Disclaimer: I am not a vampire kind of girl.
Vampire epics, horror movies, suspense DVDs or books…no.
I would rather read historical fiction or melt into a romantic chick-flick.
Vampires?
You’ve got to be kidding.
Which is why it’s truly one of the puzzles of my life that a white-faced blood-sucking vampire keeps re-introducing himself, over and over again.
His name, you ask?
Barnabas Collins.
Don’t be scared, gentle reader…
I first met him as a ten or eleven year old while sitting cross-legged in front of our black-and-white TV in the late 1960’s. Barnabas! His name sparked fascinated shivers through elementary and junior high girls who eagerly dashed home after school daily to watch episode after dramatic episode of Dark Shadows.
My best friend, Carol, first nipped my curiosity.
“You must watch, Kathy,” she insisted, regaling with countless adventures of the manor at Collingwood, a mansion built along the shores of Maine’s coast. The Collins family constructed the edifice in the late 1700’s, and yes, there Barnabas met his fate by the curse of the evil witch, Angelique, doomed to suck blood from innocent villagers to survive.
Our hearts throbbed as we learned of the love of Josette and Barnabas, as our vampire was chained in a coffin in the family mausoleum for two hundred years until when, yes, he was discovered and resurrected…
But I shan’t tell too much more of the story which held us captive for days, months, years, much more fascinating than puzzling over elementary math equations or hovering in the gym during dodge ball games, scared witless of the hurling red rubber ball, more dangerous even than a vampire’s kiss.
Vampires are afraid of the sun, yes, they are.
Carol had, oh lucky girl, watched the early episodes and knew about Angelique’s spell and Josette, but, oh sad latecomer, I missed the beginning episodes and only recaptured their magnificence by listening to Carol’s whispered tales in her bedroom. My greatest childhood disappointment was missing those magical shows, the shows which would have revealed Everything, the missing keys of What Really Happened.
Fast forward to the woods of Michigan’s Upper Peninsula circa 2008. Kathy discovered by chance the beginning episodes of Dark Shadows. Finally, finally, after all those years when the elementary heart longed for the Beginning of the Vampire series, DVDs were released, magic DVDs, vampire DVDs, the very beginning magical stories of Barnabas and his clan.
I ordered. Dark Shadows DVD Collection 1.
“Barry,” said I, “Wouldn’t you like to watch Dark Shadows with me?”
(Elementary and Junior High boys rarely watched Dark Shadows in those early days. Like my brothers, Barry was too busy building forts and riding mini-bikes to bother watching silly gothic daytime soap operas.)
He raised an eyebrow. It didn’t look likely that he would pause in front of the TV and meet the blood suckin’ guy.
That winter he ice fished 250 feet deep on Lake Superior for silver-finned red-bellied lake trout. Upon coming home we cuddled up in front of the TV, popped in the DVD collection, and watched Dark Shadows. Day after day we watched. Barry met Victoria Winters, Maggie Evans, Willy Loomis. We watched mesmerized, day after ice fishing day for one freezing cold winter. We agreed to quit for the summertime, but returned to our routine the next ice fishing season.
Dark–shiver, shiver–Shadows!
We ordered Collection 2. Collection 3. All the way to Collection 6 before switching to Netflix movies, immersing ourselves in episode after Gothic episode.
On the third winter I said, “Enough. I don’t want to see another Dark Shadows show for the rest of my life.”
Barry–you won’t believe this–begged to continue. I invited him to watch on his own. He sighed and carried on, because, of course, even the non-vampire sorts sometimes fall for this cult classic, don’t ask me why.
OK, I’ll hazard a guess. It’s a mixture of magic and mystery. It pulls you in until part of you roams the hallways of the mansion, part of you shivers in the drafty bedrooms, part of you recognizes ghosts whispering in haunted midnight dreams.
Don’t say you’ll never ever watch another Dark Shadows movie again because, watch out: here comes that white-faced blood-sucking vampire again.
And yes, he looks a lot like Johnny Depp.
Rumors abounded last year: a Dark Shadows movie was a’comin’! Tim Burton of movie-producing fame–think Alice in Wonderland–aimed to re-introduce the cult classic.
I shivered in excitement, never mind that passionate refusal to ever ever see another Barnabas show again.
A couple of weeks ago I lay abed wondering, hey, when is it coming out? Wasn’t it supposed to preview in April or May?
