If you would like to send Marie a get well card or message, you can do so at this address: Marie Wallace Pollock, Kateri House, 150 Riverside Drive, Room 1305A, New York, NY 10024.

Dark Shadows 2013 Cruise Information

The Dark Shadows Festival have released more information about their 2013 Dark Shadows Halloween Cruise, which will take place from October 27-November 3 2013. 

Departing from New Jersey's Cape Liberty Cruise Port, the ship Explorer of the Seas will embark on a seven-day round trip to Bermuda. In attendance will be Dark Shadows stars Lara Parker (Angelique) and Kathryn Leigh Scott (Maggie Evans), with planned activities including a Halloween costume party, rare video screenings, dramatic performances by the actors and other surprises.

Inside Staterooms are priced from $749.00 per person; Ocean View Staterooms from $949.00 per person; Balcony Staterooms from $1099.00 per person; and Suites from $1399.00 per person. Rates are per person based on double occupancy and include all port charges plus the Dark Shadows registration fee. Government fees and taxes of $125.00 per person are additional. All meals are included in these prices.

Attendees who reserve their cabin with a refundable deposit by January 31 will be invited to join Kathryn Leigh Scott and Lara Parker for a private party on board, and will also receive an exclusive Dark Shadows celebrity gift bag. For more information or to make a reservation, call toll free 1-800-828-4813 or visit the event newly-launched event website by clicking here. A printable flyer is available by clicking here.

We're Now On Facebook!

If you're on Facebook, you can now keep up with all the latest Dark Shadows developments via our newly-launched Dark Shadows News Page, featuring headline breaking news, daily trivia and more. To visit and like our page to receive updates, click here.

And for more dispatches from Collinwood in 140 characters or less, there's also our Dark Shadows News Twitter feed, delivering daily dispatches to over 3,000 Dark Shadows fans worldwide. To follow us, click here.

Dr. Mabuse Trailer Released

We recently reported on the new independent film Dr. Mabuse, which features Dark Shadows stars Jerry Lacy (Reverend Trask), Lara Parker (Angelique) and Kathryn Leigh Scott (Maggie Evans). The first cast image from the production is now online and can be seen above. 

Pictured are (L to R): John C Smith as the Apocalypse Man, Derek Mobraaten as Tom Smith, Julian Grant as Edward Hull, Bahia Garrigan as Christina Novello, Jerry Lacy as Dr. Mabuse, Nathan Wilson as Inspector Carl Lohemann, David Graham as City General Oscar Lang, Linden Chiles as Inspector Norbert Von Wenk, Vivian Brasch as Lady Levana, Kathryn Leigh Scott as Madame Von Harbau, Lara Parker as Madame Carrozza and Annie Waterman as Madame Hecate. Click on the image for a larger view.

The first teaser trailer for the film can be viewed in the window below. Dr. Mabuse is due for release in 2013 and more information can be found on the production's official website. To view our gallery of behind the scenes stills, click here.

Win Dark Shadows Movie Blu-Rays!

Both original Dark Shadows feature films have just been released on Blu-Ray and, courtesy of our friends at Warner Home Entertainment, we have two sets of both to give away.

House of Dark Shadows starred Jonathan Frid in a vivid retelling of Barnabas' introduction story, while Night of Dark Shadows starred David Selby as a troubled artist haunted by memories of the eternal Angelique, played by Lara Parker. For your chance to win, just answer this simple question:

What was the name of the Tarrytown mansion used for Collinwood in both films? Send your answer, along with your name and postal address, to webmaster@collinwood.net by November 12. 

Readers can order House of Dark Shadows on Blu-Ray online by clicking here and Night of Dark Shadows on Blu-Ray by clicking here.

Postcards From Collinwood

Here are some fantastic rare vintage images of Seaview Terrace, the Rhode Island mansion used for the exterior of Collinwood in Dark Shadows. Reader Bill Branch shares these beautiful postcards, showing the property at various points during its history.

The first picture shows the house shortly after its construction, when it was known as the Edson Bradley Estate; The third shows the house during its time as a school for girls, Burnham-by-the-Sea, during the 1960s; The fourth was taken in the mid-1960s, around the time filming took place on Dark Shadows. To see more rare photographs of the house, click here.

Click on the thumbnails for a larger view. Courtesy of the Bill Branch collection.

Dark Shadows Cruise For 2013

The Dark Shadows Festival has confirmed that it host a Dark Shadows-themed ocean cruise in 2013, celebrating of 30 years of events. The cruise will run from October 27-November 3, 2013, sailing from the New York area to Bermuda.

In attendance will be original series actors Lara Parker (Angelique) and Kathryn Leigh Scott (Maggie Evans), with planned activities including "Dark Shadows performances, screenings, autographs, question-and-answer sessions, group activities, games, contests and tours of Bermuda."

More details will be announced soon, with a special discount rate offered for advance reservations for stateroom sleeping quarters, which also covers all meals for the entire week of travel. Unique Dark Shadows souvenirs will also be offered to attendees.

News Bites

• UK Dark Shadows fans can catch Kathryn Leigh Scott (Maggie Evans) at next month's Memorabilia collector's show, taking place from November 24-25 at the NEC Birmingham. Kathryn will be signing photographs and other merchandise. For more information, click here.
• Jerry Lacy (Reverend Trask) is currently appearing at Santa Monica's Edgemar Centre for the Arts in the new play Surviving Mama. The production runs until November 18 and tickets can be purchased online by clicking here.
• Movieline has investigated the mystery surrounding the creation of Barnabas Collins, with original Dark Shadows writer Malcolm Marmorstein staking his claim to having devised the character: "I told [series creator] Dan [Curtis], 'We have to pretend we're doing a vampire for the very first time. Let's get a young, blond guy, because our audiences are very young. They'll fall in love with him." Producer Robert Costello is also interviewed, offering a blunt rebuttal: "I don't think he contributed more than anyone else. He was part of a team and from that team came Barnabas. If he was as good as he seems to think he was, he wouldn't have been fired." To read the full article, click here.
  “I don’t think he contributed more than anyone else," Dark Shadows producer Bob Costello says of Marmorstein. "He was part of a team and from that team came Barnabas. If he was as good as he seems to think he was, he wouldn’t have been fired."
  
