News

“Love is stronger than death… even than life.”

Twenty-five years before Bram Stoker revolutionized the world of horror with his iconic novel Dracula, another sensual vampire was drifting into the moonlit bedchambers of society’s upper crust. First appearing in a 1871 edition of the literary magazine The Dark Blue, Carmilla, a.k.a. Mircalla, Countess Karnstein, preys upon unsuspecting young women in the crumbling castles of the Austrian countryside. Despite never gaining the ubiquity of Stoker’s dark antagonist, Sheridan Le Fanu’s gothic novella Carmilla is one of the world’s first examples of vampiric literature and helped to establish the archetype of the lesbian vampire. Belgian director Harry Kümel combines this foundational text with the true story of Hungarian serial killer Elizabeth Báthory to create another sinister seductress in his 1971 erotic horror film Daughters of Darkness.

Newlyweds Stefan (John Karlen) and Valerie (Danielle Ouimet) are still enjoying the...

Mad About You might have sharply focused on the relationship between Paul and Jamie Buchman, but those closest to the couple were integral to the show’s success. Paul and Jamie’s friends and family made regular appearances. Those appearances wove a rich tapestry of interconnected storylines that made the show special. Jamie’s best friend and former boss, Fran Devanow, portrayed by Leila Kenzle, was an important fixture in the original series. Jamie’s sister, Lisa Stemple, and Paul’s cousin, Ira Buchman, were equally important. Lis and Ira both returned for the 2019 reboot. Fran, however, was nowhere to be found. There was a good reason for that. Leila Kenzle retired from acting after Mad About You.

Fran Devanow and Jamie Buchman | Alice S. Hall/NBCU Photo Bank Leila Kenzle found a new career following the success of ‘Mad About You’

Fans of the series felt Kenzle’s absence...

Horror icon Barbara Crampton discusses a few of her favorite movies with hosts Josh Olson and Joe Dante.

Show Notes:

Movies Referenced In This Episode

Re-Animator (1985)

Body Double (1984)

Jakob’s Wife (2021)

The Court Jester (1955) – John Landis’s trailer commentary, Randy Fuller’s wine pairings

The Adventures Of Robin Hood (1938)

The Three Musketeers (1974) – Josh Olson’s trailer commentary

The Matrix (1999)

Bound (1996)

Eyes Without A Face (1962) – Sam Hamm’s trailer commentary, Dennis Cozzalio’s review, Glenn Erickson’s Blu-ray review

Halloween (1978) Adam Rifkin’s trailer commentary, Randy Fuller’s wine pairing, Alex Kirschenbaum’s film power rankings, Alex Kirschenbaum’s timeline power rankings

All About Eve (1950)

Terminator 2: Judgment Day (1991) – Glenn Erickson’s Blu-ray review

Alien (1979) – Josh Olson’s trailer commentary, Randy Fuller’s wine pairings

Relic (2020)

Anything For Jackson (2020)

The Haunting (1963) – Dan Ireland’s trailer commentary

Strait-Jacket (1964) – David DeCoteau’s trailer commentary

The Silence Of The Lambs (1991) – Allan Arkush’s trailer commentary,...

Sacrificing oneself for love is a too cute and too familiar interaction thrown in movies like strawberry jam. It is simple, ordinary, and expected. Romance in horror films, however, is chaotic, bloody, and revolting. Horror and eroticism are an unexpected sweetness, so go ahead and serve that with your morning toast. Monsters have indulged in romance with mortals as we have seen in The Creature from the Black Lagoon (1954) to more recent movies like The Shape of Water (2017). It’s a classic story about a beautiful woman and a hideous beast, but even cinema changed the familiar storyline.

The 1970s opened an endless coffin of vampire films about love, sexuality, and the survival of the fittest. Open relationships, casual sex, gender fluid romances, and bloodthirsty villains painted the theater towns crimson red. The decade brought light to cultural issues that never seemed to be reflected on the mirrors of prior vampire films.

Cagney & Lacey stars Sharon Gless and Tyne Daly will guest on the Stars in the House livestream this month, the latest in the YouTube channel’s popular reunion episodes.

The Cagney & Lacey livestream, which like all episodes raises money for The Actors Fund, is set for Wednesday, April 14 at 8 pm Et.

“It is an honor to help The Actors Fund,” said Gless in a statement. “It is comprised of the best in our business in all fields. These are difficult times. We need to laugh. And make some money.”

Gless and Daly will be joined by costar Martin Kove, who played detective Victor Isbecki on the 1982-88 CBS police drama.

The cast members are expected to discuss the classic crime series with Stars in the House...

Even though Sunday’s SAG Awards ceremony will be shortened to just one pre-taped hour on TNT and TBS, the special In Memoriam segment will still be a highlight. Since the 2020 event aired on January 19, it will be over 14 months until the one on April 4. That means even more actors, actresses and members of SAG/AFTRA will hopefully be honored than the 40 people in the tribute last year.

Chadwick Boseman died last August and is a four-time nominee for the Screen Actors Guild Awards on Sunday. The two individual nominations are for his leading role in “Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom” and his supporting performance in “Da 5 Bloods.” Those two films also are nominated for the top ensemble category.

Oscar winners who have died in the past 14 months include Sean Connery, Olivia de Havilland, Cloris Leachman and Christopher Plummer. Academy Award nominees include Boseman, Kirk Douglas, Hal Holbrook, Ian Holm,...