The next day, unbidden, our daughter sent a photo. A sign on New York streets proclaimed its arrival on May 11th. Wa Hoo!
Oh be still our shadowed hearts…
On May 12th, Barry and I drove breathlessly up to Houghton to See. (OK, neither of us were breathless. But I did say, “Do you think there will be long lines?” I warned him not to expect anything like our original Dark Shadows. He raised a long-suffering eyebrow.)
About twenty-five or thirty of us gathered in the darkened theater to watch. Oh, my dear readers and Dark Shadows fans–what a hoot!
I laughed with utter glee, out loud, at least sixteen times. Barry chuckled enthusiastically.
What tickled the funny bone, you ask?
Our prize tickets
It’s the clash of Barnabas awakening two hundred years later in a new culture leaning down to touch asphalt, meeting dope-smoking hippies, grooving to Jimi Hendrix.
The Carpenter’s singing “I’m on top of the world” on a TV as Barnabas stares, mesmerized, at the unknown audacity of a television.
Barnabas despairs, “What sorcery is this?” as Karen Carpenter chirps her cheerful 1970’s anthem. “Reveal yourself, tiny sorceress!” he shouts before–but, no, I can’t tell you any more. You’ll have to wait and laugh yourself.
If you were sitting in the movie theater with buttered or plain salty popcorn surely you might be laughing until tears coursed down your cheeks like yours truly and the seven other baby-booming movie-goers who roared appreciatively, thrilled at lava lamps and giggled at Alice Cooper’s guest appearance during a “ball” at Collingwood singing “No more Mister Nice Guy”.
Alice is scarier than Barnabas. Yes, she is. I mean, yes, he is.
The entire movie pulses with pure parody, humor and irony.
We both liked it.
OK, I didn’t like the destruction, the smashing of glass, the burning of edifices, the crazy Chevy Chase-like tomfoolery. But that seems to come with Big Screen antics these days.
I also dislike vampires and fail to understand why blood-sucking murder of villagers can possibly be worthy of watching. Even though violence of any sort turns this tummy. Even though horror films seem personally unappealing.
It wasn’t deep, serious, romantic or thought-provoking.
I’d blame it on the elementary child still fascinated in the labyrinth of this personality, but how can that explain Barry’s peaked interest?
Who would have thought we Upper Peninsula residents could see the new Dark Shadows movie? I thought we’d have to travel four hours south to Green Bay for sure.
I do wonder, though, how the movie entertains those who knew not Barnabas back in the 1960’s, who never raced home from school to gape at his cane and ruby ring and coffin. What thinketh the modern young folk of this vampire legend? Are they laughing? Did Johnny carry our hero into the twenty-first century so that he might return again and again and yet again in the hearts of our children?
Or are folks whining about the silliness of this film, annoyed, bored, dismayed that it is nothing like the original series?
Keep your eyes open. You never know when and where that white-faced blood-sucking vampire is going to show his face.
I’ll probably be there if he resurrects yet again…maybe…
What about you? Did you watch the TV series? Any intention of watching the new film?
Have you ever enjoyed something that seems totally out of character with the rest of your personality?
Lake Superior Spirit 
Perfect Drive-In Movie! A drive in is here in Hazard!
Seriously, Bobz? I haven’t been to a drive-in for decades! I am definitely putting that on my ‘When Next In Kentucky’ List! 🙂
Bobz, this would indeed be a fun drive-in movie. Most of the drive-in movies in Michigan closed long, long ago…about the time Barnabas was chained in his coffin…ha ha!
I hope you can see a film at our drive in…you Reg, Richard, myself, Dana Daniel, a whole crew together
Gosh, Bobz, wouldn’t that be wonderful???
Oh, ditto ditto ditto!!! The whole crew together, that would be totally wild! 😀
But who is Dana, Daniel?
Dana is Bobz’s amazing wife, and Daniel is their talented son. 🙂
Thank you, Reggie! Sounds like a drive-in blast–whatever movie we see!
Yep, it certainly will be!
I never watched it in my youth – but after your descriptions, I’m of a mind to check it out. Same with the movie. But I think you’re right, you need a connection from your past DS enjoyment to enjoy the silliness of today’s movie. But then again, maybe not. There’s a dark fascination for the ‘other,’ obviously seeing the success of Twilight, etc. Like you, I have no desire to read (or meet) about vampires. But I’m always willing to wonder about worlds other than the one we possess. I love your description of your introduction to Dark Shadows.
