by David Selby
In 1967, when Barnabas Cottins first introduces himself to the present-day Collins family in episode 212, he describes himself as a cousin from
Jonathan Frid and his secretary answer fan mail.
England, the last of his line and a direct descendant of the Barnabas Collins in the foyer portrait.
Later Burke Devlin forces Barnabas to reveal that he lived with his cousin Niall Bradford on the outskirts of London. Burke investigates the story and learns that Niall Bradford died one-hundred-and’thirty years earlier, but Victoria Winters persuades Burke to stop his investigation of Barnabas.
When Barnabas meets the Collins , family in, 1897, in episode 703, he tells Judith Collins and Quentin Collins that the original Barnabas went to England in 1797 and established the English branch of the family. Quentin insists there is no English branch of the family, but Barnabas is able to persuade him that this did in fact exist.
Barnabas is preceded in 1840 by Dr. Julia Hoffman, who conspires with Ben Stokes to pass herself off as the sister of Barnabas Collins, whom she plans to
meet at Collinwood. She and Barnabas pretend to be the children of the original Barnabas, who allegedly went to England in 1797. After Barnabas arrives, he meets the family in episode 1117’ and claims that he lived in Cadogan Square in London.
In the movie House of Dark Shadows, Barnabas also introduces himself as a descendant of the original Barnabas, who supposedly moved to England and settled in Coventry. Barnabas says that the family place was destroyed during ’ the war. When he mentions he lived in Cadogan Square in London, Professor Stokes asks Barnabas if he knew ram in number 33, but Barnabas uncomfortably turns away without replying.
Cadogan Square was built upon in the middle of the 19th century. It was part of the development of Belgravia, a socially part o on Coventry is a city of some antiquity, best known for the legend of Lady Godiva who rode naked through the streets on a white horse, her nudity covered by her long blonde hair. Coventry is also known for having suffered exceptional bomb damage during World War II, which would have inspired the comment made by Barnabas.
The name “Niall Bradford” must be a precursor of Peter Bradford, who had not yet appeared when the name was mentioned; and Stokes’ query about the “Bromwells” presages the character named “Bramwell” played by Jonathan Frid in 1841 Parallel Time.
Jonathan Frid studied at the Royal Academy of Dramatic Arts in London in 1949 and then toured Britain briefly until the outbreak of the Korean War in 1950. Because the British had difficulty in pronouncing his surname, he changed it to Fridd, the name by which he was then known on stage there.
THE PETOFI BOX
The box in which the Hand of Count Petofi is kept in 1897 appears in several time periods during Dark Shadows. In the present time, it is usually located on a table in the upstairs hall at Collinwood. The hall is first seen in episode 4 with the table, on which the Petofi box sits.
The most prominent view of the Petofi box in the present time is in episode 339. Dr. Dave Woodard, deeply suspicious of Dr. Julia Hoffman’s activities, secretly enters her room hoping to find her notebook. While he searches, Mrs. Johnson, outside in the hallway, dusts around the Petofi box on the table.
The Petofi box is moved during the 1795 time period. First shown on the table in the drawing room at Collinwood, it appears in the bedroom of Barnabas Collins in the Old House while he is dying from the effects of a bat bite. The box then is seen on the table in the upstairs hall at Collinwood and later moves back to the table in the drawing room. It makes one appearance on the drawing room table just beyond the doors, in episode 238, but then returns to the front table, where it is shown during the opening voiceover in episode 458, shortly before Victoria Winters returns from the past.
During 1968, the Petofi box is shown back on the table in the upstairs hall in episode 650.
The Petofi box stands on the mantel of the drawing room in Collinwood when Barnabas arrives in 1897. Magda Rakosi brings the box containing the Hand of Count Petofi to the Old House in episode 778. She describes the box: “This is no ordinary box. Every one of these carvings has a meaning. Ancient as the gypsies. This box is very precious, Barnabas.” Magda then opens it to reveal the Hand and tells Barnabas how the Hand will lift the curse of the werewolf from Quentin Collins. Unless the Hand is in action, it is kept in this box until it is reunited with Count Petofi in episode 814. After this, the box returns to the table in the upstairs hall in episodes 924 and 956.