Finally, a horror shocker that needs to make no excuses! Harry Kümel’s interpretation of the Elizabeth Báthory legend excels in all departments and succeeds in each of its aims. Erotic Eurohorror meets Sternbergian visual decadence, making a vivid (and bloody) statement about classic screen exoticism. Given the full glamour treatment, silky Delphine Seyrig is striking as the deceptively congenial vampire queen. It’s a rare throwback to the beginnings of erotic Eurohorror — sex and death, together again! Blue Underground takes the leap to 4K Ultra HD and stacks the extras with key interview content, and a soundtrack CD.

Daughters of Darkness

Ultra-hd + Blu-ray + CD

Blue Underground

1971 / Color / 1:66 widescreen / 100 min. / Le Rouge aux Lèvres, Les Lèvres Rouges Street Date October 27, 2020 / 59.95

Starring: Delphine Seyrig, John Karlen, Danielle Ouimet, Andrea Rau, Paul Esser.

Cinematography: Eduard van der Enden

Film Editors: Denis Bonan, Gust Verschueren

Original Music: François de Roubaix

Written by Pierre Drouot,...

This article contains House of Dark Shadows spoilers.

In 1970 House of Dark Shadows flipped the vampire subgenre on its head. While certainly a B-horror in the Hammer mold, this chiller wasn’t satisfied with one bloodsucker, or even two. Instead Dark Shadows would turn nearly its whole cast into the ravenous undead, indiscriminately slaughtering beloved heroes and heroines, not caring for a second that they were also the stars of a daytime soap opera—one that was appointment TV for millions of kids across America.

Clearly it was a different time. And therein lies its charm.

When the television series Dark Shadows premiered in 1966, it wasn’t an instant pop culture phenomenon. Creator Dan Curtis was savvy enough to see the appeal in a daytime melodrama draped in a Gothic aesthetic, but he didn’t yet have the necessary hook for his central character as she stepped off a train in New England.

With Halloween approaching quickly, we have one final round of home media releases headed our way this week in case you’re looking to pick up some last-minute films to check out this spooky season. Blue Underground is releasing Daughters of Darkness in 4K this Tuesday, and Severin Films is keeping busy with an array of titles, including The Black Cat, Patrick Still Lives, and Shock Treatment.

Vinegar Syndrome also has quite the lineup of films coming home this week, including Grave Robbers, Memorial Valley Massacre, Zombie 5: Killing Birds, and several Amityville sequels. Arrow Video is also showing some love to both Cold Light of Day and The Last Starfighter, and if you’re a big fan of The Monster Squad, you’ll definitely want to check out the Wolfman’s Got Nards documentary.

Other releases for October 27th include Scary Tales, Spine Chiller, Weedjies: Halloweed Night, Attack of the Unknown,...

“Love is stronger than death… even than life.”

Limited Collector’s Edition of Daughters Of Darkness includes 4K Uhd Blu-ray, Blu-ray, Soundtrack CD, collectable booklet, reversible sleeve, and 3D lenticular slipcover (First Pressing). Blu-ray features 1080p HD Resolution and DTS-hd Master Audio Uhd features 2160p Ultra HD Resolution and Dolby Vision Hdr, with Dolby Atmos and DTS-hd Master Audio. Check out this trailer for the restoration:

International screen icon Delphine Seyrig (Last Year At Marienbad) stars as Elizabeth Bathory, an ageless Countess with a beautiful young ‘companion’ (Goth goddess Andrea Rau) and a legendary legacy of perversion. But when the two women seduce a troubled newlywed couple (Canadian beauty Danielle Ouimet and John Karlen of Dark Shadows and Cagney & Lacey), they unleash a frenzy of sudden violence and depraved desire that shocked both art house audiences and grindhouse crowds worldwide.

Co-written and directed by Harry Kümel, Daughters Of Darkness remains...

The Emmys’ In Memoriam segment Sunday left out a number of actors we lost in 2020, but the Television Academy hasn’t entirely overlooked them. Nick Cordero, Chi Chi DeVayne, Kobe Bryant, Shelley Morrison, Honor Blackman, and soap actors Roscoe Born, John Callahan, Marj Dusay and John Karlen are among the many names included in a more comprehensive roster on the Academy’s website.

Some of the names, including Morrison, actress Kelly Preston and Saturday Night Live‘s music producer Hal Willner, were represented in a not-particularly easy-to-read memorial segment during the Creative Arts ceremonies last week (see it below) but didn’t make the shorter roster on the Emmys broadcast Sunday.

The comprehensive scrolling roster includes performers whose body of work fell largely in other areas of entertainment – Cordero, Zoe Caldwell, Mark Blum and Brent Carver from the stage, Fleetwood Mac founder Peter Green from music, Honor Blackman from film...

Many TV legends and contributors were included for the “In Memoriam” segment on Sunday’s Primetime Emmy Awards ceremony for ABC. But producers are always forced to omit some of the 100+ insiders who died since the last ceremony. Who was left out of the group that was honored?

With dozens of television veterans having died since last year’s mid-September ceremony, people certainly included were these six TV Academy Hall of Fame members:

Diahann Carroll

Leonard Goldberg (executive at 20th Century Fox and ABC; producer of “Charlie’s Angels” and more)

Jim Lehrer (anchor/reporter of “MacNeil/Lehrer NewsHour)

Regis Philbin

Carl Reiner

Fred Silverman

SEECelebrity Deaths 2020: In Memoriam Gallery

Even though he wasn’t known for his TV work, blockbuster film actor Chadwick Boseman was featured in the final slot. NBA Hall of Famer Kobe Bryant was not mentioned, even though the event was being held in the Staples Center.