I am glad you enjoyed this roughwighting. I loved writing about it and reviewing the Dark Shadows connections in my life. There does seem to be a dark fascination for the “other” which probably does explain the vampire syndrome. Like you, I think it’s fascinating to contemplate “other worlds”. Thank you for commenting.
Hockey. I love hockey.
Yes, indeed, that sounds like “one of those” strange interests, Gerry. I have another friend who adores hockey, too. She’s a professor of religion, and it seems to out of character to think of her cheering wildly at hockey games.
. . . and waving a rally towel. Can’t leave that out.
🙂
I spent five minutes choosing the best Vampire Smiley Face on the internet, then realized I couldn’t insert it in the reply … duh
Awww darn, John, I probably would have laughed. OK, I’m smiling just thinking of you spending five minutes searching for it. How about a vampireless smile for you? 🙂
Good Morning Kathy!
I remember watching some of the episodes of Dark shadows in my youth but was never “hooked” on any TV…Mom and Dad would never allow that much TV watching by us kids. Your very lively and colorful description makes me want to find the old episodes and watch them…and then perhaps see the new version.
You ask if we’ve ever enjoyed something totally out of character for our personality…well…my sister has exposed to me to all sorts of movies that would never be on my “let’s see this” list. And I have to admit, that some of them were quite enjoyable. Some of the enjoyment comes from watching the excitement in my sister as she watched the movie!
I hope you had a wonderful Mother’s Day Kathy! ♥ How’s Barry doing these days? Has he been out fishing yet? 🙂
You didn’t get hooked, Brenda? I’m not sure whether to feel sad or offer congratulations! 🙂 Isn’t it fun to have friends or relatives nudge us out of our boxes? Glad your sister introduced you to some fun movies. Thank you for the Mother’s Day wish, and here’s a Big One your way, too! Barry’s knee is gradually improving, although if he works it too hard then he’s still in a bit of pain. No fishing yet. Maybe in June or July? He gets his second knee done the end of July. Thank you for asking.
Oh my gosh Kathy, I remember running home from school to watch Dark Shadows (followed by The Wild Wild West). Thank you for resurrecting those fun memories!
Aha! Another Dark Shadowee! Just think of all those old shows. Did you ever sing the Mickey Mouse club song? M-I-C-K-E-Y MOUSE!
Have never watched Dark Shadows, and probably won’t see this movie, although I do like Johnny Depp. Maybe I should see if the old series is on the Netflix Instant Watch, maybe that would change my mind.
I always hesitate to recommend it to anyone, Carol–either the old series OR the new movie. I can’t fathom who would hate them or love ’em. You could always rent a series on Netflix and see if it tickles your gothic bone?
Maybe Barnabas, Edward, Damon and Stefan could appear in a movie together. It could have some interesting comedic possibilities. Or at least a Saturday Night Live parody skit. 😉
OK, Ms. Eagle-Eye, I am going to reveal my vampiress cluelessness now. Are Edward, Damon and Stefan fellow vampires? I am thinking they might be from Twilight? If so, yep, I can just imagine it!
Edward is from Twilight; Damon and Stefan are from The Vampire Diaries. Damon and Stefan are brothers who got “sired” about the same time. Personally, I prefer Damon. He’s a smart-mouthed bad boy who shows a strong streak of decency towards those he cares about. The actor who plays him has some hilarious one-liners. You can see ’em on YouTube.
thank you for sharing those important details. OK, now you are making me want to learn more about these blood-suckin’ boys…lol…
I remember watching Dark Shadows but wasn’t hooked on it. I was an “I Dream of Jeannie” and “Bewitched” fan (in reruns, heh). So, maybe if I go see The Three Stooges with my hubby, he’ll go see Dark Shadows with me? Nahh, don’t think I could stand the stooges. 😉
I loved I Dream of Jeannie and Bewitched, oh yes, wiggling the nose your way. OH! I have a FUNNY Three Stooges story. (It’s kinda embarrasing.) You know Barry had his knee replacement? Well his brother sent the Three Stooges. I carried on like any self-respecting wife and dutifully went to the basement whenever he played it until one day he caught me chuckling–no, laughing!–behind the couch. I swear I didn’t laugh at their silly antics. But he caught me. So don’t say you can’t stand the Stooges, cuz I can’t either… yeah, right.
