Terror at Collinwood Episode 99: Professor Timothy Eliot Stokes Character Analysis with Chad “Undead Johnny” Byers - Plus Rare Thayer David Interview

Occult scholar Professor Timothy Eliot Stokes is one of Dark Shadows’ most memorable and popular characters. Highly intelligent and with much esoteric knowledge at his disposal, the Professor is often called upon to help combat the malevolent supernatural forces at Collinwood. In this episode, Chad Byers - aka Chicago horror host Undead Johnny – joins forces with Penny Dreadful to discuss and analyze this fascinating character. Other topics include: a chat about Chad’s Etsy shop Draigenmore Adventures, the potential for DS as a tabletop role-playing game, how Chad discovered DS, and more! SPECIAL BONUS: This episode includes a very rare 1969 interview with Thayer David from the Ron Barry Show. Stick around until the end to listen to it!

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Terror at Collinwood Episode 98: Vampire Vineyards with Michael Machat

Michael and Lisa Machat are the proprietors of Vampire Vineyards, which sponsored the Dark Shadows Remembrance Weekend this past July. Michael visits the podcast to announce a special Halloween giveaway CONTEST and a discount code at vampire.com for Terror at Collinwood listeners! During the episode, Michael discusses the origins of Vampire Vineyards and Vampire Wine, touches upon his and Lisa’s newfound fandom for DS, talks about Lisa’s novel A Walk in the Sun, and explores some of the products offered at Vampire.Com and VampireSpirits.Com. Could a Barnabas Collins wine be in our future? Let Vampire Vineyards know of your interest!

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Terror at Collinwood Episode 97: Kingdom of the Dead Big Finish Audio Drama with Eric Wallace & Stuart Manning

Kingdom of the Dead is a four-part, full cast Dark Shadows audio drama released by Big Finish in 2010. The story features new supernatural adversaries such as Seraph (David Warner) and Dr. Rankin (Lysette Anthony) as well as many established DS characters such as Barnabas (Andrew Collins), Angelique (Lara Parker), Quentin (David Selby), Maggie (Kathryn Leigh Scott), Willie (John Karlen), and more! Visiting the podcast to discuss this popular Big Finish audio release are its co-writers, Eric Wallace (The Flash, Eureka, Z NationTeen Wolf) and Stuart Manning (Big Finish Dark Shadows and Doctor Who audio dramas, Remembering Jon Pertwee, Doctor Who MagazineDaytime Gothic). Listen to the creators of this epic DS story as they revisit the ins and outs of its plot and talk about what went into putting it together. Additional topics of conversation include: Creative influence of DS on Eric, followup thoughts on the end of DS as a TV series, Stuart clears up the misconception about "who kept the tapes". NOTE: The VIDEO version of this episode on YouTube includes many previously unseen photos of the Big Finish DS cast and crew. These were taken at the recording sessions during the making of Kingdom of the Dead. A few were also snapped during the recordings for London's Burning and The Night Whispers. Many thanks to Stuart Manning for sending these photos along. Pictures were taken by Eric Wallace, Darren Gross, and Stuart Manning.

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Terror at Collinwood Episode 95: Why Dark Shadows Ended with Mary O’Leary

In this must-listen/must-watch episode, Daytime Emmy and Saturn Award-winning producer and director Mary O’Leary returns to the podcast to shed light on the question that has haunted Dark Shadows fans since 1971 – WHY DID THE SHOW GET CANCELED? In addition to material she initially presented in her Jonathan Frid documentary, Mary shares information that has never been heard before, including the fact that ABC wanted to cancel another show instead of Dark Shadows. While there are still pieces of the puzzle missing, this episode helps to clear up some long-held misconceptions and may well offer the most compelling answers as to why the show met its demise. IMORTANT NOTE: The VIDEO version of this episode on YouTube features visual evidence in the form of rarely seen letters, articles, and more. Join us for this deep-dive whodunit episode that seeks to answer the question, “why was Dark Shadows canceled?”

