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 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 Nation, Teen Wolf) and Stuart Manning (Big Finish Dark Shadows and Doctor Who audio dramas, Remembering Jon Pertwee, Doctor Who Magazine, Daytime 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 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 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.
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.
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!
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!
Terror at Collinwood Episode 77: Kathryn Leigh Scott Returns!
Actress and writer Kathryn Leigh Scott, admired by Dark Shadows fans for her portrayals of Maggie Evans, Josette DuPres Collins, Rachel Drummond, Kitty Soames, Parallel Time Maggie Collins, and Maggie Evans from MGM’s House of Dark Shadows, returns to the podcast to chat about a variety of fascinating topics! Along the way, Kathryn shares stories about her childhood in Minnesota, her Norwegian heritage, her teen years, and being New York in the 60’s. She also offers touching memories of several DS cast-mates including Mitchell Ryan, Joel Crothers, Joan Bennett, Jonathan Frid, and Lara Parker. Other highlights include: Kathryn’s opportunity to interview Carl Sandburg, NYC and The Bunny Years, training at the American Academy of Dramatic Arts, and reuniting with Dan Curtis in England for the 1974 production of The Turn of the Screw TV movie. We also talk about some exciting things coming up in the future, such as this summer’s Dark Shadows Remembrance event and Ansel Faraj’s upcoming film, The Great Nick D! Also, Terror at Collinwood has been nominated for Best Podcast in the Rondo Hatton Classic Horror Awards. You can vote by sending an email to taraco@aol.com. Be sure to include your name in the email for your vote to be counted! See the full ballot here: https://rondoaward.com
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?
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.
Terror at Collinwood Episode 72: Quentin’s 55th Anniversary with David Selby
On December 16th, 1968, David Selby made his first appearance as Quentin Collins on ‘Dark Shadows’. The character soon became a major sensation and pop culture icon, catapulting the hit show to even greater ratings heights as viewers witnessed Quentin’s intriguing backstory. To help commemorate his legendary character’s 55th anniversary, David Selby visits the podcast for this special holiday season episode. Discussion topics include: Christmas plans, Ansel Faraj’s ‘The Great Nick D’ and ‘Todd Tarantula’, getting cast as Quentin, Dan Curtis, sideburns and Vincent Loscalzo, memories of fellow DS actors, Earl Hamner and ‘The Waltons’, ‘Night of Dark Shadows’ restoration, writing a new novel, coming back for ‘Dark Shadows: Reincarnation’, and some words about the late, great Lara Parker. Please join us for this festive yuletide celebration of Quentin's 55th anniversary!
Terror at Collinwood Episode 70: Painting Shadows with Mark Maddox
What better way to celebrate Halloween than with Rondo Award and Pulp Factory Award-winning artist, Mark Maddox? The talented artist behind the much-loved official Dark Shadows lunchbox drops in to talk about Dark Shadows, Universal monsters, Hammer horror, silent German horror and sci-fi films, and much more! Mark has created beautiful covers for Screem Magazine, Little Shoppe of Horrors, Video Watchdog, and several other publications. In addition, Mark’s glorious Hammer horror artwork graces many Scream Factory Blu-Ray covers. Listen to Mark describe his eerie origins as an artist as he talks about his passion for horror, science fiction, and fantasy. This passion includes Dark Shadows, of course! Mark shares his childhood memories of the show and offers some great insights into his DS artwork. A multitude of fun and monstrous topics are discussed in this special Halloween episode! NOTE: The YouTube version of this show includes loads of pictures featuring Mark’s fang-tastic artwork!
Terror at Collinwood Episode 68: Dark Shadows Every Day and Superheroes Every Day with Danny Horn
Writer, blogger, and podcaster Danny Horn visits Terror at Collinwood for a fun discussion about Dark Shadows, superheroes, and more! From 2013 to 2021, Danny undertook the Herculean task of examining Dark Shadows episode by episode, starting with the release of Barnabas, via his popular Dark Shadows Every Day blog. The blog also took side-trips into real-life events surrounding the show, looked at licensed media such as comics, novels, and audio dramas as well as the various DS remakes and reboots. Currently, Danny hosts the Superheroes Every Day podcast and maintains a corresponding blog through which he explores superhero films. Topics of discussion in this episode include: Superheroes Every Day, how Danny got into Dark Shadows, Muppets, Doctor Who, Dark Shadows Every Day, villains as main characters, fandom and ‘zines, watching DS in syndication during the 80’s, the Kaiju, serialized storytelling and genre TV as soap opera, Mark B. Perry's Dark Shadows Reincarnation, Muppets/DS crossover (?!), and much more!
