704 - (Joan Bennett) - The great house of Collinwood stands deserted. The living have sought refuge elsewhere, leaving an evil spirit to roam the cold empty corrodors alone. For some, this night will seem an eternity. Barnabas Collins remains in a deep trance. He has employed the mysterious powers of the I-Ching and gone through the door to the infinite, hoping to find and defeat the spirit that haunts Collinwood. But beyond the door, he has been transported back in time to the year 1897, a time of intrigue and terror for all who live at Collinwood.
Barnabas licks his lips nervously. He and Quentin survey each other for a few moments, and Quentin advises him to start talking--five minutes go by quickly when you're about to die. Barnabas says that though he doesn't know him well, he finds it hard to believe he could be so cold-blooded.
He can and will be, Quentin assures him. He knows Barnabas is a fraud, after something--what? Simple hospitality and good manners were all he expected, says Barnabas. He was wrong. "I don't believe you," says Quentin. Your privilege, says Barnabas. What do you think I'm after? he asks Quentin. Just explain yourself, says Quentin. Barnabas assures him there IS an English branch of the family. Nuh uh, says Quentin, he was just there and knows differently! How come he never met any relatives there? Barnabas says it's obvious--he submits that Quentin's reputation arrived in England before he did (ooh, diss!)--any man who would put a sword to another man's throat moments after meeting him isn't the sort of person they would want to meet. Judith comes in with the tea tray and is shocked to see this scene. Barnabas tells her her brother doubts his credentials. She orders him to put down the sword, but Quentin maintains his position--Barnabas is an impostor! Ridiculous! says Judith, he's a Collins. There's no branch of the Collinses in England! says Quentin. This is moot to Judith, she says he has no right to behave like a barbarian. She forces him to drop the sword and apologizes to Barnabas, who suggests he should leave under the circumstances. Quentin places the sword back on the wall, and Judith says she won't hear of Barnabas leaving--she wants to show him they can be hospitable. She orders Quentin to apologizes, but he insists his doubt hasn't been alleviated. Barnabas tells Quentin sincerely that all he's looking for is friendship, and he's sure that Quentin will find that he, along with the rest of the English branch, are quite self-sufficient, with all the money he needs. Quentin's eyes widen at the sound of his favorite word, and Judith asks her brother if that made him feel better. He does apologize for his hasty judgment and offers Barnabas his hand. Barnabas shakes it, warily. Judith asks Barnabas to come have his tea. Barnabas agrees he's ready for it, and plans to stay in Collinsport, moving along once he decides how to invest his money (another interested look from Quentin). Judith asks him to stay at Collinwood, but he says he's been charmed by a house on the estate--the Old House. Quentin drinks his tea and listens carefully. Barnabas read about the Old House in history books--could he stay there? Judith doesn't know what to say, the Old House is occupied by gypsies who ingratiated themselves with Edith, who granted them use of the house. Barnabas says, being a relative, he might speak to her grandmother and perhaps alter the arrangement. Judith says she will discuss it with Edith, who she's sure will agree. Quentin sips his tea, listening sharply as Barnabas asks to see the house, if he may. She says of course, and if it's suitable, they can make arrangements. Barnabas wants to see it now, and Judith tells Quentin to go to the door with Cousin Barnabas. Barnabas takes his hat, coat and cane and Quentin tells him he hopes he will find the Old House to his liking. Barnabas is sure he will, and says he'll come back and tell them. Quentin sees him out. Judith is inside, placing a call to Edward Collins in Boston. Quentin grabs away the phone and cancels the call. Judith is angry--she has orders from Grandmother to call Edward. She's worried about him, thinks he should be here by now. Why tamper with fate, asks Quentin, if Edward can't get there, Grandmother will have to tell one of them the secret! Judith demands the phone back. He suggests she tells Grandmother there's a flood in Massachusetts and trains aren't running. If she believes a gypsy, she'll believe Judith. She gives him a dirty look and heads upstairs, giving him another dirty look halfway up. Quentin slides the sword into and out of the scabbard, wondering if he shouldn't have driven it through Cousin Barnabas.
