On Monday, August 4, 1986, I stayed home from work because I had gotten up very early on that Monday morning to tape HOUSE OF DARK SHADOWS (with commercials) from the TBS cable broadcast on my relatively new Sharp VHS machine (cable was also very new to me back then.)

As I watched the movie, taping it, I was in heaven since this was the first time I had seen HODS since 1971!!

How strange that HODS subsequently ended up on "Home Video" via MGM and Turner VHS (c. 1989).

And now I'm watching yet another recorded HODS:  this one from TCM last week that I recorded on DVD--and how superior this picture is to that long ago VHS recording--and subsequent VHS releases by MGM/Turner.

So I guess I've come full circle--HODS 1971 on the big screen to various VHS tapes and finally my own DVD recording.

The only thing better would be for Turner to release a remastered DVD of both HODS and NODS!! (And how about reconstructing the deleted footage into the new releases!)

Brian

(Who is thrilled to have seen DS in its original 1960-70s airing and realizes he's getting older by the minute--LOL.)

I've just been watching THE MISSILES OF OCTOBER, the 1974 TV movie about the Cuban missile crisis that features Dennis Patrick, Dana Elcar and Keene Curtis, among others.  But the narrator is not credited, and except for some hard "r"s in his speech pattern, it sounds like Thayer David.  Does anybody know if Thayer was the narrator on this production?  (Incidentally, this story is very relevant to the USA's recent involvement with Iraq. . .IMHO, JFK is a well-deserved hero due to his leadership during this situation.  I can't say the same about "W.")

But my question really is about Thayer David and not politics--I just had to add my two cents.

Brian

Here's a link to the Actors' Equity home page, featuring a pic of Conard Fowkes, who is Equity's national treasurer, and who coordinates the VITA (Volunteer Income Tax Assistance) program.  Thought some of you might like to see "Connie" as he is today.

http://www.actorsequity.org/home.html

Brian

From SHADOWGRAM online:  "Dennis' ashes were scattered at sea" and "the family requests that donations to honor the memory of Dennis Patrick be made to the Actor's Fund." (The Actors' Fund of America, 5757 Wilshire Blvd., Suite 400, Los Angeles, CA 90036.)

As a staff member for Actors' Equity Association, I'd like to share with you all some of the things the Actors' Fund does for our community.

Actors who are having difficult times financially may apply to the Fund for financial assistance.  The actor must present proof of his/her current financial situation, including bank statements, payroll checks, etc., along with a specific request for the use of the money.  The Fund has assisted Equity members with whom I am acquainted with such things as a one month mortgage payment, payment of an electric bill, payment of a doctor bill not covered by insurance (or payment of a bill if the actor is uninsured), assistance with a child care payment, etc.

This assistance is not a loan, and therefore does not have to be paid back.  Most of the actors I know who have received assistance from the Actors' Fund have made regular contributions to the Fund once they get back "on their feet," so to speak.

I only post this to affirm that the Actors' Fund is a bonafide and positive resource for the entire acting community.

You can check it out at http://www.actorsfund.org.

Thanks,

Brian

Hi, Gang.  As a long-time eBay bidder, I want to share my opinion that a seller named avaliotiko may be taking advantage of loyal DARK SHADOWS fans by offering items for sale at highly ridiculous prices.  The claim is that this seller knows market value of collectibles--but after spending the last two years viewing and bidding on eBay (and other auction sites), I find this seller's prices completely NOT in line with what else is available.  So, I only say:  BEWARE!!

Brian

Congrats to fellow poster Darren Gross on the nice comments about his contributions to the commentary for AND NOW THE SCREAMING STARTS.  You can read about the DVD and a brief evaluation of Darren's commentary at  http://www.dvdreview.com/quickpeek/collect/index.shtml

Brian

It's nice to see as many as 700+ people are viewing some of these posts.  At least now we know it's not the same 2 or 3 of us posting all these messages.  Hey, you lurkers. . .come in and join us.

Brian

Originally posted by Brian on the Dark Shadows: General Discussion Forum on February 21, 2002 at 21:17:57:

I know we heard from Marcy last week about the MPI DVD release of DS, and that it's supposed to begin with Barnabas' arrival at Collinwood. Well, here's release info that I found on DVDFILE.COM, posted on February 18:

"Lost in the 'Shadows' - 1:15pm

"One of the most unusual television series ever, fans of Dan Curtis' cult classic Dark Shadows have been waiting forever for the show to finally hit DVD. Thanks to MPI, on 4/30 Dark Shadows Set #1 arrives, a 6-disc collection containing the entire first season. While extras are slim, each episode has been remastered and are presented in their original 4:3 full frame broadcast ratio with English mono soundtracks, and goodies include Dark Shadows lore, a Dan Curtis bio, and stills. Retail is $69.95."

Seems to me like there's lots of confusion and mixed info going out about this.

Just thought I post it. . .

Brian