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Revamp of the 60's Soap Opera!
My heart is skipping a beat with the thought that hottie Johnny Depp agreed to play Barnabas Collins in the big screen version of "Dark Shadows". The movie is not set for production yet, so there is plenty of time for all of us to get up to speed about this campy late 60's early 70's ABC soap opera. A favorite show of mine as a kid, I'm ready to cheer with the masses when Tim Burton's version hits the theaters!
Until then, let's get to the heart of the show, find out more about the characters and plot, and shout-out whether it's hip or hype.
Dark Shadows
A gothic soap opera
Dark Shadows is a Gothic soap opera that originally aired weekdays on the ABC television network, from June 27, 1966 to April 2, 1971. The show was created by Dan Curtis, who tells of a dream he had in which a girl takes a long train ride to visit a large mansion. The story "bible," which was written by Art Wallace, does not mention any supernatural elements. It was considered daring (and unprecedented in daytime television) when ghosts were introduced about six months after it began. The series became hugely popular when, a year into its run, vampire Barnabas Collins, played by Jonathan Frid, appeared. In addition to vampires, Dark Shadows featured werewolves, ghosts, zombies, man-made monsters, witches, warlocks, time travel, both into the past and into the future, and a parallel universe. A small company of actors each played many roles and, as actors came and went, some characters were played by several actors. Major writers in addition to Art Wallace included Sam Hall, Gordon Russell, and Violet Welles.
Dark Shadows was distinguished by its vividly melodramatic performances, atmospheric interiors, memorable story lines and an unusually adventurous music score. Now regarded as somewhat of a camp classic, it continues to enjoy intense cult status among its followers. Director Tim Burton and pop icon Madonna have both gone on record as fans of the series. As a child Johnny Depp was so obsessed with Barnabas Collins that he wanted to be him.
What Do You Think?
Is the movie ever going to happen?
Recent controversy about whether or not the movie is going to be made is all over the Internet. Read these two articles and then post your prediction...
Johnny Depp and Tim Burton to Vamp It Up in 'Dark Shadows' and Johnny Depp, Tim Burton on board for 'Dark Shadows'.
My prediction:
clouda9, at 5pm on November 11, 2008 predicts:
I am hopeful and think that this movie will be made! Maybe being secretive about it is part of the draw!
Reader predictions:
Fetching predictions now... please stand by
happynutritionist, at 11pm on August 20, 2009 predicts:
Oh how I hope so!!! I was a DEVOTED watcher of the series in the '60's, ran upstairs to watch after school faithfully, never missed a show...and Johnny Depp as Barnabas Collings, oh, perfect! Your lens is the first I've heard of this, now I'm excited so it better happen:-)
Susan in Atlanta, GA, at 12pm on July 20, 2009 predicts:
Yes, I hope that it will come out. I love Johnny Depp, he is always a box office hit. I think that it would be awesome if Martin Short was in it too. He is perfect for the part as well. He is another favorite of mine and a excellent multi-personality actor. I used to watch DS as a kid..good fun !
Wir55, at 7pm on April 23, 2009 predicts:
I hope so. It would be quite interesting. With all the recent hype with Twilight and the vampire books, I think it will happen
happy teacher, at 8pm on December 24, 2008 predicts:
I can't wait! I watched it during the 70's and would be very excted to see it as a movie-updated. please don't let Tim Buton make it, though. It would be so much better without his twist on it.
Fetching predictions now... please stand byGet To Know Johnny Depp
Through his other movies
Barnabas Collins
175 year old vampire
Barnabas Collins is a fictional character, one of the feature characters in the ABC soap opera serial Dark Shadows, which aired from 1966 to 1971. Originally played by Canadian actor Jonathan Frid, Barnabas Collins is a self-loathing, yet sympathetic, 175-year-old vampire, who is in search of fresh blood and his lost love. The character of Barnabas Collins was introduced to the serial in a last-effort attempt to resurrect the flagging ratings. The role of Barnabas Collins was originally intended to be a brief one, to run but a mere thirteen weeks, but the popularity of Frid's vampire character and the quick spike in ratings resulted in him continuing on and becoming virtually the star of the cult show.In the 1991 NBC revival series of Dark Shadows, British actor Ben Cross played the role of Barnabas Collins.
Victoria Winters
A Collinsport governess
Gothic Rose Poster
Buy at AllPosters.com
Victoria Winters was a fictional character played by Alexandra Moltke, on the cult television ABC-TV Gothic horror soap opera Dark Shadows from 1966-1968. After Moltke left to raise a family in 1968, actresses Betsy Durkin and Carolyn Groves briefly replaced her, before Victoria was written out completely.
Victoria was the prominent character on Dark Shadows for its first year of existence. For that year, each episode's opening narration began with, "My name is Victoria Winters..."
Victoria had been left at a foundling home in New York City, and thus, never knew her true parents -- although monthly sums of money began to arrive mysteriously when she turned two. She received her surname from the season in which she arrived in New York.
Evidently, Victoria attended some college before accepting the offer of a governess position in Collinsport, Maine. Upon her arrival in Collinsport, she met the brooding Burke Devlin (first played by Mitchell Ryan, later briefly portrayed by Anthony George), with whom she would eventually become romantically involved.