In the woods, Barnabas runs into a familiar face. "Beth!" he cries, eyes alight. She turns to walk away, but he says she needn't be afraid. He introduces himself, saying he only arrived hours ago. How did he know her name, she asks. Judith showed him a book of photographs, he said, and saw one of her with the children. "Oh, I see," she says, relaxing. He particularly asked about her, he explains, because he assumed she was a Collins. She smiles, flattered; she didn't know how he could assume that. He says she has an aristocratic look, and she says no, she's just an ordinary servant. Far from ordinary, he praises. She asks why he's staring at her like that, and he says he just came from a long trip and he's tired. He says he'll see her soon, he hopes. He will if he visits Collinwood, she says. He'd like to meet the children--what were their names again? Jamison and. . ."Nora," finishes Beth. Barnabas says he's forgotten the name of the other child, and she puzzledly tells him there is no other child. Jamison and Nora are the only two.
Barnabas wonders why he thought there was another child, and she more coldly says she doesn't know, and she's got to leave. After she goes, Barnabas muses: there must have been another child muses Barnabas--either Beth is lying or that other child is already dead and buried--somewhere on these grounds!
Collinwood - Beth returns and Quentin calls her the wandering maidservant--she was gone a long time, she must have had a lot of errands. Only one important one, she says. Her gentleman friend, he asks, and she says, "That would be telling--wouldn't it?" And she goes off, leaving him pissed.
Docks - We hear the sounds of the sea, of ships, foghorns. There is fog. Barnabas finds something on the ground. A lady calls to her gentleman friend that she lost her compact, and that's what Barnabas has found. She calls to her drunken friend, Charlie to sleep off his drunk, complaining he's spoiled her evening. A blonde woman appears, searching for her compact. He apologizes for startling her, but she assures him being startled is the most interesting thing that's happened to her all evening. She tells him she lost her compact, which was given to her by Captain Strathmore, a very kind gentleman. He was very considerate, but she doesn't know what became of him. Barnabas hands her the compact and she thanks him, calling him considerate, too, and she's very grateful to him. She needn't be, he assures her. She introduces herself as Sophie Baker and asks for his name, but he thinks it would be better if he didn't reveal his name. She thinks that's an odd thing to say. He's glad she found her compact, but he must go now. She doesn't want him to, and takes his desire to leave as some sort of insult: "What's the matter with me?" she asks, taking his arm. Nothing, he says, you're very lovely. Why is she having such a miserable evening, then, she asks--first Charlie gets drunk, now HE's got cold feet (and hands, and face, and lady, EVERYTHING is pretty cold!) Barnabas apologizes. She says Captain Strathmore wouldn't have treated her like this, he was very considerate. Feeling those damned blood-hunger pangs coming over him, Barnabas bids Sophie goodnight, but she again stops him, saying the least he can do is escort her to the door of the Blue Whale. Would he mind? Not at all, he says, hurrying her along. She can't go like this, she has to adjust her makeup. She pats powder on her face, commenting it's such a nice night, he's alone. . .and she's alone. . .and they could. . .then Sophie notices that even though the strange man is standing behind her, he isn't casting a reflection in her compact mirror.
She looks at him, then the mirror, and asks, poutily, who he is. Why isn't he casting a reflection in her mirror? "Why are you staring at me that way?" she demands. Barnabas grabs her, mouth open, fangs revealed. He bites into her throat, getting a mouthful of blond curls with his dinner.
Collinwood - the clock strikes 8 PM. Quentin runs into Beth in the foyer again. He offers to take the tray she's holding up to his grandmother, but she says it's her job. He asks her to put down the tray a moment, he wants to talk to her. She objects--the food will get cold, but he says he needs her help. She puts down the tray and asks for what. His dear sister Judith is being too protective of Grandma, he says, he wants to see her, and Judith won't let him. Does he think she'll reveal the big dark secret, asks Beth, grinning. She might, says Quentin. How can she help him, asks Beth. Get Judith out of the room long enough for him to get in, suggests Quentin, touching her face. She pulls away. "You're very friendly with people you want to have help you," she says curtly, pushing his hand, which has been resting on her shoulder, down. "Will you do it?" he asks. She tells him she likes her job and doesn't want to risk losing it--sorry. She picks up the tray and heads for the stairs. He stops her, checks the tray. He remarks that for a sick old lady, Grandmama has a big appetite. Where is she going with all the food. She couldn't possibly eat all that food. Most of it is for Miss Judith, says Beth. She's having dinner with Grandmother tonight. "May I go upstairs now?" Yes, go on, he says, still staring up at her as she goes upstairs.