My adventures with Barnabas were limited by our on again off again TV (both ownership and privileges) but it was definitely the cult classic afternoon soap opera for the school girl set. I was fascinated by what I did see. I have debated watching the DVD’s because I know there’s a lot of TV time and I’ll get hooked hard. You make the movie sound promising, and it goes without saying I love Johnny Depp.
Yep, you might get hooked hard–at least for a little while–if you start watching again. I especially found Victoria’s trip back to the 1700’s fascinating. Never did catch up to Quentin and the werewolf set. The movie was funny to us. I don’t know about the general populace. I just started grinning, remembering it once again.
Kathy, you are now the official historian of “Dark Shadows!” I definitely remember watching some episodes in junior high but never got into a routine with it. I may go see the movie if I can drag my husband along with me. After all, if Johnny Depp is in it . . .
I shall wear my badge proudly, Patty. You had to be serious about the Dark Shadows routine to get into the movie. Otherwise you’d miss valuable parts and never quite catch on. And you know how many other promising things there were to do after school?
I’m writing a violent vampire-inspired screenplay right now. Mother of two, seeker of balance and Fantasy Thriller writer? Really? Well, my mother always said, whatever you say you’ll never do, you’ll end up doing on the courthouse steps. Thank you for this post, Kathy, it reminded me that we are all surprises to ourselves.
Go figure, littlestoryblog! I am laughing at what your mother said. Gosh, a bit of motherly wisdom. Yep, you never know what odd parts of ourselves will choose to come forth in this lifetime. (Maybe it’s part of the balance part that we’re seeking?)
Like Carol, I might have to see if it’s available for Netflix streaming. When the three Lord of the Rings movies came out, I couldn’t fathom how non-readers could follow the movie, but maybe they just followed it differently than LOTR readers. Clearly, it was a set of films that captured readers and non-readers alike. I suspect Dark Shadows is similar. With Johnny Depp’s talent, and Tim Burton’s touch, I expect I would enjoy it, even if it’s different from how you enjoy it.
Your antler shot above really is spooky, too!
Heather, we can’t compare Lord of the Rings to this new Dark Shadows movie, oh no. LOTR contained such depth. This film probably won’t attract those looking for depth. It was enjoyable for us, though, go figure. Glad you liked the antler shot. I am smiling from ear to ear that you liked it!
I didn’t mean to compare the two, but rather to say that perhaps forehand knowledge isn’t necessary to enjoy the new movie.
I liked the depthless and campy Buffy the Vampire Slayer (cheesy and not at all scary), so I wouldn’t be surprised if I liked Dark Shadows. 🙂
You are so right! **grin**
Is that…. a phone booth?? I haven’t seen one of those in years!! 😉 I probably won’t go see the movie in theaters, can’t afford too many theater tickets these days (not much extra time, either). I might check it out when it becomes available for rent, I am curious about it! I never watched the TV series. I do like Johnny Depp as an actor, and in general, have always enjoyed Tim Burton movies. This one looked just a little too “iffy” for me!!
I’m very particular about what I watch – I enjoy “Being Human”, and I LOVE “The Walking Dead”, but I don’t care for many other zombie shows/flicks (well, unless it’s “Zombieland” – loved it!).
I’m not sure if there’s anything that’s really “out of character” for me – I enjoy everything from “iCarly” to “Glee” to “Walking Dead” to “Dr. Who”…… etc……!!
It IS a phone booth, Holly! Older than Barnabas himself! (chuckle, chuckle.) If you are particular about what you watch, you may not like this, Holly. I’ve never seen either The Walking Dead OR Zombieland OR (my goodness) Being Human. Smiling to think about the many facets of what interest you.
Hmmmmm. I’m not a vampire fan, myself. I never saw the show and will lively skip the movie. But your adventure sounds great. Hope you enjoyed your Mother’s Day, my friend!!
Hugs,
Kathy
I thought you might enjoy the “memoir” aspect of it, Kathy. It felt like digging back in the coffined troughs of childhood… (Had to reach waaaay back in memory to fully recall this.) Thank you and Hope you enjoyed Mother’s Day as well.
Wow, sounds like fun. I too sat mesmerized over that soap opera. I liked Barnabas well enough, but I liked the werewolf better. Now I can’t remember that character’s name or the actor, but I know that I loved the TV series Falcon Crest because he was in it. Great blog, good to read it again, and hope you had a great Mother’s Day.