For Sunday’s Primetime Emmy Awards ceremony on ABC, producers will have the always difficult task of assembling a memoriam segment. Even though the event hosted by Jimmy Kimmel will be virtual, it’s a certainty they will include the popular “In Memoriam” on the show.

With over 100 television veterans having died since last year’s mid-September ceremony, those expected to be honored would include such TV legends and TV Academy Hall of Fame members:

Diahann Carroll

Leonard Goldberg (executive at 20th Century Fox and ABC; producer of “Charlie’s Angels” and more)

Jim Lehrer (anchor/reporter of “MacNeil/Lehrer NewsHour)

Regis Philbin

Carl Reiner

Fred Silverman

SEECelebrity Deaths 2020: In Memoriam Gallery

Even though they weren’t known for their TV work, it’s very likely NBA Hall of Famer Kobe Bryant and blockbuster film actor Chadwick Boseman will be honored. Also among the dozens most likely included since they...

In addition to their 4K Ultra HD releases of movies such as Lucio Fulci's Zombie and William Lustig's Maniac, Blue Underground has announced that they're bringing Harry Kümel's 1971 vampire film Daughters of Darkness to 4K Ultra HD/Blu-ray this year as well.

Special features and a specific release date have yet to be announced for the 4K Ultra HD release of Daughters of Darkness, but according to Blue Underground's Twitter account and Blu-ray.com, it is slated for a fall release.

You can view the official cover art (via Twitter) and synopsis (via Blu-ray.com) below, and stay tuned to Daily Dead for more updates.

Synopsis: " International screen icon Delphine Seyrig (Last Year at Marienbad) stars as Elizabeth Bathory, an ageless Countess with a beautiful young "companion" (Goth goddess Andrea Rau) and a legendary legacy of perversion. But when the two women seduce a troubled newlywed couple...

Throughout 2020, we will continue to update this photo gallery with major celebrity deaths from film, television, theater and music.

The year has included the losses of honorary Oscar recipient Kirk Douglas, Oscar winner and NBA legend Kobe Bryant, Oscar-nominated writer and director Buck Henry, Oscar nominees Max von Sydow and Stuart Whitman, “Monty Python” co-founder Terry Jones, TV Hall of Fame journalist Jim Lehrer, Emmy winners John Karlen, James Lipton and Gene Reynolds, plus Rock and Roll Hall of Fame member and Rush drummer Neil Peart.

Our previous gallery from 2019 featured many names, including Oscar winner Andre Previn, Oscar nominees Doris Day, Diahann Carroll, Albert Finney, Peter Fonda, Robert Forster and John Singleton, Emmy winners Tim Conway and Rip Torn, Tony Awards champ Hal Prince, comedian and actor Bob Einstein, TV producer and writer John Falsey, actress Carol Channing, actress Katherine Helmond, actor Luke Perry, singer James Ingram and Daytime Emmy winner Kristoff St. John.

Throughout 2020, Gold Derby continues to update our photo gallery above with major celebrity deaths from film, television, theater and music. Tour through our pictures so far with the following 11 people currently featured:

Max von Sydow died on March 8 at age 90. The Swedish actor often worked with Ingmar Bergman, including in “The Seventh Seal,” “The Passion of Anna” and “Shame.” He received Oscar nominations for “Pelle the Conqueror” and “Extremely Loud and Incredibly Close” plus Emmy bids for “Red King, White Knight” and “Game of Thrones.”

SEEIngmar Bergman movies: 25 greatest films ranked worst to best

James Lipton, longtime host of “Inside the Actors Studio,” is dead at the age of 93 on March 2. He received 20 Emmy nominations for that Bravo program and won the award in 2013. He was also nominated in 1988 for an original song on a Bob Hope comedy special.

Actor Robert Conrad died on February 8 at age 84. He was the...

John Karlen, an actor who appeared in “Dark Shadows” and “Cagney & Lacey,” died of congestive heart failure on Wednesday. He was 86.

His death was reported on Twitter by the Dark Shadows News account: “We are sad to report the death of #DarkShadows actor John Karlen, who played Willie Loomis, the unforgettable foil to Barnabas Collins. John died on January 22 in hospice care in Burbank, California. He was 86 had suffered a number of health setbacks over the past decade…”

Karlen is best known for playing Willie Loomis on “Dark Shadows,” a supernatural-themed soap opera from the 1960s. He ended up playing the character over 179 episodes. He is also known for his role as Harvey Lacey in the CBS sitcom, “Cagney & Lacey,” which ran from 1982 to 1988, where he played the husband of Tyne Daly’s Mary Beth Lacey.

Also Read: Former 'Bachelorette' Contestant Tyler Gwozdz Dies at 29

Karlen was nominated...

John Karlen, the Dark Shadows actor who loosed a 200-year-old vampire from a chained coffin and two decades later won an Emmy Award for playing a detective’s husband on Cagney & Lacey, died yesterday of congestive heart failure in hospice in Burbank, California. He was 86.

Karlen’s death was announced via Twitter on the Dark Shadows News page. The actor had been in declining health for a decade. Last March, the ShadowGram Dark Shadows newsletter posted that Karlen had suffered a stroke.