Edith yawns. Judith sits beside her, and immediately jumps up when the old woman calls her. Edith asks about Edward--he MUST get there in time. Judith is sure he will. Edith complains she's cold, and Judith covers her up and apologizes for letting her get a chill. Edith assures her she knows how attentive she's been to her, and she will be grateful. Judith thanks her. Beth arrives with dinner, and quietly tells Judith Quentin stopped her in the foyer and questioned her about the food. She said she was bringing it up to Judith and she thinks he believed her (all Judith takes from the tray is a cup of something). Judith warns her that now that Quentin is back, they must be cautious, not let him become suspicious. Edith calls for her consomme, and Judith tells Beth to take the rest of the tray upstairs and don't let him see her. Judith brings the cup of consomme to Edith, who asks what they were whispering about. Judith says she was giving her instructions for tomorrow. Edith orders Judith to taste the consomme and let her know if it's too hot. Judith complies. It's 11 PM. Judith checks her grandmother, who is sleeping, then leaves the room. Quentin is hiding in the hallway. He sneaks into Grandmama's room and tries to pretend to be Edward when Edith asks if it's him. She gets huffy--"Quentin, I know your voice! I'm not as far gone as you think." Yes, you are, he tells her, advancing on her.
"I mean," he says cruelly, fastening his hands around his own grandmother's throat, "that you're going to die tonight, but before you do, you're going to tell me the secret--aren't you, Grandmother!"
NOTES: Don't tell me Quentin is a nice guy here, he doesn't even come CLOSE! Gawd, strangling your own helpless, sick grandmother has to be the lowest thing a person can do! Sophie wasn't much of an actress, but she made fun vampire food. Felt sorry for Barnabas, having to resort to that again, and he did try to get away from her, but she was looking for company in all the wrong people. Judith seems so sour and subservient--imagine having to taste someone's food before they eat it for proper temperature! Beth is quite haughty, and she's constantly having to fend off Quentin's advances--which seem to stem more from his desire to get information or money than sexual favor, although I'm sure he'd gladly accept any of that Beth would part with, too. You can't blame her for wanting to protect herself from him. He's one bad piece of work inside, although he's got a nice candy coating, doesn't he?
705 - (Joan Bennett) - The great house of Collinwood stands deserted. The living have sought refuge elsewhere, leaving an evil spirit to roam the cold empty corridors alone. For some, this night will seem an eternity. Barnabas Collins remains in a deep trance. He has employed the mysterious powers of the I-Ching and gone through the door to the infinite, hoping to find and defeat the spirit that haunts Collinwood. But beyond the door, he has been transported back in time to the year 1897, a time of intrigue and terror for all who live at Collinwood.
Judith leaves her grandmother alone. No sooner does she exit than Quentin, who has been hiding, sneaks into Edith's room. He tries to pretend to be Edward, but she recognizes his voice--she isn't as far gone as he thinks! He grabs her throat and tells her that she's going to die tonight, but before she does, she will tell HIM the secret! Poor Edith gasps in fear.
Quentin tries to bully the secret out of Edith, promising to stop hurting her if she does. She can only tell Edward, she says, warning him that if he kills her, he'll gain nothing. He'll gain the satisfaction of depriving Edward of knowing the secret. She tells him that would be very dangerous, but tells him she'll let him wonder why. He yells at her, demanding she tell, but Judith interrupts. Quentin wants to know why he should leave, when things were just getting interesting; he and Grandmother were having a test of willpower. Edith advises him to leave as Judith ordered. "Anything for dear sister Judith," agrees Quentin sarcastically. Edith assures Judith she's all right, Quentin will always be a bully, properly dealt with when the time comes. I hope so, says Judith.
Edith chastises her for leaving her alone this way, but Judith says she just went to her room for a book. Long enough for Quentin to do as he did; Quentin is an opportunist, and Judith gave him this opportunity. It had better not happen again, finishes Edith, coughing. Judith has been thinking--in the event Edward doesn't get back in time, perhaps Edith could tell her, Judith, the secret, and she'll pass it on to Edward. How anxious everyone is to know the secret, says Edith. Judith promises not to tell anyone else, but Edith holds fast to her resolve--Edward is the eldest and the only one who will know--and besides, says the old lady with trembling voice, Judith is better off not knowing. Don't tell the others, let them go on feeding their anxiety, says Edith.
