My notes say that Terry Crawford did the VO.
If only the Room of Doors looked this good or had such fine actor visitors, the whole Dream Curse would almost have been interesting. (Although of course, Stokes made the best visitor.)
I've always wondered about that fine Hungarian (I assume) men's chorus--they are really swell. They and TD's portrayal got this whole thing across. Who needs a whole lot of extras for a gypsy tribunal anyway?
Love Aristede's sheer enjoyment as he sets the trap for Barn. His materials consist of a pistol, a roll of wire, and a spool of what looks like clothesline. Julia can’t help staring in terror as Aristede starts to unroll the line. Why, Doctor, he laughs, you may die of curiosity before I even get to you. This idea seems to entertain him, but Julia gasps in dismay as she begins to guess his plan.
Barnabas is waiting in the same spot in the woods when Beth runs to him. Julia _is_ at the mill, she gasps. He’s--he’s going to kill her! she says, still catching her breath. You must go as quickly as you can! What about Petofi? Barnabas asks, and Beth reports, He isn’t there. Fervently Barnabas says, Beth, thank you. I am very grateful to you. He hurries away.
Aristede has finished setting up his apparatus: The pistol has been tied to the back of another chair facing Julia. Aristede cocks the hammer and lines up the chair so the pistol is aimed right at Julia, who is trembling in her chair. Would you like me to explain exactly how this device works to you now, Doctor? Aristede asks. I can see how anxious you are. He fastens the line to the trigger of the pistol and explains: Well, the device is quite simple. One end of the string is attached to the trigger. The other end is attached to the door. He opens the door and continues: When the door is opened, it pulls the string, which fires the pistol--and you die. Even though her voice is shaking, Julia fights for her life till the last possible moment. She taunts him, I thought that Petofi said that your imagination was great and creative. Not at all insulted, Aristede leans on the other chair to look her in the eye. Yes, he agrees, but the creative part comes along later, after I am gone. His Excellency suspects that someone will try to rescue you. I am hoping that that someone will be Barnabas Collins. You know, it would only be fitting if he should be your executioner. He crams his red handkerchief into Julia’s mouth despite her efforts to prevent him. Goodbye, Dr. Hoffman, he says with a big grin. Laughing, he unrolls the line back to the door, leaves the room, closes the door, and wraps the line around the outside knob. He starts to leave, then hears someone coming. Barnabas charges down the stairs, shouting, Where is she? Neither surprised nor frightened, Aristede says politely, My dear Mr. Collins. Tell me where she is or I will kill you! Barnabas shouts. I don’t know who you’re talking about, Aristede says calmly. Still gagged, Julia listens helplessly to the rest of the conversation. Julia Hoffman, Barnabas insists--you have her here! There must be some mistake--I’m here alone, Aristede says blandly. What about that room? Barnabas asks as he starts toward the door of the inner room. There’s no one in there, Aristede tells him. Then you won’t mind if I look inside? Barnabas says. Aristede rolls his eyes, feigning boredom, as he replies, There is no reason to look. Barnabas smiles as he makes for the door, but Aristede starts to hurry off. Once more we see Julia waiting helplessly. Barnabas opens the door--the gun fires! The broken string dangles below the gun. Barnabas is horrified to see that Julia is slumped over in the chair. Has he killed her?......
MT, I know I saw almost all the Avengers episodes and I adored Emma Peel, but I don't remember this one. Thanks for telling us about it!