Maggie Evans
The vision of Josette
Red Gothic Rose Poster
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Maggie Evans was a waitress who lived in a seaside cottage with her widowed father Sam Evans (Mark Allen, later played by David Ford), an artist. Her mother had died when Maggie was a little girl. Maggie was initially acerbic, greeting newcomer Victoria Winters (Alexandra Moltke) with, "You're a jerk". Maggie was irritated that Victoria was working for the Collins family, but quickly showed herself to be a good, decent person. Maggie's father was a constant source of worry to her, as he had a drinking problem and had never gotten over his feud with the Collins family.
The Bride Waits
So What Do You Think?
Collinsport, Maine
Located 50 miles SE of Bangor
The village, according to TV documentation, is north
of Frenchman Bay. The train makes regular runs
from Boston, and brought Victoria Winters to town,
one stormy night.
read the rest of the Wikipedia article.
What's Google Saying About Vampires?
It may leave a Dark Shadow
- 'The Tourist' Now Looks to Team Up Jolie and Depp
- ... this means for films such as Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides, The Lone Ranger and the proposed team-up with Tim Burton for Dark Shadows. ...
- Fangs for the memories: The AZ of vampires
- Long before she began the series, there was the character of "Barnabas Collins" in the gothic American soap opera Dark Shadows ? Tim Burton is said to be ...
- Around the World in 24 11.13.09: Bicycle Thieves
- By film's end, it is Bruno, clutching the hand of his father and leading him into the mass shadows of faceless individuals, who has learned a valuable ...
The Rest of the Dark Shadows Collections
![Night of Dark Shadows [VHS]](http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/21M0DWC6CSL._SL75_.jpg)
![House of Dark Shadows [VHS]](http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/51VC5ZNMVGL._SL75_.jpg)
And Your Choice to Play Barnabas Collins??
Add your pick and commentary + vote on your favorite!
2
George Clooney
I'd let him bite me :-)1 point
3
Antonio Banderas
He'd add a little flair!1 point
4
Rupert Everett
1 point
5
Hugh Jackman
1 point
6
Johnny Depp
1 point
Leave Your Thoughts Here!
I'd love to hear from you
sugars mommy wrote
I think Hugh Jackmon would be good as Banabus or Quinton Collins
Posted March 16, 2009
Guinevere wrote
It has been an aching in my heart...In any guise, Barnabas will forever haunt our dreams. Mr. Depp will serve the classic character well. Still, in dreams, it is the majestic and melancholy, gentlemanly vampire, so tragically flawed, as played with suave dignity by Jonathan Frid whom I shall never forget. His voice, so refined...filled with whispers and sadness beyond repair. Haunt me, Barnabas Collins! I long for your noble presence, your beautiful eyes, strong hands, and soft dark hair falling about your brow. And, when you were doing dark deeds, I forgave you; knowing that the seeking of redemption was ever present in your tortured mind. How your moved me! This is the power of a great performance from a great actor--Mr. Jonathan Frid--the likes of whom Mr. Depp has patterned many of his own darkly mysterious characters. He knows Barnabas well and will honor the work of Jonathan Frid..."The First Barnabas Collins".
Posted January 18, 2009
LadyMallard wrote
I watched and loved Dark shadows, as a child and had the priviledge of meeting many of the stars of the show, including the one the only Jonathan Frid, Barnabas himself, I think Johnny Depp, will be great in the role. I'll have to wait, for the movie to come into theaters, but I look forward to it. I think it was sad, that the 2001 version with Ben Cross didn't continue, I never saw the other in 2004, so I can't comment on that one, but I hope this movie will be a success.
Posted November 23, 2008
ElizabethJeanAllen wrote...
When I was in high school, we would watch Dark Shadows right after school. Our mother didn't approve but she had gone back to work by then. I loved it.
Great lens.
Lizzy
Posted September 22, 2008
Cajean wrote...
What a fun surprise to see this lens on Dark Shadows! I faithfully watched that show everyday after school. When I was 17,I dressed in my Mod best and went to see Jonathan Frid appearing on a "Bozo,the Clown Show"(of all things). Afterwards I asked for his (Frid, not BoZo ;-)autograph. He wrote "Barnabas" and signed his own name, cynically saying "If you know who that is!" I said I did and almost swooned! LOL
No doubt Depp would do a fine job! 5* for you.
Posted August 19, 2008
In Closing...
Index
Dark Shadows the Soap Opera
- Dark Shadows Theme Music
- Dark Shadows
- What Do You Think?
- Get To Know Johnny Depp
- Barnabas Collins
- Victoria Winters
- Barnabas and Victoria
- Maggie Evans
- The Bride Waits
- So What Do You Think?
- Collinsport, Maine
- A Vampire In Love
- What's Google Saying About Vampires?
- The Rest of the Dark Shadows Collections
- And Your Choice to Play Barnabas Collins??
- Leave Your Thoughts Here!
- In Closing...
- More About Me & My Recommendations
More About Me & My Recommendations
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Hello, my name is Correen (aka: clouda9) and I am a happily married mother of two twenty-something boys. My husband and I... (more)