Quentin drinks in the drawing room, then furiously tosses his glass into the fireplace. Judith enters, advising him not to break things he can't pay for. Why isn't she with "granny?" asks Quentin. Doesn't she fear he'll try again? She took care this time, says Judith, locking the door--he might scale a wall, she wouldn't put it past him. She tells Quentin that Edward will hear about this incident. THAT has a familiar ring, chuckles Quentin bitterly, then wags a finger and adds, "Just you wait, Quentin, I'm going to tell Edward on you!" Isn't telling Edward like leaving a boy to do a man's job, asks Quentin. No, says Judith, she doesn't think so. Quentin shoots her a dirty look and sits down. She sits beside him and says he's always done his best to hide his fear of Edward. Stuffy, proud, arrogant, insufferable Edward, sneers Quentin. "My dear, Edward couldn't inspire fear in a mouse!" They exchange annoyed looks.
A pretty, nervous young woman stands in the Collinsport train station. The carriage will be there shortly, says Edward, complaining that if he doesn't arrive home in time to see his grandmother, he'll file suit against these people. She's sure that won't happen. They discuss her schedule with the children--she will make whatever teaching schedule she wants. Both kids are bright and eager to learn, but will require discipline--which she will leave to him. Any questions? No, not now, but there will be, she says, after she meets the children and Mrs. Collins. Edward's face goes dark at that name. She had no way of knowing, he should have told her before they left Boston--there is no Mrs. Collins. She apologizes. He says no need--she didn't die, but Mrs. Collins no longer exists, and he wants it left that way.
She asks his forgiveness and wonders if he explained his wife's absence to her children? Sooner or later they'll ask, and. . .Edward says to tell them Mrs. Collins is away, they must learn to forget her, as he has done. That's clear, she says, quite clear. They hear the sound of an approaching carriage. "Come along, Miss Drummond," he demands of the not-happy-looking young woman.
Quentin paces Collinwood's foyer, plotting, most likely. He starts to sneak upstairs when he hears a knock at the door. It's Barnabas, whom Quentin calls, "The itinerant cousin," and cheerfully invites in. They were afraid the gypsies had abducted him. Barnabas tells him he looked over the Old House and wants to tell Judith he finds it quite suitable. Quentin offers him a warning--his staying at the Old House will require Edward's approval, Judith has delusions of authority and has none whatsoever. Judith, on the landing, overhears this and says, crisply, "I have enough, Quentin!" She cordially greets Barnabas, who tells her he thinks the Old House is more than adequate. Judith says she'll tell Edith. Barnabas asks for an audience with the family matriarch. No, says Judith, she isn't well enough, but will bring the matter to her attention. Barnabas wants to give Edith a family heirloom that belonged to Naomi Collins. Quentin asks to see it, and Barnabas hands over a case. Quentin checks it out, remarking that Naomi Collins once lived in this house--how did he come by this "gift"? Barnabas says it traveled from England with the original Barnabas, and was handed down unto the generations. The present head of the English branch asked him to deliver it personally to the American head of the family. Why didn't he tell them earlier, asks Quentin, and Barnabas retorts he was too busy defending his good name--to him.
Quentin nods and hands back the jewelry case. Judith agrees to let Barnabas come up, and Quentin objects--isn't Edith too ill for company? Judith says who knows, perhaps the sight of a gentleman might do her some good. Barnabas hides a smile on this as he follows Judith upstairs and Quentin looks with hatred at the portrait of Barnabas on the foyer wall. A carriage pulls up. Quentin opens the door and comes out. He quickly closes the doors behind him and goes into the drawing room, closing those doors as well. He takes a drink and swallows most of it down. Rachel and Edward enter the house, and she looks around as if she REALLY likes this place, smiling. Edward looks for someone, but the servants are all hiding, he says sourly. Quentin comes in, grinning. "I am your servant, Edward," he says, bowing. "Your wish is my command." Edward looks like he was just slapped with a rotten fish. Quentin spots Rachel and, looking her over in a most ungentlemanly like manner, starts guessing who she is: Edward's new wife? No, too pretty. Ah, the new governess. Much too pretty, he says. She isn't your mistress? asks Quentin. Edward, furious, demands what he's doing back in the house. It's about time he said something, says Quentin--he is living here. How do you like that? Edward's face tells all--he hates it!