In 1840, in episode 1171, the Petofi box can be seen in Rose Cottage. The box appears on the table in the Collinwood drawing room in 1680 Parallel Time, during episode 1231, for its final appearance.
DARK DOCTORS
Dr. Julia Hoffman was originally meant to be Dr. Julius Hoffman. He is described in the script at the start of episode 265: “Dr. Hoffman, a man in his sixties, spare, ascetic, fine bones, with piercing eyes, is watching Maggie closely.”
However, Dr. Hoffman is not Dark Shadows’ only doctor with identity problems. Dr. Woodard, first played by Richard Woods, is twice referred to in the technical list for episode 229 as “Dr. Faulkner,” although the script itself correctly refers to him as “Dr. Woodard.” An actor named Alex was supposed to play an intern summoned by the nurse who discovers Maggie Evans missing at the end of episode 235. Instead Woodard, now played by Robert Gerringer, was obliged to appear in that scene as well as earlier in the episode. With the advent of a new actor, Dr. Woodard was given the first name of “Dave.” After Maggie is sent to Windcliff, Sam inquires about her by phone to Dr. Woodard, whom he calls “Bill” in the script for episode 263. The script was changed to “Dave” before the show was taped.
COLLINSPORT COPS
Although it was a small town, Collinsport was well supplied by law enforcement personnel, mostly in the present time. They were constantly called upon to investigate murders, attempted murders and mysterious disappearances.
Constable Jonas Carter appears in episode 23 to investigate the car crash in which Roger Collins was injured. He wears a shoulder badge that says “Sheriff” and is called “Sheriff” beginning in episode 28. Played by Michael Currie, he appears in five episodes. Elizabeth Stoddard Collins covers up David Collins’ involvement, and the case is closed in episode 32.
Sheriff George Patterson, first played by Dana Elcar, is Collinsport’s longest serving policeman. Beginning in episode 55, he investigates the murder of Bill Malloy.
Lieutenant Dan Riley, of the State Police, played by John Connell, appears in episode 143, looking into the supposed death of Laura Collins in Phoenix. Beginning in episode 148, Vince O’Brien plays Lieutenant Riley, who is joined in Phoenix by Lieutenant Costa, played by John Harkins, in episode 174.
In episode 219, Sheriff Patterson reports to Roger that cattle have been dying mysteriously. By episode 237, the sheriff has begun to investigate the disappearance of Maggie Evans. The sheriff also listens to the confession by Elizabeth that she murdered Paul Stoddard. A deputy, played by Ed Sauter, brings in Jason McGuire after his attempt to escape. The sheriff later searches for David when he is accidentally locked in the secret room of the Collins Mausoleum.
Beginning in episode 319, Sheriff Patterson helps activate Maggie’s plan to pretend that her memory has returned. When Sam Evans, supposedly drunk, carries out the plan in the Blue Whale, Willie Loomis overhears and goes to warn
Maggie about Barnabas Collins. In episode 322, Willie is shot by the police who guard her. Ed Crowley and Theodore Beniades play the two policemen. In the following episode they are joined by Deputy Dennis Johnson and the Sheriff. In episode 328, while Willie lies near death, Sheriff Patterson, now played by Vince O‘Brien, searches Willie’s room. Later, Deputy Dennis Johnson arrives to inform the sheriff and Barnabas that Willie is coming out of his coma. Episode 329 opens with a repeat of the same scene, but with Dana Elcar returning to replace O’Brien as the sheriff.
In episode 341, Sheriff Patterson, now played by Angus Cairns, accompanie
s Sam Evans when they discover that Dr. Woodard has been murdered. The investigation continues in episode 342, but the sheriff is played by Vince O’Brien. No constables are present during the episodes set in 1795.
Sheriff Patterson, still played by Vince O’Brien, returns in episode 503 to investigate the strange and frightening creature known as Adam. In the next episode, Adam is jailed; and James Shannon plays a policeman. Clifford Pellow, described in the script as a “Red-Necked Jailor,” plays a sadistic deputy who taunts Adam in jail. Adam overpowers him and escapes. In episode 505, the Sheriff, Deputy Shannon and two other deputies, played by Tom Murphy and Angie Brown, watch as Adam jumps off Widows’ Hill. After Adam’s return, Sheriff Patterson continues his investigation. In episode 556, an unnamed deputy investigates the disappearance of Tom Jennings.