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Terror at Collinwood Episode 94: “Dark Shadows Forever!” with Lorraine Treadwell, Rick Boissonneau, and Schuarah Sykes

Lorraine Treadwell, Rick Boissonneau, and Schuarah Sykes are original east coast Dark Shadows fans who attended and participated in many Dark Shadows Festivals and Collins Association events. In the course of attending the Festivals, they became good friends and have remained so for over 30 years. They visit the podcast to share stories about adventures and encounters with the likes of Joan Bennett, Michael Stroka, Diana Millay, Jonathan Frid, Lara Parker, Abe Vigoda, Marie Wallace, Christopher Pennock, David Selby, Nancy Barrett, Kathryn Leigh Scott, Terry Crawford, Denise Nickerson, James Storm, John Karlen, Roger Davis, Conrad Bain, Sy Tomashoff, Edith Tilles, Dick Smith, Adrian Paul, and photographer Ben Martin. Other topics include: the continued appeal of DS, the differences between Star Trek conventions and Dark Shadowsconventions, Rick’s Haunted Room at the Collins Association Halloween parties where the DS actors reprised their Dark Shadows roles as part of this unique DS-themed Haunt, the Witch’s Dungeon classic movie museum, and the book, Dark Shadows: A View of Collinsport.

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Terror at Collinwood Episode 93: Curse of Dark Shadows Graphic Novel with Craig Hurd-McKenney

NEWSFLASH! Dark Shadows returns to comics! Curse of Dark Shadows is an officially licensed graphic novel coming from Hermes Press in 2025! In this episode, comics creator Craig Hurd-McKenney (Brontës Infernal Angria, Boris Karloff Gold Key Mysteries, The Lodger), who wrote Curse of Dark Shadows, visits the podcast to give us the scoop on this thrilling new book! Topics of discussion include: Craig’s history with DS and comics, CoDS artwork by Jok and Gervaso, the setting of the story, characters who will appear in the graphic novel, plot teases, and the possibility of an ongoing DS graphic novel series from Hermes! Check out the VIDEO version of this episode on YouTube for an EXCLUSIVE look at the COVER and an INTERIOR PAGE from Curse of Dark Shadows!!!

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Terror at Collinwood Episode 92: Fanfic and Fandom with Jimmy Hutcheson

The irrepressible Jimmy Hutcheson is a stalwart Dark Shadows fan from Texas who wrote fan fiction and articles for DS fanzines such as Inside the Old House and The World of Dark Shadows. A regular attendee at Dark Shadows Festivals, Seaview Terrace parties, and pop culture events, Jimmy developed friendships with the likes of Lara Parker (Angelique from Dark Shadows) and Jonathan Harris (Dr. Zachary Smith from Lost in Space). In this episode, Jimmy shares some of his fandom memories and reads his fascinating DS fanfic story, ‘An Encounter’, originally published in Inside the Old House issue 44, November/December 1993. Other topics include: Lost in Space and Jonathan Harris, Godzilla, I-Ching wands, the 1991 Dark Shadows series, friendship with ITOH editor Dale Clark, and more!

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Terror at Collinwood Episode 91: The 1991 Dark Shadows NBC Revival Series with Dominique Lamssies and Steven Stark

Although its run was short-lived, NBC’s 1991 Dark Shadows revival series left indelible fang marks upon its fans. A beautifully produced prime-time series helmed by Dan Curtis himself, the ’91 DS featured the likes of Ben Cross, Joanna Going, Barbara Steele, Jean Simmons, Roy Thinnes, Lysette Anthony, Adrian Paul, and a young Joseph Gordon-Levitt, among many others. While the series generated much excitement among the fanbase and debuted to great success, it was unceremoniously canceled after only twelve episodes. Two of the show’s diehard fans, Dominique Lamssies and Steven Stark, who first became DS fans by way of the 1991 series, visit the podcast to help examine the show’s characters and plotlines. Other topics include: ’91 series merchandise, music, costumes, Collinwood, home video releases, turtleneck sweaters, and more!

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Terror at Collinwood Episode 89: Gold Key Dark Shadows Comics with Dr. Jeff Thompson and Nick Caputo

From November 1968 to February 1976, Gold Key Comics published 35 issues of the Dark Shadows comic book series, plus a story digest. The comic featured unique stories, adventures, and supernatural creatures not seen in the TV show. Returning to the podcast to discuss the Gold Key DS comics are noted writers, and longtime comics and DS fans, Dr. Jeff Thompson and Nick Caputo. Listen, as we choose our favorites and talk about some of the notable creators behind this memorable comic series.

