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Topics - CyrusL

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31
Calendar Events / Announcements '06 I / So that's what happened to Lt. Costa-DS Alumnus is Video Watchdog
« on: March 16, 2006, 05:03:02 PM »
John Harkins, who played at least 4 short terms characters on DS, including Lt. Costa (Phoenix story), a Levaithan, chemical supplier Horance Gladstone and Garrrrrrrth Blackwood, is shown in two photos and mentioned in a lengthy article on the making of the film Amityville 3D [ghosty] [ghosty] [ghosty] in the lastest issue, # 124, Mar/April 2006 of Video Watchdog. One may wonder why such a long article on one of a long batch of sequels, but the making of delves into the fact this was the last major studio attempt to shoot a film in 3-D. Plus, it has a pretty good cast including Meg Ryan (her 2nd film), Lori Laughlin (back with the spirits again on a recent "Ghost Whisperer"), Candy Clark, and Tess Harper. John Beal, who played a judge in the 1840 story, also appears in the film. The film was directed by Richard Fleischer who went on to bigger films as well.
      I gotta figure Dan must have liked the late John Harkins for using him several times. I think he was pretty  good each time, even if the "masterrrrrrr of Blackmooorrrrrr" is a bit over the top.

Michael

32
Calendar Events / Announcements '06 I / David Selby "The Super Cops"
« on: March 08, 2006, 08:34:50 PM »
I was reading the obituary of photographer/film director Gordon Parks, probably best known for his work to Life Magazine as well as directing "Shaft" (Right on...  [headbang]) Mentioned among his credits as 1974's "The Super Cops."  [police] [police] I think I saw this film on TV once over 20-25 years ago. It appears to be unavailable in DVD, Amazon lists a Canadian issue as oop. The VHS is listed, but I don't think its really available, something like a $39.95 list sounds the alarm that it was released for rental outlets but not as a sell through. Anyone know why this film is so hard to find? I remember it as a pretty good gritty police drama, with lots of internal corruption inspired in the wake of "Serpico." I remember Selby being quite good in a role that let him stretch those long legs and as a nice counterpart to the wired Ron Liebman. Joe Sirola who was also in "Seizure" was in this. Sadly, Parks passing may have MGM rethink and add this to their catalog.

Michael

33
Calendar Events / Announcements '06 I / The Chilling Touch of Cold Steele
« on: March 02, 2006, 09:43:10 PM »
Hello. We don't discuss the work of the '91 Revival series cast very often, although many of them like Roy Thiness have very interesting resumes. While plundering my local Suncoast, I ran across a vintage Barbara Steele film, "Castle of Blood." (Not to the confused with "Nightmare Castle", one of those titles considered to be in the public domain like "Little Shoppe of Horrors", "Last Man on Earth"or "The Terror", good films that sadly clog up the collections section at the end of the horror DVD section in endless variations of faded transfers. Okay, that's the editorial, now on with the point.)  Anyway, I found this film, as well as the watershed "Black Sunday" which I already to be very enjoyable films. They both have great black and white photography, drenched in gothic atmosphere , very stylish and creepy. They have some of the feel of DS itself when it was black and white and were no doubt somewhat influential, with castles, witches, weird family secrets, ghosts and vampire-like creatures (mind you neither film has true vampires.) Barbara herself is a striking figure with large dark eyes, full lips and flowing hair but an aloof and otherworldly beauty. While often imperfectly dubbed, she seems as she was born to these works. I  was wondering if anyone else here has an affection for these films and has any others of this era they like.

(Italian horror film regulars ==>)  [blackbat] [devil] [grim] [blackwidow] [Skull2] [_witch_]

Michael                                                      

34
Calendar Events / Announcements '06 I / As the Suncoast set, an opportunity for DS DVD collectors...
« on: March 01, 2006, 07:23:18 PM »
The Suncoast Video store chain is in the process of closing many of its stores or going out of business entirely, I'm not sure which. The store near where i work is now selling its stock at 30% off. This goes many of us an opportunity to get a nice discount on the MPI Dark Shadows DVD sets. Its also a good idea to review their used DVD sction. The store where I went to had 3 DS DVD sets used at a great price, unfortunately, I had all of these sets. Suncoast was a big outlet in the VHS days, for the MPI videos and has lost ground with the rise of the Best Buys, Circuit Cities, Wal-Marts as well as the amazon.coms.  I finally got the wonderful "Wizard of Oz" [Witch_Potion_Animated]  3 DVD box which was of great comfort to me last week when I was home from work 2 days with a pretty bad cold. Since the DS sets list at $59.95, the sets left there would run about $41.98. Seelection is limited tho. That equals or beats most places I know to pick up the DVDs.
    By the way, does anyone know why MPI has never discounted any DVD sets at the DS Festivals?  ::) I know they are really cheap on the VHS now, but even when I first went to DS Festivals in the late '90s, they always had a convention discount and they have never done this on the DVDs at any show since they released them.

