SHADOWGRAM OFFICIAL ONLINE DARK SHADOWS NEWS UPDATE # 299
 
October 16, 2013
 
Hello, Dark Shadows Fan,
 
ShadowGram (SG), The Official Newsletter & News Source for Dark Shadows (DS) announces the following breaking news in this Official Online DS News Update "bulletin."
 
**** TODAY ONLY!
DS COMPLETE EPISODES SET ON SALE – AMAZON.COM
 
**** LATEST DIRECT INFO:
LARA PARKERS 10-18 / 10-21 PROFILES TV SHOW INTERVIEW
 
**** STUART GOODMAN:
EXECUTIVE PRODUCER: HOLIDAY MOVIE PREMIERE
 
**** A SAD FAREWELL TO A LONGTIME DS FAN
 
 
---- DS SERIES COFFIN BOX SET – SALE ENDS MIDNIGHT TONIGHT – ONLY
 
SG is asked to announce the following:
 
“DARK SHADOWS COMPLETE SERIES DVD SET - SPECIAL AMAZON.COM GOLDBOX DEAL OF THE DAY SALE
 
 “For today only, October 16, Amazon.com is featuring the deluxe DARK SHADOWS COMPLETE SERIES coffin boxed set as their "Goldbox Deal of the Day," with a special reduced price of only $269.99.”
 
The set, in a distinctive coffin-shaped box, has all 1,225 episodes plus hours of bonus interviews and special features plus extra materials, contained on over 100 discs. .
 
The normal retail price is $599.99. (This “GoldBox Deal” gives a 55% savings)
 
To receive the special price, you must order before midnight tonight (timed in your own local time zone).
 
Go to Amazon at the link below and order to receive this one-day-only reduced rate:
 
http://www.amazon.com/gp/goldbox/discussion/A2OG4YL3T80PHF/ref=gbsl_dis_l-1_1562_A2OG4YL3T80PHF?pf_rd_m=ATVPDKIKX0DER&pf_rd_t=701&pf_rd_s=left-new-1&pf_rd_r=0H47
 
Amazon description: “Today only, save 55% off "Dark Shadows: The Complete Original Series (Deluxe Edition)." This deluxe edition boxed-set contains every eerie episode of the original suspense series, plus a wealth of bonus interviews with the stars and creative members that made the supernatural thriller a classic.
 
Only --- hours left!  (or until they're all gone) Check out fast before we run out!”
 
 
  ---- LARA PARKER – DETAILS FOR PROFILESTV INTERVEIEW 10-18/ & 10-21
 
Yesterday, SG Update # 298 shared Lara’s (Angelique) news about the sit-down interview she did in NYC last month. The Update reported the interview will be available online 10-18 and 10-21.
 
SG now thanks Mickey Burns, the Host and Producer of the segment, for directly giving me the following specific details.
 
Show Times: 10-18 -10:30pm AND 10-21 – 11:00pm. “This will only be in the NYC Tri-state area on NYC MediaChannel 25 (channel number is the same on every cable provider). For everyone else, it will only be viewed via on-demand.”
 
The link is “through the VOD (Video On demand) page” on the ProfilesTV website.  www.profilestvshow.net
 
The interview “will be available on DVD a month or 2” later “through Amazon, and will contain bonus scenes not shown” originally, plus “our older episode of PTV featuring Kathryn Leigh Scott.”
 
ProfilesTVShow and Mickey Burns also have Facebook, Twitter, and Tumblr pages “with new pictures from the shoot.”
 
SG thanks the Executive Producer, Gary Huminy, for his assistance with this information.
 
 
----- STUART GOODMAN (Cameraman)
 
Stuart has his own production company, which has done numerous documentaries, TV films, and other entertainment projects in the U.S. and Canada. (See past SG Print issues)
 
He asks SG to share this news about his latest TV movie:
 
He is the Executive Producer of a new film on Lifetime Television that “kicks off” the network’s “It’s a Wonderful Lifetime Holiday Slate.”
 
"A Country Christmas Story," starring “music icons” Dolly Parton (Grammy Award winner) and Brian McKnight (Grammy-nominated R&B singer/producer), premieres Sat., 11-9 at 8pm.
 