When Joe Haskell becomes the victim of Angélique as a vampire, he attempts to kill Barnabas. Sheriff Patterson, now played by Alfred Sandor, investigates in episode 615. In episode 658, Sheriff Patterson, played again by Vince O’Brien, questions Joe, who hallucinates and is taken away to Windcliff Sanitarium. Sheriff Patterson is seen for the last time when he investigates the murder of Carolyn Stoddard’s friend Donna Friedlander in episode 675.
The character of Sheriff George Patterson is played by four actors, more than play any other character: Dana Elcar, Vince O‘Brien, Dana Elcar again, Angus Cairns, Vince O’Brien again, Alfred Sandor, then Vince O‘Brien yet again. Vince O’Brien also plays Lt. Riley, not to be confused with actor Ed Riley, who plays Sheriff Davenport, mistakenly listed on two scripts as Sheriff George Patterson. In the movie House of Dark Shadows, Sheriff George Patterson is played by Dennis Patrick, who plays both Jason McGuire and Paul Stoddard in the television series, each of whom is investigated by one of the sheriffs.
During 1897, three policemen are involved in capturing and guarding Quentin Collins: John Miranda in episode 786, Paul Vincent in episode 787, and Robert Warlock in 790.
During the Leviathan storyline, Deputy Davenport, played by Ed Riley, investigates the curious case of Paul Stoddard in episode 917. By episode 934, Riley has become Sheriff Davenport and continues investigating Paul’s death. In episode 935, he, Julia Hoffman and Philip Todd meet Jeb Hawkes for the first time. At the end of the episode, the sheriff takes a call from someone he calls “George,” possibly George Patterson, and is then killed by Jeb. Jeb raises Sheriff Davenport as a zombie in episode 939, and the sheriff is destroyed by the werewolf in episode 961.
While searching for Maggie Evans, Barnabas talks on the phone to Joseph Scofield in episode 942 and then describes him as a special investigator from the state capital. In episode 949, Lawrence Guthrie, Maine State Police investigator, played by Jered Mickey, questions Philip and Jeb and is later killed by the Leviathan creature.
In 1970 Parallel Time, Detective Frank Paxton, played by Stanley Grover, questions Cyrus Longworth about John Yaeger in Episode 989. After Yaeger kills Sabrina Stuart, a policeman played by Phillip R. Allen arrives to question Longworth in episode 1034. Later, Inspector Hamilton, played by Colin Hamilton, questions Quentin Collins in episode 1040 about the death of Angélique, then arrests him for the murder of Bruno Hess, but Quentin escapes. Hamilton questions everyone about the seance at which Angélique died. After the death of Angélique* posing as Alexis, Hamilton arrests Quentin in episode 1056. He and Barnabas search for Julia Hoffman in Episode 1057 after she has been hidden by Angélique.
In 1995, Barnabas and Julia attempt to learn what caused the destruction of Collinwood. The sheriff, played by Don Crabtree, suggests to Julia and Barnabas that they leave town. Later the sheriff investigates the death of Carolyn. Barnabas kills the sheriff when he finds his secret has been discovered.
In episodes 1156 and 1157, set in 1840, Constable Jim Ward, played by Roger Hamilton, arrests Quentin for the murder of Randall Drew.
NAME CALLLING
Actors made some interesting mistakes in speaking names. “Barnabas” presented special difficulty. Quentin Collins calls him “Barnabas Cousins” in episode 710, and Sam Evans calls him “Barnabas Conrad” in episode 255. Lamar Trask refers to him as “Barnabas Collums” in episode 1172, and Hallie Stokes says “Doctor Barnabas” in episode 1081, perhaps referring back to the scene in which Willie Loomis comes out of his coma and Barnabas confirms Willie’s suspicions that he is indeed a doctor. Willie calls him “Barnus” in episode 560, as does David Collins in episode 767. Elizabeth Collins Stoddard calls him “Barnass” in episode 281, and Doctor Dave Woodard calls him “Barnabies” in episode 337. In episode 288, Doctor Julia Hoffman calls him “Barnas-bas.”
