Alan Gallant, who posts here as Petofi, wrote a history of these cards, which you can read on my site -- he did a great job:

http://www.collinwood.net/features/cards/cards2.htm

Aw, shucks -- glad you like it

Betsy Durkin obviously wasn't well received by the production team -- given the lag between writing, taping and airing, it's very unlikely it was a decision based on viewer reaction, even though that's often the reason cited.  Poor girl -- she was hopelessly miscast and was never going to overcome that.

Groves was ideal -- she looked and sounded like the character outline already established, with a more intelligent, measured performance than Alexandra Moltke.  Too bad that her stint was an effective tying up of loose ends and that there was never a question of her staying on in the role

Apparently Jaclyn did read for the role of Victoria, but still had a very strong Texan accent that ruled her out.

Carolyn Groves was a very worthy replacement, I think.  She really nails the best qualities of the character in her few episodes and beats out AM by actually saying "I don't understand" with conviction

I'm certain that had she been cast initially, rather than Betsy Durkin, that the character of Victoria would have continued long-term without any problems.

http://www.collinwood.net -- the Dark Shadows Journal Online:


* NEW ON THE WEBSITE

DARK SHADOWS TRADING CARDS: Part two of Alan Gallant's illustrated history
NEWS: Minor updates and new stories


Cheers

Stuart

http://www.collinwood.net -- the Dark Shadows Journal Online:

* HAPPY HALLOWEEN!

It's less two weeks until Halloween and the website has a special new section to celebrate this one in true "Dark Shadows" style! Download the new and exclusive Halloween desktop wallpaper, send a creepy Halloween greeting to an online friend and carve yourself a Barnabas jack-o-lantern from the downloadable pattern!  Access the new section from the main page.

* NEW ON THE WEBSITE

BIOGRAPHIES: New pages for Anthony George and Lisa Richards
NEWS: Updates to our Dennis Patrick tributes, an obituary for Keene Curtis and new stories.

Best

Stuart

I'm so shocked by this -- it's a really sad passing.  

Watching Dennis' performances on DVD recently, I've really been struck by the quality of his work -- he was one of the rare actors on the show who really shone under live conditions, projecting such vibrant performances without any hint of fear or hesitation. And the fact that he manages to make Jason simultaneously repellent and conversely charming is an achievement in itself.

I got to see Dennis at July's Festival and he was on fine form as ever, lightning fast wit immediate, irreverent and laugh-out-loud hilarious, with that ever-so-slightly dirty smirk and twinkle in his eye.  An Irish toast sounds as good a way to remember him as any.

I've added an obituary to my website, which features on the main page.

http://www.collinwood.net -- The Dark Shadows Journal Online:

New on the site:

* Biographies: New pages for Dennis Patrick and Robert Rodan
* News: New stories and updates

Cheers

Stuart