It “follows a young Appalachian mountain girl as she pursues her dream of becoming a country star against the wishes of her mother. Her journey to the stage at Dollywood with a singing competition hosted by Dolly Parton reunites her with her musician father (McKnight) and uncovers the musical legacy of African Americans in the world of country music.”
 
Please share with SG any publicity, articles, reviews, or other media coverage for “A Country Christmas Story.” Send all materials to SG’s e- or postal- mail addresses below.
 
 
---- FAN JUDY GREYHORSE CASWELL PASSES AWAY
 
SG sadly reports the loss of longtime DS fan Judy Greyhorse Caswell. She succumbed at age 60 after a long and courageous fight with leukemia early today, 10-16, in hospice in San Luis Obispo, CA. Throughout it all, she kept a positive, encouraged attitude and continued to enjoy and appreciate all her DS friends and experiences.
 
May all who knew her find comfort, strength, and peace in their memories and eternal love for her.

DS Boxed (coffin) Set 55% off today only while supplies last:  http://www.amazon.com/gp/goldbox/ref=pe_36900_33445390_pe_gb_email_explore

With thanks to Guy Haines!

SHADOWGRAM
OFFICIAL ONLINE DARK SHADOWS NEWS UPDATE # 297
 
October 12, 2013

Hello, Dark Shadows Fan,
 
ShadowGram (SG), The Official Newsletter & News Source for Dark Shadows (DS) announces the following breaking news in this Official Online DS News Update "bulletin."
 
**** UPDATE: JOHN KARLEN – HEALTH RECOVERY
**** 2014 DARK SHADOWS FESTIVAL UPDATE
**** KATHRYN LEIGH SCOTT – ONLINE INTERVIEW
**** SHARON SMYTH LENTZ – UPCOMING GUEST APPEARANCE
 
 
---- JOHN KARLEN CONTINUES TO RECUPERATE
 
SG Updates # 292 and # 293 reported JOHN (Willie, Carl, William H. Loomis, Desmond, Kendrick, NODS’ Alex) was convalescing in a Los Angeles medical rehabilitation facility over the summer. Update # 294 then reported he was discharged 9-4 and moved to a home with health care provided.
 
SG now shares: John reports that he is “resting comfortably” in his new home and is being “well looked after” by qualified personnel who are helping him deal with his medical issues. He’s been enjoying fall sports on television as well as the classic movies that he loves.

He remains grateful for all the outpouring of get-well wishes. SG previously noted he had visits from DS cast colleagues DAVID SELBY (Quentin), LARA PARKER (Angelique), KATHRYN LEIGH SCOTT (Maggie), JIM STORM (Gerard), and ROBERT RODAN (Adam). JIM PIERSON (Dan Curtis Productions rep, DS Festival Director) and MARCY ROBIN (ShadowGram Editor/Publisher, DS Festival co-founder) also visited with him.

John sends along his thanks to all for their good thoughts, including those who sent cards during his time at the rehabilitation center.
 
For now, it is requested that fans wishing to send cards or messages to John please do so by directing these to:
 
John Karlen
c/o Marcy Robin / ShadowGram
P.O. Box 1766
Temple City, CA 91780-7766
 
Email greetings to John can be directed to ShadowGram@aol.com   These messages will be printed out and passed along to John.
 
Please note that because of his current situation and due to the volume of correspondence, he is unable to provide personal responses.

John reports that he is looking forward to getting back on his feet, and also to seeing fans at the 2014 Dark Shadows Festival.
 
SG joins his DS colleagues and fans everywhere in wishing John a quick and complete return to health.
 
 
----DARK SHADOWS FESTIVAL 2014 UPDATE
 
SG announces here: This next DS Festival will be in June 2014, to be held in Tarrytown, NY (north of Manhattan).  The exact dates and more confirmed information about this exciting event soon will be premiere-announced via SG Updates and detailed in the upcoming SG # 122 print issue.
 
 
---- KATHRYN LEIGH SCOTT IN ONLINE INTERVIEW

As part of its “31 Days of Halloween,” the parade.com Entertainment section posted an interview with Kathryn 10-11.
 
