DARK SHADOWS FORUMS

General Discussions => Current Talk '24 I => Topic started by: Darren Gross on May 28, 2019, 11:13:26 PM

Title: John Karlen in HIDDEN FACES
Post by: Darren Gross on May 28, 2019, 11:13:26 PM
Howdy! I'm writing an article/possible book on the lost 1969 Soap HIDDEN FACES. I've unearthed reams of fascinating material which will make a great read, but unfortunately photos are very scarce, and I've yet to find a single one of John Karlen in the show. Given he had a fan club and a big following at this point, I'm curious if he discussed the show in any newsletters or if anyone took any off-the-TV set snapshots of him when he appeared, that they'd be willing to share? Thanks!

He only appeared in a few episodes, but it was a fun character, hippie regalia, etc.
Title: Re: John Karlen in HIDDEN FACES
Post by: Uncle Roger on May 29, 2019, 01:00:11 AM
Sharky Primrose!
Title: Re: John Karlen in HIDDEN FACES
Post by: Mysterious Benefactor on May 29, 2019, 02:49:25 AM
Isn't this the soap that starred Conard Fowkes, our very own Frank Garner?

Unfortunately, I never watched (perhaps because it was on when I was in school?) so I don't have any info about John Karlen's participation on the show.
Title: Re: John Karlen in HIDDEN FACES
Post by: Uncle Roger on May 29, 2019, 03:24:47 AM
I watched it a few times. It was scheduled opposite As The World Turns, which was a ratings powerhouse at the time. Conard Fowkes was indeed on the show, as was Betsy Durkin. Some of the cast went on to very successful careers: Tony LoBianco, Roy Scheider and Linda Blair.
Title: Re: John Karlen in HIDDEN FACES
Post by: Mysterious Benefactor on May 29, 2019, 03:42:14 AM
It's funny, I remember seeing all sorts of photos of Conard Fowkes in the daytime mags I bought for their DS coverage, but I don't remember ever seeing any photos or even a mention of Betsy Durkin. I wonder why? Her name or photo would have certainly caught my eye...

Maybe she wasn't on that long before the show was canceled...
Title: Re: John Karlen in HIDDEN FACES
Post by: Uncle Roger on May 29, 2019, 04:05:06 AM
Betsy played a character named Jeannet Sloan. I'm not sure how many episodes that she appeared in, as the series itself had a very short run. Just six months.
Title: Re: John Karlen in HIDDEN FACES
Post by: Darren Gross on May 29, 2019, 06:40:03 AM
Any memories or impressions that strike you, Uncle Roger? I'd love to hear them.
It looks like it was a pretty expensive show for awhile.  I'm told the opening title sequence was pretty striking.

Music by Cobert, costumes by Ohrbachs. Addison Powell even appeared in an early episode. Lots for a DS fan to enjoy.

There was a lot of casting changes during its short run.  Karlen was in about 5-6 episodes, late in the run, playing a role started by Richard Lynch.
Title: Re: John Karlen in HIDDEN FACES
Post by: Uncle Roger on May 29, 2019, 01:04:35 PM
Nothing really specific comes to mind, Darren. The 1:30pm time slot meant that I could only watch it when I was home from school, so I didn't see it often. I seem to remember that there were a lot of gangsters running around but not much else. I'm a bit surprised that so little of the show has survived. I've seen bits and pieces of other short lived soaps from the era, such as The Best of Everything and A World Apart, but there seems to be nothing on YouTube at all for Hidden Faces. Not even any audio tapes.
Title: Re: John Karlen in HIDDEN FACES
Post by: Darren Gross on May 29, 2019, 04:55:54 PM
Not a single episode survives, unfortunately.
Title: Re: John Karlen in HIDDEN FACES
Post by: Gothick on June 27, 2019, 04:41:33 PM
Interesting that its final episode aired fifty-three years ago today. June 27, 1969. Which of course is a significant date in history for DS fans.

G.
Title: Re: John Karlen in HIDDEN FACES
Post by: B.Collins on July 20, 2019, 01:32:19 AM
i was just reading this thread and If IMDB is right there were #127 episodes made and that's it  that's how short that run was. i am curious to see it now though who knows maybe someday some will be found i mean they have found some Doctor Who in recent years why not this show as well? also with those Avengers episodes found a year or two ago wasn't it?