Terror at Collinwood Episode 62: Witches, Warlocks, and Mages of DS with Laramie Dean
With their magic spells, curses, and arcane incantations, the witches, warlocks, and mages of Dark Shadows certainly left a strong and lasting impression upon fans of the show. One of those fans is Laramie Dean, a talented novelist (Black Forest) and playwright (Frankenstein Among the Dead, Dracula, The Gorgon Sisters). The delightful Laramie pays a visit to the podcast for a spirited discussion about Angelique, Nicholas, Judah, Bathia, Petofi, and other wielders of magic in the DS universe. The episode also includes: a geeky side lecture on the depiction of witches in horror films, and a substantial DS opening news segment that includes info about new books, appearances, podcasts, and more! The show ends with shoutouts to several Dark Shadows and DS-adjacent podcasts! ALSO: get thee to the Blue Whale jukebox and dig the terrifyingly tubular new surf rock version of the DS theme song, ‘Surfing the Shadows’, performed by Johnny D & The Moonlighters! It also happens to be the new opening theme for Terror at Collinwood!
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Terror at Collinwood Episode 60: The Dark Shadows Coloring Book with Samantha Lomuscio O’Neal
Many Dark Shadows products and collectibles have been released over the years. Surprisingly, there’s never been a Dark Shadows coloring book… until now! The official Dark Shadows coloring book from Hermes Press is coming soon and it features over 80 pages of all new classic coloring book art featuring the series' best loved episodes and its most important characters. Artist Samantha Lomuscio O’Neal, the talented illustrator behind the coloring book, visits the podcast to discuss her work on the book and offers some tantalizing teases about its contents.
Terror at Collinwood Episode 59: Fan Favorites Roundtable Discussion!
Recorded within the haunted halls of Collinwood (Seaview Terrace/Carey Mansion), this episode features an impromptu “fan favorites” discussion with a group of passionate, longtime Dark Shadows fans. Topics include favorite characters, favorite storylines, favorite fandom memories, and favorite scenes. Will Matthew Morgan succeed in kicking us off Collins property? Tune in and find out! With guests: Joe Flanagan, Tweetie Jackie Blackburn, Jimmy Hutcheson, Virginia Fox Brekhus, Mair Bear, Joe Escobar, Guy Haines, Beth Caster, and Jeff Kenny.
Terror at Collinwood Episode 57: The 1840 Storyline with Amanda Desiree and Katherine Kerestman
The 1840 storyline is the penultimate Dark Shadows plot and the last one set in the show’s main timeband. Although it doesn’t receive as much adulation as the serial’s iconic 1795 and 1897 storylines, 1840 is filled with many delights. Featuring vivid new characters, shocking twists, as well as nods to previous DS stories and classic horror films, there is much to enjoy in the next-to-last DS storyline. Writers Amanda Desiree and Katherine “Creepy Cat” Kerestman visit the podcast to help shed some light on this sometimes-underappreciated DS segment.
Terror at Collinwood Episode 52: Dark Shadows - Monstrously Important, Frightfully Influential! with Mark Dawidziak
Mark Dawidziak is a noted television, film, and theatre critic, author, actor, and Journalism Hall of Fame inductee. He visits the podcast for an in-depth discussion about the pivotal influence of Barnabas Collins on vampire fiction, the importance of Dark Shadows to the horror genre, and the fact that DS often doesn’t get enough credit for the significant impact it continues to have on popular culture. Other topics include: Mark’s conversations with Dan Curtis, Mark’s childhood introduction to horror and DS, writing about Carl Kolchak, Dark Shadows and the cultural influence of the 60’s, Edgar Allan Poe, and much more!
Terror at Collinwood Episode 48: The Dark Shadows Daybook Unbound with Patrick McCray
Rondo Award-winning writer Patrick McCray returns to Terror at Collinwood to discuss ‘The Dark Shadows Daybook: Unbound’. The new 430-page book features a delightful foreword by Mark B. Perry, followed by Patrick’s in-depth, witty, and insightful analyses of many original Dark Shadows episodes. He also provides memorial tributes to recently departed stars from the show, looks at the 1991 revival series, reviews ‘A Dark Shadows Christmas Carol’, and more. Additional discussion topics include: Dark Shadows fandom, the ghost of Quentin Collins, the Leviathans, 1840 Barnabas conundrums, and much more.
Terror at Collinwood Episode 43: Angelique's 55th Anniversary with Lara Parker
On November 22, 1967, the vengeful and powerful witch Angelique made her debut on Dark Shadows and became an instant hit with viewers, remaining an important part of the series for the remainder of its run. The character subsequently took her place alongside Barnabas, and later Quentin, as a pop culture icon, appearing on assorted products and in DS spinoff media. Visiting the podcast to commemorate her legendary character's 55th anniversary is Lara Parker, the talented actress who portrayed Angelique onscreen! Discussion topics include: Lara's thoughts on Angelique, memories of working on DS, Night of Dark Shadows, Lara's DS novels, what makes DS special, terror vs. horror, the allure of vampires, the fans, and much more!