Kathryn Leigh Scott, the actress-turned-author who played Dark Shadows‘ heroine (and frequent victim) Maggie Evans, has written books about the show and participated in the show’s many annual fan festivals, wrote on her blog, “Memories, memories… this morning I’m awash in memories of darling John Karlen, who left us yesterday. I’m told he passed peacefully, for which I’m grateful, but hardly seems in character for our Johnny.

Emmy-winning actor John Karlen, best known for his work on the television series “Dark Shadows” and “Cagney & Lacey,” has died. He was 86.

Karlen died Wednesday of congestive heart failure at a hospice in Burbank, Calif., his friend and spokesperson Jim Pierson told the Associated Press.

The actor played conman and scoundrel Willie Loomis on “Dark Shadows,” replacing James Hall, who had abruptly left the show after five episodes. He later played several other roles for the horror soap series that aired on ABC from 1966 to 1971. The Dark Shadows News posted about the news on Twitter.

We are sad to report the death of #DarkShadows actor John Karlen, who played Willie Loomis, the unforgettable foil to Barnabas Collins. John died on January 22 in hospice care in Burbank, California. He was 86 had suffered a number of health setbacks over the past decade… pic.twitter.com/MR0cgzvINc

— Dark Shadows News (@DarkShadowsNews...

John Karlen, the Emmy-winning actor known for his work on the gothic soap opera Dark Shadows and the CBS police drama Cagney & Lacey, has died. He was 86.

Karlen died Wednesday of congestive heart failure while in hospice care in Burbank, according to Shadowgram, a Dark Shadows newsletter.

After several turns on Broadway and on television, Karlen in 1967 was hired by the new ABC daytime serial Dark Shadows to play the trashy, soon-to-be tortured Willie Loomis, replacing James Hall, who had left abruptly after five episodes.

His character arrives in the town of Collinsport, breaks into the Collins family mausoleum and unwittingly releases ...

John Karlen, the Emmy-winning actor known for his work on the gothic soap opera Dark Shadows and the CBS police drama Cagney & Lacey, has died. He was 86.

Karlen died Wednesday of congestive heart failure while in hospice care in Burbank, according to Shadowgram, a Dark Shadows newsletter.

After several turns on Broadway and on television, Karlen in 1967 was hired by the new ABC daytime serial Dark Shadows to play the trashy, soon-to-be tortured Willie Loomis, replacing James Hall, who had left abruptly after five episodes.

His character arrives in the town of Collinsport, breaks into the Collins family mausoleum and unwittingly releases ...

1968: The Doctors' Mike returned home.

1991: Wayne Northrop returned to Days of our Lives as Roman.

2004: General Hospital debuted a new opening.

2010: Atwt's Bob revealed Nancy Hughes had passed away."History speaks to artists. It changes the artist's thinking and is constantly reshaping it into different and unexpected images."

― Anselm Kiefer

"Today in Soap Opera History" is a collection of the most memorable, interesting and influential events in the history of scripted, serialized programs. From birthdays and anniversaries to scandals and controversies, every day this column celebrates the soap opera in American culture.

On this date in...

1968: On The Doctors, Mike Powers (Peter Burnell in his debut) returned home, much to the delight of his father, Dr. Matt Powers (James Pritchett).

1968: On Dark Shadows, Barnabas Collins (Jonathan Frid) and Willie Loomis (John Karlen) went to the crypt where Tom Jennings (Donald Briscoe) kept his coffin,...

1967: Dark Shadows' Maggie saw Sarah outside the Old House.

1984: All My Children's Edna didn't want Dottie to see Tad.

1995: One Life to Live's Dorian was up to no good with Viki.

2009: EastEnders' Christian and Syed shared a kiss."History speaks to artists. It changes the artist's thinking and is constantly reshaping it into d ifferent and unexpected images."

― Anselm Kiefer

"Today in Soap Opera History" is a collection of the most memorable, interesting and influential events in the history of scripted, serialized programs. From birthdays and anniversaries to scandals and controversies, every day this column celebrates the soap opera in American culture.

On this date in...

1964: On Another World, Missy Palmer (Carol Roux) had dinner with the Matthews family.

1967: On Dark Shadows, Willie (John Karlen) returned to the Old House to check on Maggie (Kathryn Leigh Scott), who would rather be dead of...

1979: Ryan's Hope's Maeve reminisced.

1984: Guiding Light's Mindy was rushed to the hospital.

1989: The original Dynasty ended its run.

1990: Dallas' J.R. was double-crossed by James."History speaks to artists. It changes the artist's thinking and is constantly reshaping it into d ifferent and unexpected images."

― Anselm Kiefer

"Today in Soap Opera History" is a collection of the most memorable, interesting and influential events in the history of scripted, serialized programs. From birthdays and anniversaries to scandals and controversies, every day this column celebrates the soap opera in American culture.

On this date in...

1964: On Another World, Jim (Leon Janney) questioned Pat (Susan Trustman) about her date with Tom Baxter (Nicholas Pryor).

1970: On Dark Shadows, William Loomis (John Karlen) continued to interview Barnabas (Jonathan Frid) for his book.

1972: NBC aired the 2,000th episode of Another World.

1976: The 3rd Annual Daytime Emmy Awards were...

Documentary Master of Dark Shadows lovingly tells how Dan Curtis's cult hit changed TV horror.

Culture

Dark Shadows was an original. The first of its kind, there was nothing on TV like it when it first aired, and nothing on TV like it for a long time after the final stake pierced its ABC network heart. This is because the man at its center, Dan Curtis, was a madman, in the best possible way. Called the “King of TV Horror,” he also made Trilogy of Terror, Burnt Offerings, television adaptations of Frankenstein and Bram Stoker's Dracula, as well as the series Kolchack: The Night Stalker. Curtis defined TV horror for a generation.