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Terror at Collinwood Episode 88: James Storm & Valerie Pronio Storm Interview

Beloved by Dark Shadows fans for his portrayal of the villainous Gerard Stiles, prolific actor, photographer, and musician James Storm visits the podcast along with his wife Valerie Pronio Storm. Valerie is a retired physician, “Humanism in Medicine” award recipient, photographer, and DS fan! Listen, as Jim and Valerie share lovely stories about their passion for photography, the amazing Jim Storm Photography website, their wedding, longtime friendships and camaraderie with DS cast-mates, memories of Jim’s time on Dark Shadows, anecdotes about Jonathan Frid, Kate Jackson, Grayson Hall, David Henesy, John Karlen, Jerry Lacy, Christopher Pennock, Dan Curtis, Lela Swift, Sam Hall, Gordon Russell, and much more! SPECIAL NOTE: The video version of this episode on YouTube features over 150 photos, 85-90% of which were generously shared by Valerie! These include many photos of James and Valerie having fun times with friends, fans, and DS castmates such as Chris Pennock, Lara Parker, John Karlen, David Selby, and Kathryn Leigh Scott. Also included are many incredible photos of Valerie and Jim’s travels, most of which are available at their website! Watching the video version is highly recommended!

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Terror at Collinwood Episode 87: Dan “Marilyn” Ross DS Paperback Library Novels with Joe Escobar, Amy Roeder, & Jeff Thompson

From 1966 to 1972, Paperback Library released 32 Dark Shadows novels set in a distinct version of the Dark Shadows universe, existing apart from the events shown in the television series, along with a novelization of the film House of Dark Shadows. These were all written by the prolific Canadian author W. E. Daniel Ross aka Dan Ross, under the pen name “Marilyn Ross”. Visiting the podcast to discuss the world of the DS Ross novels are Joe Escobar, Amy Roeder, and Dr. Jeff Thompson. Join us for this in-depth conversation about the classic DS novel series.

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Terror at Collinwood Episode 84: The Dark Shadows Podcast of Questions & Answers Volume 2

Welcome to the second installment of Terror at Collinwood’s Dark Shadows Podcast of Questions and Answers! In this episode, the following questions are addressed: Why didn’t Daniel Collins know about the family secret in 1840? Did Edith Collins really die in the altered 1840? What happened to the link between Barnabas and Adam? What job did Barnabas command Willie to do in 1967? Why is David no longer afraid of Barnabas after 1795? What does the “you must intercede with Oscar” letter mean? How did Peter Bradford recognize Danielle Roget in the past when she was played by Marie Wallace instead of Erica Fitz? Sit back and listen as a mad Penny Dreadful “spackles” some of the series’ most mind-bending conundrums.
RIP legendary filmmaker Roger Corman 1926-2024

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Terror at Collinwood Episode 83: The Dark Shadows Podcast Summit

Welcome to the Dark Shadows Podcast Summit where the hosts of four DS podcasts come together for a convivial roundtable discussion! Christen Pierce and Cara Tillitz of Between the Shadows, Alan James Gallant of Collinsport After Dark, and Jule T. Saynes, Gordon Dymowski, and Patrick McCray of Resident of Collinwood join Penny Dreadful of Terror at Collinwood to discuss topics such as: guests’ relationships to DS and why it still resonates with them, whether or not Count Petofi survived 1897 and whether he’d be in his own body if he did, what other authors could/would Dark Shadows have adapted, would DS have incorporated trends in 1970’s horror had the show continued, is a new Dark Shadows series going to be something that we’d actually want or not, gatekeeping in fandoms, what fans need to do to keep DS awareness and fandom alive, and more! You don’t want to miss this podcast crossover episode of epic proportions!

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Terror at Collinwood Episode 82: The DS Characters of Clarice Blackburn with Tweetie Jackie Blackburn

The very skilled (and sometimes underrated) actress Clarice Blackburn played Mrs. Sarah Johnson, Abigail Collins, and Minerva Trask on Dark Shadows and appeared as Mrs. Castle in Night of Dark Shadows. After DS, Clarice also went on to become a successful television writer. Visiting the podcast to discuss Clarice’s DS characters is Tweetie Jackie Blackburn, an administrator of several prominent DS Facebook groups, including the Dark Shadows Appreciation Society, Angelique’s Lair (Fans of Lara Parker), and Barnabas Collins and the Old House! Other topics of discussion include: Tweetie’s experiences meeting DS stars such as Lara Parker, Christopher Pennock, and Jerry Lacy, visiting Seaview Terrace aka “Collinwood”, the upcoming Dark Shadows Remembrance weekend, future hopes for DS, and more! Join us for a fun and spirited chat!