Lucinda, REALLY? You were mesmerized by Dark Shadows, TOO? Wow!!! The werewolf, dear fellow, was named Quentin, although I have no idea who the actor’s name might be. Glad you paused & commented, my friend!
Yes! I love love love The Walking Dead and American Horror Story and no one can believe that I watch either one…seems completely out of line with my personality, yet I can’t get enought 🙂
Gosh, Anne, who’s to account for our renegade personalities? (Thank goodness we’re not predictable, don’t you agree?)
Yes, definitely agree!
My sister and I ran home from school every day to watch Dark Shadows. I had no idea how BAD it was! But we loved it even though our mom would roll her eyes when we turned it on.
Point of interest: When I got older, junior high school age – about three or four years after Dark Shadows met its demise – I had a Girl Scout leader who looked just like Julia Hoffman. She wasn’t a doctor of psychology and rare blood disorders like Julia was though – then again, who is?
Anyway, I’m looking forward to seeing my secret boyfriend play Barnabas Collins, the first vampire I ever loved.
Oh, Sara, we’re bosom spirits! **grin** But, truly, was it really that BAD? Oh no, why did we like it then a couple of years ago? Are we still taken in by the Blue Whale and Julia Hoffman? No, say it isn’t so! Say we must have developed SOME sophistication in our lifetime… As for your Girl Scout leader, all I can say is: I suspect Julia came out of your TV screen to say something. I’m not sure what. But, obviously, what other implausible explanation is there??
When i got back from my weekend away and saw the title of this post, I thought, “OH, NO! Mosquitoes have hatched!” I’m SO relieved to learn it’s only the vampires. I avoid scary films, and the wildest, most unbelievable horror films terrify me. I love that ability to get so much “into” the story, but have been known to call my daughter to beg, “just stay on the phone with me…so I can finish watching this DVD.” So, I doubt that I’ll watch the new film, though you made it sound like a wonderful time. As for the TV series, I LOVED it! I had nightmares throughout, but never missed it if I could help it. Thanks!
Oh, Cindy, the mosquitoes are DEFINITELY more scary than those vampire movies! And yes, sigh, they’ve hatched. Very horrific, especially if you’re in the garden. I don’t think you’d have nightmares after this movie…it’s just too unrealistic and funny. Glad to hear you enjoyed the series, too.
I remember Dark Shadows but I don’t think we were allowed to watch it. I do remember kids talking about it. Not a vampire person myself…I also liked Jeannie and Bewitched. Probably won’t watch the movie until it shows up on TV, then I can wander around and leave the room if I’m not into it. Too expensive to hope I might like it on the big screen!
It would be interesting to know if you prove to be “into” it, Dawn, without any background. Did you like Pirates of the Caribbean? I thought the movie scenario was awful, but loved Johnny Depp and laughed like crazy when most of the rest of the theater seemed silent. The Dark Shadows movie seems similar.
I never saw the original series and didn’t even realize the new movie was based on something “from before” until I read a recent review of the flick. I might go see the movie simply because I enjoy both Tim Burton and Johnny Depp. I also appreciated the fact that they wanted to portray the vampire scenes as graphic and gross. I’m not a vampire fan by any stretch, but kudos to the filmmakers for avoiding the new “underwear model” vampire type.
As far as enjoying things out of my character are concerned… um, The Bachelor? The new season of The Bachelorette starts tonight, and I’m ashamed to admit how excited I am to see it! 😉
Wow, Dana, it sounds like you know something about movies! You just tickled my funny bone thinking about Barnabas as an “underwear model”. I don’t think they could have pulled that off! Oh, do let me/us know what you think when/if you decide to see the movie! OK, you can tell us about the new Bachelor movie, too. 🙂
Ah, remembering the days when I thought that Barnabas, Quentin and Angelique were the coolest names on the planet – and wondered why I had to be stuck with such a dreary and dull common name… Sigh…
Well, I must go see “Dark Shadows” since you and Barry enjoyed it and Johnny Depp is in it. He’s the reason I wound up watching “Sleepy Hollow,” not normally my kind of movie. I was especially pleased to see Depp as scared of spiders as I am!