A shortened version of the interview can be read at http://www.parade.com/211281/nancyberk/showbiz-analysis-with-dark-shadows-kathryn-leigh-scott/
 
The full 20+-minute interview can be heard as part of a “Hollywood Halloween” theme at the “Whine At 9” weekly podcast:  http://whineat9.com/?p=2050
 
Publicity: “Actress, author, and publisher Kathyrn Leigh Scott joins Whine At 9’s Hollywood Halloween series to discuss 5 decades of DS’ success and her role as Josette DuPres, the beloved vampire bride of Barnabas Collins. Read more in interviewer Nancy Berk’s online column Showbiz Analysis for Parade Magazine.”
 
In the complete interview, Kathryn also mentions that she just recently “turned in the sequel to her agent” for her “light-hearted” mystery novel “Down and Out in Beverly Heels.”

 
---- SHARON SMYTH (LENYZ) GUESTS AT MAINE CONVENTION
 
Sharon is slated to appear at the Coast City Comic Con convention at the Double Tree Hilton Hotel in S. Portland, Maine, Nov. 9-10.
 
The hotel is at 363 Maine Mall Rd., S. Portland, ME 04106. 207-899-1505
http://coastcitycomiccon.com/
 
Email: info@coastcitycomics.net
 
Fans attending Sharon’s appearance are welcome and encouraged to please share their photos and reports with SG.

Marcy Robin

SHADOWGRAM OFFICIAL ONLINE DARK SHADOWS NEWS UPDATE # 296
 
September 27, 2013
 
Hello, Dark Shadows Fan,
 
ShadowGram (SG), The Official Newsletter & News Source for Dark Shadows (DS) announces the following breaking news in this Official Online DS News Update "bulletin."
 
**** CHRIS PENNOCK BECOMES A GRANDFATHER!
**** KATHRYN LEIGH SCOTT GUESTS ON NEW TV SITCOM
**** JOSEPH GORDON-LEVITT IN NEW FILM
**** DENISE NICKERSON – PERSONAL APPEARANCE
**** NEW BOOK HONORING JONATHAN FRID
**** DS’ MEDIA HISTORY AVAILABLE IN “TRANSCENDING TIME” VOLUMES - SALE!
 
**** CHRIS PENNOCK & FAMILY GREET FIRST GRANDCHILD
 
Yesterday evening (9-26), Chris (Jeb, Cyrus/John, Sebastian, Gabriel) emailed me his exciting announcement.
 
“My grandson was born yesterday (Wed., Sept. 25) in Berkeley!!  My daughter Jamila and husband Chad Wolf!  Baby was a BOY...9 pounds! Named DRAKE WOLF!  ((Chris’ wife)) Lynn is flying up there as we speak...I shall head up soon!  We are very happy!  A first for us!”
 
Jamila married Chad Wolf at Joachin Miller Park in Berkeley the weekend of Sept. 24-25, 2011, so Drake arrived in time for their second anniversary.

SG congratulates Drake and his entire family as they welcome him into their lives with love, happiness, and delight!
 
Chris now has a FaceBook group to share: It’s the Christopher Pennock Fan Group and he invites everyone to join.
 
**** KATHRYN LEIGH SCOTT IN TV COMEDY GUEST ROLE
 
KATHRYN (Maggie, Josette, Kitty, Rachel) reports she’s “Miriam” in an episode of the new ABC sitcom “The Goldbergs.” She guests as the girlfriend of George Segal’s character in “Call Me When You Get There.” She says, “I had such a great time working with George! Wonderful cast and crew and great fun!”
 
**** JOSEPH GORDON-LEVITT – WROTE, DIRECTS, STARS IN HIS FIRST FEATURE FILM
 
Joe’s (1991 David, Daniel) new movie “Don Jon” opens nationwide today (9-27).  His “Jon Martello Jr.” is a New Jersey guy who hits the bars and scores a one-night stand with a different beautiful woman every time. But he’s also comfortable recognizing that he gets more enjoyment on every level from his intense addiction to pornography.
 
LA Times 9-27: “Smarter than your average R-” rated film, “one of the most amusing and oddly-insightful,…romantic comedies (is) built around the power and potential pull of porn.”  It is
subversive, suggestive fun” and “much of its likability is because of its unapologetic frankness…. Certainly a great deal of the credit goes to (Joe) for his shrewd take on the topic.” 
 