Narrated by Ian McShane (Deadwood), the new documentary Master of Dark Shadows is more a tribute to the man who went on to make his mark with the ultra-expensive but super-successful Winds of War than the series itself.

1967: Barnabas Collins first appeared on Dark Shadows.

1978: Ryan's Hope's Pat was furious with Delia.

1985: Guiding Light's Beth and Lujack made love.

2009: One Life to Live's Talia was murdered."History speaks to artists. It changes the artist's thinking and is constantly reshaping it into d ifferent and unexpected images."

― Anselm Kiefer

"Today in Soap Opera History" is a collection of the most memorable, interesting and influential events in the history of scripted, serialized programs. From birthdays and anniversaries to scandals and controversies, every day this column celebrates the soap opera in American culture.

On this date in...

1942: The final episode of Frank and Anne Hummert's Orphans of Divorce aired on the Blue Network.

1967: On Dark Shadows, Jason confronted Willie (John Karlen) about his suspicious interest in the Collins family history. Victoria told Elizabeth that she was uncomfortable having Willie at Collinwood. Elizabeth agreed, and...

April 16th’s home media releases feature a small but eclectic array of titles, including Glass, the latest from M. Night Shyamalan, Replicas featuring Keanu Reeves, the Master of Dark Shadows documentary, and a trio of genre classics from Scream Factory: The Manitou, Grave of the Vampire, and Superstition. Other titles headed to Blu-ray and DVD this week include Cynthia and Close Calls.

Glass

Night Shyamalan brings together two of his standout original films—Unbreakable and Split— in this explosive comic book thriller. Elijah Price, also known as Mr. Glass (Samuel L. Jackson), finds David Dunn (Bruce Willis) pursuing Kevin Wendell Crumb's superhuman figure, The Beast (James McAvoy), in a series of escalating encounters. Price, armed with secrets critical to both men, emerges as a shadowy orchestrator.

Alternate Opening Deleted Scenes The Collection of Main Characters A Conversation with James McAvoy and M. Night Shyamalan Bringing the Team Back Together David Dunn vs.

1967: Dark Shadows' Jason asked patience from Willie.

1979: Guiding Light's Rita had a nightmare about Roger.

1985: As the World Turns' Bob and Kim were married.

1994: Another World's Carl planned on proposing to Rachel."History speaks to artists. It changes the artist's thinking and is constantly reshaping it into d ifferent and unexpected images."

― Anselm Kiefer

"Today in Soap Opera History" is a collection of the most memorable, interesting and influential events in the history of scripted, serialized programs. From birthdays and anniversaries to scandals and controversies, every day this column celebrates the soap opera in American culture.

On this date in...

1967: On Dark Shadows, Jason McGuire (Dennis Patrick) implored Willie Loomis (John Karlen) to wait on getting revenge against Burke Devlin (Mitchell Ryan) until after they got their money.

1979: On Guiding Light, Rita Bauer (Lenore Kasdorf) had a nightmare about Roger Thorpe (Michael Zaslow...

Mpi Media Group has officially released the trailer and announced the release date for it the highly anticipated Master of Dark Shadows, a comprehensive celebration of the legendary Gothic daytime series Dark Shadows and its visionary creator, Dan Curtis. The film will be available across digital platforms and on DVD April 16th 2019. The feature documentary, which was shot in New York, La and London, includes interviews with key actors and filmmakers involved in the undyingly popular story of vampire Barnabas Collins and all the eerie goings-on at the gloomy Maine mansion Collinwood. The documentary was directed by David Gregoryand is set to be released this spring.

Narrated by Ian McShane (Deadwood), Master of Dark Shadows offers insights from Curtis himself in addition to Oscar-winning writer-producer Alan Ball (True Blood), screenwriter William F. Nolan (Trilogy of Terror), author Herman Wouk (The Winds Of War), veteran actors Whoopi Goldberg (Ghost), Barbara Steele...

Through its initial airings and reruns of Dark Shadows, generations of horror fans spent afternoons in the formative years at the Collinwood mansion, where the vampire Barnabas Collins crossed paths with devious humans and all manner of monsters. In 2016, Dark Shadows celebrated its 50th anniversary, and now Mpi Media Group has wrapped production on Master of Dark Shadows, a new documentary featuring interviews with fans of the series and the cast members themselves. Along with announcing a release date of April 16th, Mpi Media Group has shared with us the official trailer for the upcoming documentary:

Mpi Media Group has officially released the trailer and announced the release date for it the highly anticipated Master Of Dark Shadows, a comprehensive celebration of the legendary Gothic daytime series Dark Shadows and its visionary creator, Dan Curtis. The film will be available across digital platforms and on DVD April 16, 2019. The feature documentary,...

1965: Peyton Place's Elliot learned he was a grandfather.

1971: Dark Shadows' Gabriel stabbed Kendrick.

1989: Another World's original Donna Love returned.

2004: All My Children's Bianca remembered killing Michael."History speaks to artists. It changes the artist's thinking and is constantly reshaping it into d ifferent and unexpected images."

― Anselm Kiefer

"Today in Soap Opera History" is a collection of the most memorable, interesting and influential events in the history of scripted, serialized programs. From birthdays and anniversaries to scandals and controversies, every day this column celebrates the soap opera in American culture.

On this date in...