I saw “The Exorcist” as a teen and didn’t sleep for weeks. Swore off horror movies for good until “Sleepy Hollow,” and I had planned to leave it at that until I heard about “Dark Shadows.” Funny thing is, when I started to watch “Charlie & The Chocolate Factory” Depp’s character was so creepy I couldn’t finish watching the movie.
Oh yes! I wanted to have those kind of names, too, not Kathy, far too ordinary. Carol and I dreamed up name after name that we would name our babies. Speaking of babies, Christopher just called. He told me the reviewers are disliking this movie. Very few good reviews. They say there is no plot. I guess we didn’t notice because we already knew the “plot” from the series. It would be interesting to see if you like the movie at all. This blog may be the beginning and ending of my career as a movie critic, lol.
Bah! What do the critics know? If you say the entire movie pulses with parody, humor and irony then that is good enough for me! Will let you know if I can drag Tim to see it before they pull it from the theaters…
Kathy, we just got back from seeing “Dark Shadows” and we enjoyed it, too. Tim said he thought there was plenty of plot and also unexpected turns. I was getting carried back to the 70s by all the music and when Alice Cooper appeared I remembered something I had all but forgotten – my brief time as a fan which ended when I went to one of his concerts…. Anyhow…
I am dancing-happy that you and Tim both liked it! Barry just read another review this afternoon cutting it down and he just kept shaking his head, wondering why. It’s strange–Barry is so confident, he just knows what he likes and that’s that. I’m more iffy; if others say they don’t like something I start second-guessing my original thoughts. Would be much nicer to not let others influence me that much. What about you? Do you allow the opinions of others to change yours?
Wait a sec. I think I said this all wrong. SOMETIMES I let other people’s opinions sway me. At other times not at all. Am having trouble articulating thoughts these days…
Tim is likewise sure of his opinons, which can be exasperating at times. With me it depends. There are some things I feel very strongly about and it makes no difference what others think. But if I’m unsure about how I feel about something I tend to absorb the majority opinion of those around me, which probably explains my brief fascination with Alice Cooper! I can be pretty gullible and easily persuaded at times…
Barbara, one of my younger sisters is named Angelique. Everyone in the family and many of her friends call her Cookie, a nickname I gave her when I was just a few years old. Sometimes, even a parent’s best intentions for a child’s name get thwarted along the way.
Kathy, I’ve never seen an episode of Dark Shadows. Vampire, horror and zombie movies are all at the bottom of my ‘must watch’ list. I do enjoy Star Trek, Star Wars and MIB though.
Amy-Lynn, would you believe me if I said vampire, horror and zombie movies are at the bottom of MY “must watch” list, too? I remember liking Star Wars when it came out…at least it seemed to have deep significant meaning interlaced throughout. I know you named your sister Cookie to save her from Dark Shadows afficiandos who would have thought her a witch. Thank goodness for your child’s sensibilities! **grin**
Amy-Lynn, I’ve never encountered someone before who was actually named Angelique! You’re right about a parent’s best intentions. Our son Nathaniel was called Nat by us until he got to high school where inexplicably everyone started calling him Nate – not what we had planned! But Nate it is these days. I think “Dark Shadows” is too full of humor to be seriously scary, kind of like “The Princess Bride” in that regard.
Barbara, we wanted to name one of our sons Nathaniel too but feared that would be shortened to Nate, so we kept it as his middle name instead. We chose an Old English name, ‘Kip,’ for his first name, figuring that couldn’t possibly be shortened to anything else. Ha! My sister Cookie thought his full name was ‘Kipper’ for the longest time and he has been known affectionately as ‘Kippy’ since he was young.
I’m sure I’ll watch Dark Shadows once it is on video 🙂
Dark Shadows? Surely before my time. The popcorn sounds enticing though. Catching up with you, Kathy. I’m surprised to learn of vampires in the UP. (!!!!)
Hi Barb! I was thinkin’ of you yesterday & today, wondering what was up. Yep, I am sure Dark Shadows was before your time. 😉 It was probably before my time, too. 🙂 Any vampires in Colorado?
I hope not, but I always wear garlic around my neck…
I don’t remember this from the ’60-s and not sure whether it is here but as another non vampire lover maybe just maybe I will seek it out if and when. I do like popcorn!
Mmmm, popcorn, Claire! Please pass some. Do you like yours with butter or plain? When’s the last time you’ve been to a movie theater? We’ve gone about three or four times this year, mostly in association with Barry’s knee replacement surgery.