Co-starring Scarlett Johansson, Tony Danza, and Julianne Moore, “the acting is fine all around, but (Joe) is the anchor.” Rated R for strong graphic sexual material and dialogue, nudity, and some drug use.
 
**** DENISE NICKERSON – PERSONAL APPEARANCE NEXT MONTH
 
DENISE (Amy, Nora) plans to guest at the Chiller Theatre Convention 10-25/27 at the Sheraton Parsippany Hotel in Parsippany, NJ.  www.chillertheatre.com
 
***** “REMEMBERING JONATHAN FRID BOOK COMING SOON
 
SG is asked to share the following:
“Helen Samaras and Nancy Kersey are putting together a book called Remembering Jonathan Frid.  This 100 plus page book will include articles written by Jonathan's fans, friends, family and colleagues who recall behind the scenes stories and times spent with Jonathan.  Several of those who have written stories about Jonathan have not done so before in any publication.  Black and white photos will be included.  This publication is slated for the fall.  Portions of the proceeds will be donated to the John H. Frid Fund in Canada.
 
“To order the Remembering Jonathan Frid book send a check or money order for $30.00 to Helen Samaras, 541 Birch Street, West Hempstead, NY 11552.  You can also pay via paypal at skippy1253@aol.com.  Any questions about the book, please email skippy1254@aol.com.
 
**** “TRANSCENDING TIME” ZINES LOOK BACK AT DS’ HEYDAYSG is asked to share the following:
 
From the editor of “Transcending Time”, which is a DS zine which contains copies of articles and pictures on the Dark Shadows cast and crew from various publications, such as 16, Soap Opera Digest, Afternoon TV, etc..  The editor apologizes in advance for the quality of some of the pages. In some cases she was working with xeroxes as well as yellowed articles. So it was a problem she wasn't able to avoid.
 
A few copies of Volumes 2, 7, and the Special Edition are left in stock and are ON SALE!!!
 
VOL. 2 - Contains articles on the show itself and both movies
ORIGINALLY $15.00, NOW $10.00 plus postage.
 
VOL. 7 - Covers NBC production of Dark Shadows
ORIGINALLY $10.00 NOW $7.00 plus postage
 
SPECIAL EDITION - Contains "The Whole True Story of Dark Shadows", "Dark Shadows Diary", and "Dark Shadows Family Tree" from 16 Magazine and Fave.
ORIGINALLY $8.00, NOW $5.00 plus postage.
 
The editor is having Kathleen Resch handle sales.
PayPal:  kathleener@aol.com
Or check/money order to Kathleen Resch, PO Box 1766, Temple City, CA 91780.
 
POSTAGE:  $3.00 Media Mail; $6.00 Priority Mail if ordering individually.  If you’d like to order two, or all three, email kathleener@aol.com

Thank you.
 
Marcy Robin

SHADOWGRAM OFFICIAL ONLINE DARK SHADOWS NEWS UPDATE # 295
September 17, 2013

Hello, Dark Shadows Fan,
ShadowGram (SG), The Official Newsletter & News Source for Dark Shadows (DS) announces the following breaking news in this Official Online News Update "bulletin."
**** DONNA McKECHNIE IN NEW MOVIE
**** JOAN BENNETT IN COMING DVD RELEASE OF 1972 TV MOVIE
**** UPDATING: NEW DS COMIC BOOK SERIES
**** DS AUDIO DRAMAS CONTINUE

---- DONNA McKECHNIE IN LIMITED-RUN FILM
Donna (Amanda Harris, Olivia Corey) stars as “Ms. El” in “36 Saints,” a “religious conspiracy thriller” movie now in limited release. It is rated R for violence.
Publicity: “In every generation there are 36 individuals who carry the suffering of the world and assist those in dire need. The world exists in the merit of these 36 righteous people. Without them, the world would fall into chaos, corruption, and eventually darkness. The 36 are amongst us all and anybody could be one of them.” Each individual is named after a saint, but now a demonic killer is pursuing them, savagely murdering each in the same manner his/her ancient namesake perished.
Official trailer http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YeSgUPPJOzo
LA Times 9-5: It has “a rare fusion of urban noir and Latin Gothic (with) a splendidly diverse cast.” But “the Catholic-themed kill-a-thon puts forth an especially hollow Armageddon, in which the final battle between good and evil is as flavorless and thinly structured as a Communion wafer.”