1962: On The Edge of Night, Louise (Mary K. Wells) learned about Phil's (Ray MacDonnell) car crash, unaware that he had been replaced by a double, John Lambert (Ray MacDonnell).

1965: On As the World Turns, Chris (Don MacLaughlin) told Pa (Santos Ortega) about a rare disease that Dan had contracted,...

Tony Sokol Mar 4, 2019

Collinwood casts a long shadow in upcoming doc on Dan Curtis' supernatural soap opera Dark Shadows.

"The Collins blood always had a rather-persistant strength," Barnabas Collins said in the iconic sixties daytime drama Dark Shadows. The series will get an infusion in the upcoming documentary Master Of Dark Shadows, which celebrates of the legendary Gothic series and its visionary creator, Dan Curtis. The Master of Dark Shadows release date is April 16, 2019, when the film will be available across digital platforms and on DVD. In Mpi Media Group's first Master of Dark Shadows trailer we learn the creator of the legendary Gothic soap opera was more than his horror he wrought on daytime and nighttime TV. 

Curtis has always been slightly hidden behind the dark shadows of Dark Shadows. Yes, each episode proclaimed the daytime series was a Dan Curtis production, but that was just because he was good at it.

Through its initial airings and reruns of Dark Shadows, generations of horror fans spent afternoons in the formative years at the Collinwood mansion, where the vampire Barnabas Collins crossed paths with devious humans and all manner of monsters. In 2016, Dark Shadows celebrated its 50th anniversary, and now Mpi Media Group has wrapped production on Master of Dark Shadows, a new documentary featuring interviews with fans of the series and the cast members themselves.

Masters of Dark Shadows is slated for release this spring, and we'll be sure to keep Daily Dead readers updated as more details are revealed. In the meantime, we have the official press release with more details:

Press Release: Mpi Media Group today announced it has completed production on the highly anticipated Master Of Dark Shadows, a comprehensive celebration of the legendary Gothic daytime series Dark Shadows and its visionary creator, Dan Curtis. The feature documentary, which was shot in New York,...

1965: Peyton Place's Allison met Elliot.

1974: Days of our Lives' Addie gave birth to Hope.

1983: Gh's Bobbie was shocked to learn of Luke's death.

1994: Brookside's Beth and Margaret shared an historic kiss."History speaks to artists. It changes the artist's thinking and is constantly reshaping it into different and unexpected images."

― Anselm Kiefer

"Today in Soap Opera History" is a collection of the most memorable, interesting and influential events in the history of scripted, serialized programs. From birthdays and anniversaries to scandals and controversies, every day this column celebrates the soap opera in American culture.

On this date in...

1958: On The Edge of Night, Mike Karr (John Larkin) and Peter Dalton (Stephen Elliot) discussed the Nicholson-McGinnis case and determined they would have to be tried separately. Peter would prosecute Commissioner Wheeler Nicholson, while Mike took on newspaperman Mac McGinnis.

1965: On Peyton Place, the newly...

The 70s brought forth some well-remembered TV horror movies, that shocked impressionable kids back in the days of Watergate and Sonny & Cher. Karen Black top lines Dan Curtis’s trio of malevolent tales, all from original stories by Richard Matheson.

Trilogy of Terror

Blu-ray

Kl Studio Classics

1975 / Color / 1:37 flat television / 72 min. / Street Date October 16, 2018 / available through Kino Lorber / 29.95

Starring: Karen Black, Robert Burton, John Karlen, George Gaynes, Jim Storm, Gregory Harrison, Kathryn Reynolds, Tracy Curtis.

Cinematography: Paul Lohmann

Film Editor: Les Green

Original Music: Bob Cobert

Written by Richard Matheson, William F. Nolan

Produced and Directed by Dan Curtis

As a celebrated horror phenomenon Dan Curtis pretty much passed me by. I know that TV’s Dark Shadows entranced a generation of horror-starved TV fans, but little that I’ve seen from the producer-director made a dent with me, including his feature films and his TV movies of horror classics.

1968: The Doctors' Mike returned home.

1991: Wayne Northrop returned to Days of our Lives as Roman.

2004: General Hospital debuted a new opening.

2010: Atwt's Bob revealed Nancy Hughes had passed away."The best prophet of the future is the past."

― Lord Byron

"Today in Soap Opera History" is a collection of the most memorable, interesting and influential events in the history of scripted, serialized programs. From birthdays and anniversaries to scandals and controversies, every day this column celebrates the soap opera in American culture.

On this date in...

1968: On The Doctors, Mike Powers (Peter Burnell in his debut) returned home, much to the delight of his father, Dr. Matt Powers (James Pritchett).

1968: On Dark Shadows, Barnabas Collins (Jonathan Frid) and Willie Loomis (John Karlen) went to the crypt where Tom Jennings (Donald Briscoe) kept his coffin, but when Barnabas opened the coffin, it was empty. Jennings...

Last year, Kino Lorber Studio Classics revealed that they were bringing the beloved TV movie Trilogy of Terror to Blu-ray, and now they've revealed the release date, new artwork, and full list of special features for the new Blu-ray, including a new 4K restoration that should make the movie's possessed doll even more creepy!

Check out the new artwork by Jacob Phillips and the full list of special features below, and in case you missed it, read Scott Drebit's It Came From The Tube retrospective on Trilogy of Terror, as well as Kino Lorber's previous reveal of their upcoming Kolchak Blu-rays!