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Terror at Collinwood Episode 81: Cross-Cultural and Cross-Generational Appeal of DS with Vikrum Mathur

Writer, film critic, and actor Vikrum Mathur visits the podcast to talk about his experiences as a fan of Dark Shadows and how the series connects with many people across cultures and generations. Vikrum recounts stories about his great grandmother’s love of DS and also talks about some of the creatures and folklore of India that would have worked well in the Dark Shadows setting. In addition, Vikrum reminisces about playing Dark Shadows with his friends, shares thoughts about some of his favorite characters from the original series, and discusses the various iterations of DS over the years. Join us for this fun discussion!

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Terror at Collinwood Episode 80: The Monsters of Dark Shadows with Jeff Owens and Steven Turek

Over the course of its five-year run, Dark Shadows featured several classic monster archetypes which were drawn from the pantheon of supernatural horror and folklore. Visiting Terror at Collinwood for an overview of these dark and shadowy creatures are writer and podcaster Jeff Owens, co-host of the Classic Horrors Club Podcast, and podcaster Steven Turek, host of the DieCast Movie Podcast! Longtime Monster Kids and fans of DS, Jeff and Steven join Penny to share their thoughts about the various monsters of DS!

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Terror at Collinwood Episode 79: London Bridge & A Country Road with Sharon Smyth Lentz and Barry Dodd

Beloved by Dark Shadows fans for her portrayal of the tragic child ghost Sarah Collins, sister of Barnabas Collins, Sharon Smyth Lentz played a very different character in the 2014 short film On a Country Road, which was directed and produced by husband-and-wife filmmaking team, and longtime Dark Shadows fans, Barry and Karen Dodd. Sharon and Barry reunite in this episode for a fun discussion! The first half of the show is devoted to the making of On a Country Road and the second half of the episode focuses on Dark Shadows. Discussion topics also include: the Ragged Isle web series, the Night is Falling comic book, Village Con, Sharon’s memories of DS castmates, London Bridge Is Falling Down, DS fandom, and much more!

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Terror at Collinwood Episode 78: Sam Irvin Was a Teenage Monster Hunter!

Award-winning filmmaker, writer, and television director Sam Irvin visits the podcast to talk about some of his monstrous adventures and his childhood love of Dark Shadows. Topics include: discussion about his books The Epic Saga Behind Frankenstein the True Story, and the 1973 film it covers, and the Rondo-winning I Was a Teenage Monster Hunter, Sam’s origins as a Monster Kid, his decades-long friendship with Vincent Price, his first meeting with Cassandra Peterson (Elvira) and how he got the job directing Elvira’s Haunted Hills, how Dark Shadows influenced his TV show Dante’s Cove, co-executive producing Gods and Monsters and being on the set during the filming of the Bride of Frankenstein scene, Famous Monsters of Filmland, collecting the Dark Shadows Paperback Library novels, and much more!

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Terror at Collinwood Episode 76: John Logan, Celebrated Playwright & Screenwriter, Talks Dark Shadows, Monsters, Showtime’s Penny Dreadful, and more!

Award-winning playwright and screenwriter John Logan created the Showtime series Penny Dreadful, and has written numerous plays, including Red, Never the Sinner, and Peter and Alice. In addition, the prolific Mr. Logan has written screenplays for major motion pictures such as The Aviator, Hugo, Gladiator, Sweeney Todd, and many others. John also happens to be a passionate Dark Shadows fan! He visits the podcast to talk Dark Shadows, Showtime’s Penny Dreadful, Universal Monsters, classic horror, DS collectibles, and much more! In the process, John discusses the impact DS has made on the terror and speculative fiction genre and how it inspires his own work as a creator. This is one episode you will not want to miss! Bonus question for you at the end: So, you want to live in Collinwood?

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Terror at Collinwood Episode 75: The Dreamers - The Novel that Inspired the Dream Curse with Amanda Desiree and Steve Shutt

The Dream Curse storyline in Dark Shadows was inspired by an obscure 1957 horror novel called The Dreamers, written by Roger Manvell. Although this was revealed by writer Ron Sproat at the first DS Festival, many remain unaware of the book and its influence on the Dream Curse plot. Returning to the podcast are Amanda Desiree and Stephen R. Shutt, who are both writers and longtime fans of Dark Shadows and all things spooky. We spend the first half of this episode examining The Dreamers, comparing and contrasting the novel to the plot line in the show. In the second half of the episode, we have some fun interpreting the symbolism of the DS Dream Curse as we try to determine the greatest fear of each dreamer.

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