---- JOAN BENNETT – OCTOBER RELEASE OF 1972 TV MOVIE ON DVD
Joan (Elizabeth, Naomi, Judith, Flora) was a legendary star of 1930s-40s film noir and other dramas during a long career spanning motion pictures, TV, and more. She succumbed to a heart attack in her home 12-7-90.
She played “Claire Ramsey” in the 1972 TV movie “Gidget Gets Married.” Newly-re-mastered, the romantic comedy about the iconic 1960s surfer girl, now grown up, is scheduled as an MOD (manufacturing on demand) Sony DVD release on a single-disc title on Oct. 1. Not sold in stores, it should be available online at e-tailers such as Amazon (via their CreateSpace MOD program) and the WBshop (via the Warner Archive). Expected price is $20.95.

---- REPORTING: PLANS FOR: DS COMIC BOOK SERIES
SG is asked to report the following information.
“In November, Dynamite Comics will conclude publication of its DARK SHADOWS comic book series, with issue #23.
“Over the past 2 years, Dynamite has created these beautifully-crafted comics, many with new, strikingly dramatic cover paintings of Jonathan Frid's Barnabas Collins. The comic books have attempted to maintain the integrity of the original TV series with modern, mature stories.
“Dynamite's DARK SHADOWS YEAR ONE comics have served as a fascinating retelling of the classic 1795 storyline. A separate series of DARK SHADOWS / VAMPIRELLA crossover comics also was offered. An additional release was a ‘graphic novel’, Volume 1, which contained the first batch of issues. It is available at www.amazon.com
“For those who have missed these extensions of the classic DS daytime series, copies still are available via the Dynamite website at:http://www.dynamite.com/htmlfiles/viewProduct.html?CAT=DF-Dark_Shadows
or at local comic book shops and similar retailers.
Please Note:
"The current market climate for comic books outside of the traditional superhero category is difficult. Consumers continue a shift to digital platforms, and traditional outlets for comics decrease.
“Dynamite hopes to pursue new options to re-launch DARK SHADOWS comics in the near future.” SG will report confirmed comic book news.

---- MORE NEW DARK SHADOWS EPISODES WITH ORIGINAL CAST
England’s Big Finish Productions continues its monthly releases of new DS audio dramas on CD and via digital downloads online.
The latest episode, "The Enemy Within," stars Christopher Pennock as Cyrus Longworth, Lisa Richards as Sabrina Jennings, and Nancy Barrett as Carolyn Stoddard.
Since 2006, Big Finish has produced over 3 dozen audio dramas, including some extended stories covering multiple CD discs. These newly-written stories are fully based in the DS universe and are recorded live in studios in LA, NYC, London, and elsewhere.
Many cast members from the original 1966-71 TV series, the 1991 primetime TV series, and the 2004 WB pilot reprise their roles and / or play new DS characters. The audio drama “The Night Whispers” features Jonathan Frid in his final performance as Barnabas Collins. The casts often include familiar American and British actors from other genre TV shows and movies as well.
For more information on the complete series of all the DS audio dramas to date, visit the Big Finish DS website at:
http://www.bigfinish.com/hubs/v/dark-shadows
Fans also can order the CDs directly from www.darkshadowsfestival.com

Marcy Robin

SHADOWGRAM OFFICIAL ONLINE DARK SHADOWS NEWS UPDATE # 294

---

Sept. 8, 2013

---

Hello, Dark Shadows Fan,
ShadowGram (SG), The Official Newsletter & News Source for Dark Shadows (DS) announces the following breaking news in this Official Online News Update "bulletin."
**** UPDATING: JOHN KARLEN RELEASED FROM MEDICAL REHABILITATION
**** LARA PARKER – NEW DS NOVEL BOOK TOUR – FINAL APPEARANCES
***** JOHN KARLEN LEAVES CONVALESCENT CENTER
SG Updates # 292 and # 293 reported that JOHN (Willie, Carl, William H. Loomis, Desmond, Kendrick, NODS’ Alex) has been convalescing in a Los Angeles medical-rehabilitation facility for the past several weeks, dealing with various health issues.
 