  Read More at: http://movieline.com/2012/10/08/who-created-barnabas-collins-dark-shadows-johnny-depp-tim-burton-jonathan-frid-dan-curtis/#utm_source=copypaste&utm_campaign=referral
  I told Dan, ‘Absolutely, but we need different ground rules. No one in the town of Collinsport has heard of Dracula. They wouldn’t recognize Bela Lugosi. We have to pretend we’re doing a vampire for the very first time.
  
  Read More at: http://movieline.com/2012/10/08/who-created-barnabas-collins-dark-shadows-johnny-depp-tim-burton-jonathan-frid-dan-curtis/#utm_source=copypaste&utm_campaign=referral
  I told Dan, ‘Absolutely, but we need different ground rules. No one in the town of Collinsport has heard of Dracula. They wouldn’t recognize Bela Lugosi. We have to pretend we’re doing a vampire for the very first time.
  
  Read More at: http://movieline.com/2012/10/08/who-created-barnabas-collins-dark-shadows-johnny-depp-tim-burton-jonathan-frid-dan-curtis/#utm_source=copypaste&utm_campaign=referral
• And finally, we were sorry to hear the news that Sharon Smyth's (Sarah Collins) mother passed away on October 24 at the age of 99. Our condolences go out to Sharon and her family.

Picture of the Week: Necking In The Afternoon

This week, it's a 1982 TV Guide advertisement for Dark Shadows, promoting Barnabas' new lease of life in syndication. Throughout the 1980s, distributors Worldvision scored a hit with the show's huge back catalogue and Dark Shadows soon became a fixture on many PBS stations, as The Los Angeles Times reported in 1987:

"'It has really made our late night,'  said Larry White of KFME-TV Channel 13 in Fargo, N.D." Others were in agreement. "'It's our top membership program,' said Neal Hecker of public television station WNYC Channel 31 in New York."

If you would like to submit an image for Picture of the Week, email webmaster@collinwood.net.

Dark Shadows Movie Effects Revealed

Digital effects house The Senate have released a promotional reel dissecting their work on the recent Dark Shadows feature film. To discover how shots of Collinsport, the Collinwood mansion and the ghostly vision of Josette were achieved, check out the video in the window below.

Meanwhile, Dark Shadows has continued to do good business on the US home video market following its release earlier this month. Industry website The Numbers reports that the film shifted 428,000 units during its first week in stores. Dark Shadows is available now on Blu-Ray at a discount price by clicking here and on DVD by clicking here.

Get Well Wishes For Marie Wallace

We are sad to report that actress Marie Wallace (Eve) has suffered an injury while performing theatre in Connecticut. Marie was appearing in The Last Romance at the Seven Dials Theatre on Saturday night when she fell from the stage, breaking her shoulder.

In a message to fans earlier today, Marie said: "Thank you to all my wonderful friends and fans who have sent me so many healing and loving messages. I'm in great hands in a New York hospital with a great surgeon who will be operating on my smashed right shoulder this afternoon."

On behalf of Dark Shadows fans everywhere, we wish Marie a very speedy recovery. If you would like to write her a get well message, you can do so via her official website.

Movie Visual Companion Preview Pictures

The long-awaited behind the scenes guide for the recent Dark Shadows movie, The Visual Companion, is finally released next week and, courtesy of Titan Books, we're delighted to share some exclusive preview images from the book. 

Shown below are director Tim Burton posing with actors Gully McGrath, Jonny Lee Miller, Michelle Pfeiffer and Chloe Grace Moretz, along with early concept artwork for Widows' Hill and Collinwood. Click on the pictures for a larger view.

Dark Shadows: The Visual Companion by Mark Salisbury is published on 26th October 2012, by Titan Books priced £29.99, and will be released in the US in November. UK readers can order the book now at a discount price by clicking here. US readers can pre-order the book at a discount price by clicking here.

 
Photographs are ™ & © Warner Bros. Entertainment Inc.

Dark Shadows Complete Series Half-Price DVD Bargain

The Dark Shadows: The Complete Original Series DVD box set is now available for today only at an amazing 50% discount, saving over $300.00 from the recommended retail price. The 131-disc set contains all 1,225 original episodes in a coffin-shaped box. To order now, click here.

Additionally, the individual Dark Shadows DVD volumes are currently available at a 44% discount. Each four-disc set contains up to 40 episodes, with bonus interviews and other special features. To order any volume, click on the hyperlinked titles below:

Pre-Barnabas episodes: Dark Shadows: The Beginning DVD Collection 1, Collection 2, Collection 3, Collection 4, Collection 5, Collection 6; Barnabas' arrival onwards: Dark Shadows DVD Collection 1, Collection 2, Collection 3, Collection 4, Collection 5, Collection 6, Collection 7, Collection 8, Collection 9, Collection 10, Collection 11, Collection 12, Collection 13, Collection 14, Collection 15, Collection 16, Collection 17, Collection 18, Collection 19, Collection 20, Collection 21, Collection 22, Collection 23, Collection 24, Collection 25, Collection 26