Edith frets to Judith, "Why hasn't Edward gotten here yet?" Judith doesn't know, but there's someone else who wants to see her. She can't tell the secret to anyone else, insists Edith. He didn't come about the secret, he's a distant relative who has brought her a family heirloom, explains Judith. The poor old lady is delighted to think someone has brought her a present, and agrees to a few moments--she's very tired. She says she must sit up for company, and Judith props her up on pillows.
Back down in the foyer, Quentin asks Edward to introduce him to the new governess. When Edward stays silent, Quentin introduces himself to Rachel Drummond, who returns the favor--she is the new governess. He's honored, he says, and asks if she's married. "Would it make any difference to you if she were?" asks Edward coldly. Quentin and his brother gaze at each other for an angry moment. Edward asks Rachel to excuse him and his brother a few moments. Quentin tells Rachel not to go away before joining Edward in the drawing room. Edward closes the doors and tells Quentin he'll make it short--"You were banished from this house, that banishment still stands! I don't know how you came back, and I don't care. I will give you exactly 24 hours to pack and get out. If you are here by midnight tomorrow, I swear I'll kill you, Quentin!"
Quentin applauds his brother's "pretty speech," but he says he won't leave and Edward won't kill him. He's sorry to disappoint him. Edward says he meant every word he said, which Quentin says is always so--but this time he can't back up his words. He returned to the house by invitation of Grandmother. Edward calls him a liar, and Quentin advises him to ask her. He intends to, grumbles Edward.
Edward supposes he's been busy trying to get the secret from her. Yup, admits Quentin, but no luck there. Edward wonders why she invited him back, and Quentin says he thinks Jamison convinced her to do it. This pisses Edward off. He's always had a fondness for his uncle Quentin, says Quentin, and Edward advances on him and orders him to stay away from Jamison. What if he doesn't, demands Quentin, will he kill him? Grandmother would take a dim view of that! Quentin suggests they return to Miss Drummond--she might be getting lonely. He leaves, and Edward looks nothing less than murderous.
Edith tells Judith she's ready for her gentleman caller. Judith admits Barnabas to the room, apologizing for the darkness, which hurts the old lady's eyes. Barnabas says he understands. Edith asks Judith to open the drapes wider, and she complies. Judith tells Edith she saw a carriage downstairs--it must be Edward. This excites Edith--she must see him! Go get him! Judith hurries out. Well, young man, says Edith, "I hear you brought me a present." She isn't used to such thoughtfulness in this house, not since her hubby died 34 years ago. She hears it's a family heirloom. Yes, says Barnabas, it was Naomi's. He introduces himself to her. She rolls his name off her tongue and asks him to come into the light so she can see him. He does. She gazes at him and her mouth drops open in horror. "Oh, my God!" she cries. "You are the secret, passed down from one generation to the other--you were never to be let out! We have failed! We have failed!" Barnabas tries to shut her up, advancing on her. "Don't come near me! Don't come near me, she warns, holding her face between her hands, covering her throat. "I know what you are! I must send for Edward and warn him. He must take you away again!" Edward knocks at the door as the old lady flails on the bed. "Quickly, quickly!" she cries. Edward races to her side. Barnabas doesn't know what to do. Edward tells Barnabas his sister told him she was all right just a moment ago. He asks Barnabas to leave them, he must be alone with her. "Please Edward!" begs the old lady. Edward holds her hands in his, and she says his name; otherwise, her speech is garbled. "Tell me what the secret is!" he pleads desperately, as Barnabas, equally desperate, stands listening at the door.
NOTES: OH GOD! Is that exciting or what? The first time I saw this, I wondered if Barnabas would be discovered and exposed as a vampire before helping David one iota! Quentin's relationship with his brother is no better than his relationship with his sister. They despise each other! Great stuff, and David Selby is absolutely wonderful as the debauched Quentin. The way he looked at Rachel. . .whew, hot!
Love, Robin