John was discharged from the facility on Sept. 4 and now is living in a house in nearby Burbank, where he’s receiving nursing care as he continues to recover from diabetes-related complications.
 
In the days before he left the facility, he was visited again by DS’ David Selby (Quentin), Kathryn Leigh Scott (Maggie), and Jim Pierson (DS Festival director/Dan Curtis Productions rep).
 
SG joins his DS colleagues and fans everywhere in wishing John a quick and complete return to health.
 
 
**** REMINDER:
LARA PARKER IN FINAL 2 APPEARANCES FOR HER NEW DS NOVEL
 
Lara (Angelique) has spent 3 weeks traveling to various parts of the country on a book tour for her 3rd DS novel, “Wolf Moon Rising,” released on Aug. 20. She launched the tour that evening at the Barnes & Noble store at the trendy The Grove in Los Angeles.
 
At each of her 9 stops, she’s spent hours chatting casually with everyone who comes, signing autographs, posing for photos, and answering a wide variety of audience questions – always an interesting interaction.
 
She also reads the novel’s prologue, which sets up the 5 main characters whose stories and lives intertwine across the decades: Barnabas, Quentin, David Collins (age 16), Angelique – reincarnated as 16-year-old Jackie, whom David loves – and, in a trip through time to the Roaring 1920s – a young Elizabeth Collins.
 
Lara’s enjoyed meeting and talking with so many people, including DS fans of all ages, those interested in the story and genre, and those who enjoy listening to and speaking with authors. Reports indicate bookstore audience numbers have ranged up to 100+. At the multi-fandom Dragon Con in Atlanta over Labor Day weekend, Lara was joined by Kathryn Leigh Scott. Many people attended their several DS-related panel talks and other activities.
 
Lara emphasizes “Wolf Moon Rising” is dedicated to all the fans who’ve enjoyed “Dark Shadows” over the 45+ years since the daytime series first aired. These include original-broadcast viewers, many of whom were young children at the time. People also are rediscovering the series thanks to the DVD all-episodes coffin-box set from MPI. Others are drawn to the 1966-71 DS after seeing the 2012 “Dark Shadows” movie from Johnny Depp and Tim Burton. Internet fans watch via Netflix and Hulu.
 
SG adds that DS fans themselves – in any fandom – always are among the best sources of introduction: they share their own love of the show with others who may have forgotten, never have seen, or never were interested in it before.
 
Her first DS novel, “Angelique’s Descent,” was dedicated to her parents. Its sequel “The Salem Branch,” saluted her DS colleagues. Both books are available through retail and online booksellers.
 
This 3rd novel continues the stories, characters, and relationships already threaded through the first 2 books. For “Wolf Moon Rising,” Lara’s dedication appreciates fans everywhere, and that’s why she visits with fans at each of her tour appearances. She arrives early, before her presentation is scheduled to begin, and stays late, to give all an opportunity to talk to her about DS, writing, acting, and more.
 
SG shares Lara’s her own invitation, issued today:
 
“FINALLY . . . NEW YORK!!!
“Welcome to all my Dark Shadows friends! I'll be on the Upper East Side Barnes & Noble Monday night ((Sept. 9)), signing my new Dark Shadows novel WOLF MOON RISING. Please come over if you can. It's a Mini Dark Shadows festival for all of us who miss having one this year!
150 E 86 Street at 6 PM! See you there!”
 
Lara’s next and final tour appearance is a few miles from where the tour began, at the unique bookstore Dark Delicacies in Burbank, near Los Angeles.
 
Mon., Sept. 9 – 7:00 pm – Barnes & Noble - 150 E. 86 St. NYC, NY 10028. (212) 369-2180.
 
Sat., Sept. 14 – 2:00 pm – Dark Delicacies - 3512 W. Magnolia Blvd., Burbank, CA. (818) 556-6660/ 1-888-DARKDEL
 
SG encourages fans in the Manhattan and LA areas to come see her!

Marcy Robin