Victoria Winters is called “Miss Collins” by Peter Bradford in episode 433, by Doctor Eric Lang in episode 466, and by Judge Hanley in episode 452. Nicholas Blair calls her “Miss Monte” in episode 523. Carolyn Stoddard is called “Carolyn Collins” by Joe in episode 512. Barnabas calls Carolyn “Barrett” in episode 659, calls her “Vicki” in episode 553, and calls Chris Jennings “Car-Chris” in episode 944. Carolyn’s friend Donna Friedlander, in her first speaking line, calls Carolyn “Don-carolyn” in episode 674.
David calls Dr. Woodard “Dr. Hoffman” in episode 318, and Burke does the same in episode 335. Elizabeth refers to “Dr. Kaufman” in episode 571.
Joshua Collins speaks of “Reverend Task” in episode 383, and Barnabas does the same in episode 1179/80, but referring to Lamar Trask, who is not a reverend, in 1840.
Edward Collins refers to Dirk Wilkins as “Wilson” in episode 712. Naomi Collins speaks of “Peter Brandon” in episode 434. Barnabas refers to “Professor Strokes” in episode 498. In episode 1154/5, in 1840, Edith Collins speaks of “Randolph” referring to Randall Drew. In episode 1048, Barnabas calls Inspector Hamilton “Doctor Hamilton.” Cyrus Longworth speaks of the body of Larry Chase, combining it with that of Horace Gladstone by calling it “Horace Chase.” In episode 669, Maggie Evans speaks of Chris Jennings when she means Tom Jennings.
Bruno calls Sky “Jeb” in episode 974; Joshua calls Naomi “Millicent” in episode 452; Amanda Harris calls Quentin “Tim” in episode 847; Edward calls Laura Collins “lawyer” in episode 730; Count Petofi calls Edward “Charles” in episode 834; Julia calls Maggie “Julia” in episode 608; Carolyn calls Joe Haskell “David” in episode 311; and Judith calls Carl Collins “Dirk” in episode 771.
In episode 456, in a scene between Vicki and Naomi, each refers to Daniel as “David.” Barnabas calls Amy “Carolyn” in episode 667 and calls Sebastian “Quentin” in episode 1108. In episode 20, Sam calls Burke “Roger.”
THE OTHER SEAVIEW
Victoria Winters’ dream house, a typical New England saltbox, is named Seaview, the same name given to the actual New England mansion which serves as the exterior of Collinwood.
After Vicki raves about the house, she goes with Barnabas Collins and Burke Devlin to explore it in episode 294. They find it deserted but in perfect condition. Barnabas goes upstairs and returns with a handkerchief which bears the initials F McA C. He presents it to Vicki, who is fascinated, wondering to whom it might have belonged.
Burke asks Elizabeth Collins Stoddard to sell him Seaview, part of the Collins real estate holdings. In episode 298, Burke, Elizabeth and Carolyn Stoddard visit it. Elizabeth agrees to sell it to Burke but then learns of a legal impediment. In episode 335, Liz reveals that its last owner was Caleb Sayers Collins, whose will stipulated that only a Collins could live in the house for one hundred years after his death. Elizabeth cannot break the will but plans to present the house to Burke and Vicki when the time is up in five years. Meanwhile Elizabeth offers the West Wing as a place for them to live. But Burke’s death in a plane crash in Brazil prevents these plans from coming to fruition. Neither the handkerchief nor Seaview is ever mentioned again.
SHADOWS BITS
Joan Bennett, a top motion picture actress of the 1930s-1950s, was one of the first major film performers from Hollywood’s Golden Era to join daytime television.
; Henry Baker, who played the gypsy Istvan during 1897, had a featured role in Seizure, the Oliver Stone film starring Jonathan Frid which was made in Quebec soon after Dark Shadows finished its run.
Episode 497, which occurs during the dream curse, was taped the day before it was broadcast. The episode includes David Collins’ dream, and a note on the script reads, “Too long—cut one door for David.”
A telephone is visible in the Old House only during 1970 Parallel Time. In episode 1034, it is on the tall desk in the drawing room, and in episode 1051 it is on the small table in the foreground of the drawing room.
In 1966, Kathryn Leigh Scott wears a short, light wig in episode I when she greets Victoria in the Collinsport Inn restaurant. She continues to
Joan Bennett began her career as a blonde and then went brunette. One of her famous co-stars—from Green Hell—was Douglas Fairbanks, Jr.