Why, Kathy, I never would have guessed! Ah, what secrets lie in our pasts, eh?
I will see this the 1970’s time peace as I do like Mr. Depp’s work. He has a way of pulling you into his characters.
Shhh….don’t tell anyone, Scott. lol! I hope you like it if you see it. Seems like lots of the critics are carrying on against it. I still smile remembering the laughter last weekend at the movie, though.
You know, I remember this being on, but I don’t remember ever watching it. Maybe I should give it a try on Netflix. Although it’s not like I need another obsession?
I know what you mean, Christine, about not needing another obsession. I’ve been trying to limit my obsessions lately. Guess what? Barry rototilled in the garden yesterday, just a tiny bit. It’s six weeks after his surgery. Hope your husband continues to do well. B’s second surgery is scheduled for the end of July.
That’s wonderful. Our husbands are debunking the myth that this is a bad surgery. . .I’m still not ready to sign up. I’m glad Barry, and you as a result, are both doing well. I guess you have to do one more round. Hopefully he will respond the same.
Never saw the show Kathy. But I do like Johnny Depp. He’s very talented.
Hello, Ms. Sybil! Did you see Pirates of the Caribbean? Kiah and I went to a show and laughed ourselves silly. Thought the movie was kinda dumb, but loved the humor. Guess that’s the same way I feel like Dark Shadows. You seen any good movies lately? Please share a title or six if you have. We’re always looking for good movies to rent.
I used to race home to see the show and I love Johnny Depp.
My goodness, Tammy, I am happy to meet another one who raced home. I know there’s thousands of us around the globe. All remembering our secret elementary passion…and now we can see Johnny Depp attempt to reincarnate our Barnabas.
Now I know for sure we’re of the same age. (I already knew but that sentence insisted on starting my comment.) I raced home every day to watch Dark Shadows, from beginning to end. I read all of the books they came out with based on the series. I can still hum Quentin’s Theme (Shadows of the Night). And yes, I will admit it, I am a vampire follower (but usually of the campy variety such as those seen on Buffy the Vampire Slayer).
I haven’t seen the new movie yet, but I suspect I’ll love it. No matter that it’s different from the series. I like Johnny Depp, I love campy movies, and I’m sure it will be fun. I learned a long time ago not to make comparisons when it comes to movies and originals (be it book or TV series). They are their own entity, and often any similarity is accidental. 😉
Robin, I can’t, no I can’t, believe that I had FORGOTTEN Shadows of the Night. I just listened to it and cried. It felt like a long-ago memory just remembered. Thank you, thank you, for sharing this. Powerful!
Music has a tendency to STICK in my head, Kathy. And song lyrics! I claim that as the reason why I can’t remember names, places, or what I had for lunch today. I should put everything to music and then I might remember. lol!
I went to YouTube to listen to it again, and yes… it is powerful, isn’t it? Oh and there was Josette’s Music Box and the Ode To Angelique as well.
Kathy, the idea of vampires terrified me when I was young, and maybe even now, just a little. But that being said, after reading your wonderful recollections I might be tempted to see the movie. Plus, where Johnny Depp goes, it’s easy to follow 🙂
Hope all is well on this new moon/solar eclipse weekend and that spring has settled in for good in your part of the world.
My goodness, there has been a blog REVIVAL of visitors in the last two hours! I slipped away from the computer to roast asparagus and boil pasta and watch a thunderstorm slip past to the south, and here are some of my favorite people! Happy to read that Barbara just returned from seeing it and liked it, too. Not really scary…more silly… I hope the same for you. It has been an amazing month around here, spiritually-wise. Wonder how the energy has been for you.
I missed the vampire party….here you’ll were all gathered talking about Dark Shadows (which, of course, I remember). However, I ran home everyday to listen to The Long Ranger :)! Different decades one would suppose.
I remember the Lone Ranger (long ranger? lone ranger? **grin**) Was that HI HO SILVER? We could have a whole blog talkin’ about these old shows. As for missing the vampire party, it’s never too late in blog-land…it goes on and bloody on…tee hee…
I too am not a vampire lover, but understand your early obsession- you tell a great story
Thank you! I have loved telling stories. Have been on a quiet time of retreat lately–wondering if the stories will come back or if I’ll have to just post photos from now on. 🙂
photos tell a story all of their own–do not despair
I shall not despair! 🙂 Thank you!