Michael

35
Calendar Events / Announcements '06 I / They're Here! Majestic Toys Dark Shadows figures are out!
« on: February 11, 2006, 10:07:34 PM »
A day to remember! My three (one of each) Dark Shadows 12" Collector's Figures were on my porch when I got home yesterday. Each box is different. The "present day" (funny since it's the 1967 incarnation, but whatever) Barnabas has the big fang-baring close-up   [vampy] (which Mr. Frid probably dislikes, but it's classic) on the front. The top has him clutching the cane in a profile view. The back is the classic pose before the portrait, with three smaller photos and text, They are of old Barnabas, another  fanged shot and a blue washed shot of Bar sitting up in a coffin. Box #2 variation has the close-up reduced with the 1795 red-vest photo (as on the Almanac cover) on the right. The top has the image from the 1795 "Old House" shoot, and on the back, the pose before the portrait in blue, with three smaller photos, old Barn again, another Old house shot of Barn and a shot of the Old House by itself.  [gramophone] The Quentin box has a nice recognizable shot of Quentin on the left with the fanged Barnabas over his shoulder. The top is a nice profile shot from 1897, and the back has a medium shot of him holding the pistol, one color and one b&w shot taken in the drawing room, and one shot of the werewolf.  [Wolfie]
        I actually like the figures themselves overall. I'm sure there will be some quibbling but you can definitely tell who they are supposed to be. The shape of the faces, down to the contours of the head, shape of the nose, etc., are pretty darn good. They really shine on profile or 3/4 profile. The costumes look pretty good as well, although its always hard to pefectly tailor something the size of a Ken doll. I haven't taken one out yet, but they look like the are styled to recognizable series costumes. Both of the Barnabas figures as you may know come with two interchangeable heads, as well as an extra set of hands (for gripping) and the trademark cane.  I would say that the way they are displayed in the box, the hands especially look like parts from Dr. Lang's experiment.  [frankie] Overall, a very appreciated attention to detail. The figures also include stands with the DS logo.
      I suppose sometime later this weekend, I'll carefully take one out. Maybe I'll set Barnabas on a table top with my Lugosi Dracula and Drusilla from Buffy, both from Sideshow and the Hasbro Lon Chaney, Jr. Son of Dracula and let them have a "vampyre summit."  [_Vampire_]  I feel like I'm 8 years old again with my GI Joes. I have to admit, I would have loved these when I was a kid watching the show.
      I really appreciate that Majestic has taken the time to do such a good job with our favorites. This kind of thing was our daydream as a kid. Now, I can daydream of who they may add next.

Michael  (who is one happy monkey today [banana] [a_monkey])  

36
Calendar Events / Announcements '06 I / OT-Boris Karloff retrospective to be held in NYC
« on: February 07, 2006, 03:23:37 PM »
Of interest to DS fans, especially in the NYC area, is a retrospective of Boris Karloff films to be held this week. A great chance to see some classic films on a big screen. Here's a link to the article.
http://www.nytimes.com/2006/02/03/movies/03karl.html?_r=1&oref=slogin

Michael  [frankie] friend...goooood  

37
Calendar Events / Announcements '06 I / OT A Vampire turns 100...
« on: February 03, 2006, 11:51:14 PM »
A tip of the bat [blackbat] and cape to John Carradine, who according to some sources would be having cake at his 100th birthday this Sunday 2/6/06.  John, born Richmond Reed Carradine and the father of David, Keith and Robert et al,  played Dracula many times, including a vampiric appearence on "McCloud"  [batang] of all places. It's notable he played the Count in "House of Dracula" from which the concept of treating vampirism as a blood disease was cribbed. Always elegant in a top hat and possessed of a fine voice, here's a drink to his memory.  [8285]

Michael  [dancing_skeletons] [dancing_skeletons] [dancing_skeletons] 

38
Calendar Events / Announcements '06 I / Roger Davis to appear at Burbank area autograph show
« on: January 16, 2006, 06:45:18 PM »
For Roger's fans, most especially those of "Alias Smith and Jones", here's good news. Roger AND Ben Murphy will be making their first fan convention ever appearence together (So it says, and I have never heard otherwise) on the weekend of January 27 and 28th at the Hollywood Collector's show at the Burbank Airport Hilton. They will appear along with Ms. Joanne Bagwell, author of the book "Alias Smith & Jones: The Story of Two Pretty Good Bad Men." (The site bio does mention Roger was on DS as well as in "House of Dark Shadows")
      Diane and I went over to the show, which they hold about 4-5 times a year, on Saturday morning when at the Hollywood DS show last summer. Its a very nice show, with a huge dealer's room with the many guests at tables pretty much at the center and front. Its about $25 to get in and be aware everyone will charge for autographs, ususally $15 to $25 depening on what you're getting signed. Nonetheless, its usually an impressive line up of TV and film stars. We met last summer, among others, Shirley Jones, Mickey Rooney, the late Tommy "Butch" Bond, Alan Young and George Lazenby. This month's show also features Richard Chamberlain, Dennis Hopper, Dean Stockwell, Russ Tamblyn (ok David Lynch fans...)a "Batman" cast reunion, Tab Hunter, Richard Anderson, and from Dan Curtis's "Frankenstein", Bo Svenson and lots more.
     Here's a link   http://www.hollywoodcollectorshow.com/Burbank.htm