From Kino Lorber: "Coming October 2nd on DVD and Blu-ray!

Just in Time for Halloween!

Trilogy of Terror (1975) with optional English subtitles

• Brand New 4K Restoration

• New Audio Commentary by Film Historian Richard Harland Smith

• New Interview with Composer Bob Cobert

• Audio Commentary with Karen Black and writer William F. Nolan...

1979: Ryan's Hope's Maeve reminisced.

1984: Guiding Light's Mindy was rushed to the hospital.

1989: The original Dynasty ended its run.

1990: Dallas' J.R. was double-crossed by James."All true histories contain instruction; though, in some, the treasure may be hard to find, and when found, so trivial in quantity that the dry, shrivelled kernel scarcely compensates for the trouble of cracking the nut."

― Anne Brontë in "Agnes Grey"

"Today in Soap Opera History" is a collection of the most memorable, interesting and influential events in the history of scripted, serialized programs. From birthdays and anniversaries to scandals and controversies, every day this column celebrates the soap opera in American culture.

On this date in...

1964: On Another World, Jim (Leon Janney) questioned Pat (Susan Trustman) about her date with Tom Baxter (Nicholas Pryor).

1970: On Dark Shadows, William Loomis (John Karlen) continued to interview Barnabas (Jonathan Frid) for his book.

1978: Delia started talking to her dead mother on Ryan's Hope.

1981: Another World's Rachel chose to be with Mitch.

1986: Santa Barbara's Minx shot Cc when he tried to evict her family.

1994: One Life to Live's Joey returned to Llanview."All true histories contain instruction; though, in some, the treasure may be hard to find, and when found, so trivial in quantity that the dry, shrivelled kernel scarcely compensates for the trouble of cracking the nut."

― Anne Brontë in "Agnes Grey"

"Today in Soap Opera History" is a collection of the most memorable, interesting and influential events in the history of scripted, serialized programs. From birthdays and anniversaries to scandals and controversies, every day this column celebrates the soap opera in American culture.

On this date in...

1967: Erik Howell debuted as Johnny Fletcher on The Guiding Light, replacing Don Scardino in the role.

1967: On Dark Shadows,...

1983: Ryan's Hope's Pat bonded with Faith.

1984: Guiding Light's Alan attempted to escape from San Rios.

1990: Hope Brady returned on Days of our Lives.

2011: One Life to Live's Viki battled with her alters."All true histories contain instruction; though, in some, the treasure may be hard to find, and when found, so trivial in quantity that the dry, shrivelled kernel scarcely compensates for the trouble of cracking the nut."

― Anne Brontë in "Agnes Grey"

"Today in Soap Opera History" is a collection of the most memorable, interesting and influential events in the history of scripted, serialized programs. From birthdays and anniversaries to scandals and controversies, every day this column celebrates the soap opera in American culture.

On this date in...

1961: On The Edge of Night, Mike Karr (John Larkin) spared with District Attorney Austin Johnson (Larry Weber) at Judith Marceau's (Joan Harvey) murder trial.

1967: Dark Shadows' Jason discovered bite marks on Willie's arm.

1978: Ryan's Hope's Pat wanted a divorce from Delia.

1983: General Hospital's Holly & Robert shared a dance.

2007: Jessica Leccia debuted as Natalia on Guiding Light."All true histories contain instruction; though, in some, the treasure may be hard to find, and when found, so trivial in quantity that the dry, shrivelled kernel scarcely compensates for the trouble of cracking the nut."

― Anne Brontë in "Agnes Grey"

"Today in Soap Opera History" is a collection of the most memorable, interesting and influential events in the history of scripted, serialized programs. From birthdays and anniversaries to scandals and controversies, every day this column celebrates the soap opera in American culture.

On this date in...

1938: Radio serial Your Family and Mine premiered. "Share the hopes and fears, the loves and triumphs of the Wilbur family in this thrilling story-Your Family and Mine.

1967: Barnabas Collins first appeared on Dark Shadows.

1978: Ryan's Hope's Pat was furious with Delia.

1985: Guiding Light's Beth and Lujack made love.

2009: One Life to Live's Talia was murdered."All true histories contain instruction; though, in some, the treasure may be hard to find, and when found, so trivial in quantity that the dry, shrivelled kernel scarcely compensates for the trouble of cracking the nut."

― Anne Brontë in "Agnes Grey"

"Today in Soap Opera History" is a collection of the most memorable, interesting and influential events in the history of scripted, serialized programs. From birthdays and anniversaries to scandals and controversies, every day this column celebrates the soap opera in American culture.

On this date in...

1942: The final episode of Frank and Anne Hummert's Orphans of Divorce aired on the Blue Network.

1967: On Dark Shadows, Jason confronted Willie (John Karlen) about his suspicious interest in the Collins family history.

1967: Dark Shadows' Jason asked patience from Willie.

1979: Guiding Light's Rita had a nightmare about Roger.

1985: As the World Turns' Bob and Kim were married.

1994: Another World's Carl planned on proposing to Rachel."All true histories contain instruction; though, in some, the treasure may be hard to find, and when found, so trivial in quantity that the dry, shrivelled kernel scarcely compensates for the trouble of cracking the nut."

― Anne Brontë in "Agnes Grey"

"Today in Soap Opera History" is a collection of the most memorable, interesting and influential events in the history of scripted, serialized programs. From birthdays and anniversaries to scandals and controversies, every day this column celebrates the soap opera in American culture.

On this date in...