Maybe if I win the scratch off tickets, I can go too!. Have fun west coasters!

Michael  ;) 

39
Calendar Events / Announcements '06 I / Marie Wallace in new commercial?
« on: January 05, 2006, 08:55:52 PM »
A good friend and fellow DS called me from Florida last night and said he had seen Marie Wallace in a new commercial for "free credit report". Anyone else see it? Of course nothing will ever top Roger Davis for Brut, although Lara Parker for Wink and Don Briscow for Dial will be close seconds.
Michael  [8_2_76]   

40
Calendar Events / Announcements '05 II / Majestic Toys Update
« on: November 21, 2005, 10:27:26 PM »
Majestic Toys has updated their website, and the new pages acknowledge the "Dark Shadows" figure line. Here's a link

http://www.majesticstudiosinc.com/index.html

They are also planning a Doctor Phibes figure. Way cool!  8)

Michael

41
Calendar Events / Announcements '05 II / When Roger Davis rode the west-Alias Smith and Jones article
« on: November 11, 2005, 10:58:11 PM »
TV Party,  [flower] a pretty cool website on vintage viewing, currently has an article in "Alias Smith and Jones", which featured Roger Davis, originally as its narrator and guest star, and later a replacement lead under tragic circumstances. Here's a link to the article. (Unfortunatley it doesn't mention DS, but many of you will be amused at the descrition of Roger   [a345])

http://www.tvparty.com/alias.html

Michael [/color]

42
Calendar Events / Announcements '05 II / OT-Our Anniversary
« on: November 05, 2005, 08:01:19 PM »
I just wanted to note this weekend, (the 4th specifically) is Diane's and my 5th wedding anniversary. Diane and I met in person the first time at the '98 DS convention in Las Vegas after being part of the old DS Sunday night chats on AOL. Things are still great.  Looking forward to 40 more years [love3]
Michael

43
Calendar Events / Announcements '05 II / OT: An Article of interest on cemeteries from "The Post"
« on: October 27, 2005, 05:34:31 PM »
 [hall_shocked] Cemeteries worth a visit!

http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2005/10/20/AR2005102001852.html

Have fun,
Michael

44
Calendar Events / Announcements '05 II / Dark Shadows to be part of Monster Fest in Chesapeake VA on 10/8/05
« on: October 04, 2005, 02:56:40 PM »
Hello my fellow Collinwoodies,
        If any of you are or would like to be in the Hampton Roads area of Virginia this weekend, please stop by and see us at the Chesapeake Central Library for Monster Fest 2005. Its a family fright and fun day and I am delighted to have been asked by Clayton to host a panel on Dark Shadows and its upcoming 40th Anniversary, which will be at 9:30 am. The big event for Tidewater Monster fans will be progams on local Horror Host Dr. Madblood's 30th anniversary. I will be presenting the kindly doctor with an autographed photo of David Selby as Quentin,   [gramophone] he's actually a fan of our favorite. I will also have an autographed photo of Lara Parker as Angelique, vampire phase era,   [Bat] as a door prize, and I'm pretty sure there are more door prizes as well. Last year there were movie posters of new releases for everyone and costume contest winners got Sideshow figues. [frankie]
    If anyone come, please visit Diane and I at our table as well where we will have a display on DS collector's items, like the gum cards, games, posters and my photo album of oir convention pictures and trips to Lyndhurst, Essex Ct and Newport to DS locations. Please introduce yourself as a board member.

Hope to see anyone who can attend,     [crowdhappy]

Michael  [vampy]

45
Calendar Events / Announcements '05 II / When Dan Curtis's Collide! Kolchak Meets Barnabas
« on: September 21, 2005, 07:45:17 PM »
[blackbat]  Moonstone Books is a company that does Graphic Novels on generally established characters, from what I can tell they are a combination of pro, semi-pro, and fan fiction. Their newest book on Carl Kolchak is called The Night Stalker Chronicles and features a short story titled "Kolchak meet Barnabas." Anyone read this?  [Bat]

http://www.moonstonebooks.com/kolchak.asp   [blackbat]

Michael

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