1967: On Dark Shadows, Jason McGuire (Dennis Patrick) implored Willie Loomis (John Karlen) to wait on getting revenge against Burke Devlin (Mitchell Ryan) until after they got their money.

1965: Peyton Place's Elliot learned he was a grandfather.

1971: Dark Shadows' Gabriel stabbed Kendrick.

1989: Another World's original Donna Love returned.

2004: All My Children's Bianca remembered killing Michael."Whoever wishes to foresee the future must consult the past; for human events ever resemble those of preceding times. This arises from the fact that they are produced by men who ever have been, and ever shall be, animated by the same passions, and thus they necessarily have the same results."

― Machiavelli

"Today in Soap Opera History" is a collection of the most memorable, interesting and influential events in the history of scripted, serialized programs. From birthdays and anniversaries to scandals and controversies, every day this column celebrates the soap opera in American culture.

On this date in...

1962: On The Edge of Night, Louise (Mary K. Wells) learned about Phil's (Ray MacDonnell) car crash, unaware that he had been replaced by a double,...

1965: Peyton Place's Allison met Elliot.

1974: Days of our Lives' Addie gave birth to Hope.

1983: Gh's Bobbie was shocked to learn of Luke's death.

1994: Brookside's Beth and Margaret shared an historic kiss."History is a vast early warning system."

― Norman Cousins

"Today in Soap Opera History" is a collection of the most memorable, interesting and influential events in the history of scripted, serialized programs. From birthdays and anniversaries to scandals and controversies, every day this column celebrates the soap opera in American culture.

On this date in...

1958: On The Edge of Night, Mike Karr (John Larkin) and Peter Dalton (Stephen Elliot) discussed the Nicholson-McGinnis case and determined they would have to be tried separately. Peter would prosecute Commissioner Wheeler Nicholson, while Mike took on newspaperman Mac McGinnis.

1965: On Peyton Place, the newly paroled Elliot Carson (Tim O'Connor) met Allison Mackenzie (Mia Farrow) at the Book Gallery,...

Dark Shadows fans are getting a Halloween treat. In honor of the show's 50th anniversary, several of the original castmembers are reuniting later this month in Hollywood.Created by Dan Curtis and developed by Art Wallace in 1966, the gothic soap centered on the lives of the wealthy Collins family. Soon, the series introduced more supernatural elements, like that of Barnabas Collins (Jonathan Frid), a 175-year-old vampire who wakes up in the present day. The cast also included Joan Bennett, Louis Edmonds, Nancy Barrett, Thayer David, and John Karlen.Read More…...

Sink your teeth into this. Fifty years ago today, ABC debuted the gothic soap opera Dark Shadows.

Created by Dan Curtis and developed by Art Wallace, the drama centered on the lives of the wealthy Collins family. Soon, the series introduced more supernatural elements, like that of Barnabas Collins (Jonathan Frid), a 175-year-old vampire who wakes up in the present day. The cast also included Joan Bennett, Louis Edmonds, Nancy Barrett, Thayer David, and John Karlen.

Read More…...

Top 100 horror movies of all time: Chicago Film Critics' choices (photo: Sigourney Weaver and Alien creature show us that life is less horrific if you don't hold grudges) See previous post: A look at the Chicago Film Critics Association's Scariest Movies Ever Made. Below is the list of the Chicago Film Critics's Top 100 Horror Movies of All Time, including their directors and key cast members. Note: this list was first published in October 2006. (See also: Fay Wray, Lee Patrick, and Mary Philbin among the "Top Ten Scream Queens.") 1. Psycho (1960) Alfred Hitchcock; with Anthony Perkins, Janet Leigh, Vera Miles, John Gavin, Martin Balsam. 2. The Exorcist (1973) William Friedkin; with Ellen Burstyn, Linda Blair, Jason Miller, Max von Sydow (and the voice of Mercedes McCambridge). 3. Halloween (1978) John Carpenter; with Jamie Lee Curtis, Donald Pleasence, Tony Moran. 4. Alien (1979) Ridley Scott; with Sigourney Weaver, Tom Skerritt, John Hurt. 5. Night of the Living Dead (1968) George A. Romero; with Marilyn Eastman,...

The success of the first Dark Shadows film had Dan Curtis once again returning to Collinwood. However this time he wouldn.t have his vampire star. The result is more let down by editing scissors than the absence of Barnabas Collins. Quentin (David Selby) Collins and his wife Tracy (Kate Jackson) have inherited the gothic estate of Collinswood. They find an expansive but decaying estate run by creepy housekeeper Carlotta (Grayson Hall) and the grave groundskeeper Gerard (Jim Storm). They.ve let a nearby house to their friends Alex (John Karlen) and Claire (Nancy Bartlett) Jenkins. Things seem to be looking up for Quentin and Tracy, but soon he is having troubling dreams of a woman named Angelique (Lara...

Cue spooky music because Barnabas Collins has risen from the grave once more, but the Johnny Depp starrer was not its first attempt at a film series. The original Barnabas comes off better as a movie since it doesn.t have a split personality. Willie Loomis (John Karlen) is looking for buried treasure, but what he finds is a coffin. When he opens it he unleashes cursed vampire Barnabas Collins (Jonathan Frid) from his 150 year slumber. Barnabas returns to his ancestral home with Willy as his slave and ingratiates himself with his relations, Elizabeth (Joan Bennett), her daughter Carolyn (Nancy Barnett), and her brother Roger (Louis Edmonds), but poses as a long lost cousin and moves into the...