I'm sorry you feel that way, Richard. The article was not a put down; I'm a genuine fan of the show and in my opinion a candid look at how the show was made is a far more interesting story to tell than remaking Dark Shadows, again.

The themes and subtext I presented were the result of a lot of reading, watching and listening to a lot of interviews, email exchanges between myself and folks like Craig Hamrick, interviewing fans at several DS conventions over the last three years, and hearing stories from cast members - stories that aren't in the "official" books, but tales shared after hours in the lobby of hotels in Tarrytown and Brooklyn.  I know certain subjects are tip toed around out of courtesy within DS fandom, but my point is the full true story of the colorful cast of the show deserves proper preservation, and beyond that it's a story which deserves to be honored, and honored with the full truth.

My remarks about Frid's rocky first year are echoed in countless interviews with the man himself. I find something incredibly touching about Mr. Frid's long journey, and seeing him take the stage in 2007 was a truly transcendent moment. I was not advocating for any sort of hatchet piece, but was affectionately embracing the "stranger than fiction" nature of how the pieces of the puzzle came together. It's an amazing, crazy story, and more people should know about it!

The not-so-subtle subtle dig at my sexuality was uncalled for. I'm a married straight male, but that's irrelevant to your insult; imagine what folks like Joel Crothers or Louis Edmonds would think of you slinging homosexuality at another as an insult. Shameful stuff.

To others in the thread, thanks for reading the article; I feel many of you "got" what I was advocating. Happy New Year!

SG #114 print issue featured Jonathan's own thoughts about the most recent Fest convention: Excerpt: "I keep reminding myself of the three recent and coming happy years involving my planning and presence at Dark Shadows festivals.... For this coming Festival next August I hope to participate in the events with other actors. " He comments on his feelings as he prepared for the Burbank event and for his previous Fest appearances (2006 and 2007).

I would love to hear his thoughts about his 2006 Fest appearance...

I wrote to the organizers asking about volunteering. After an initial "we'll be sending out details soon", I heard nothin. 

It's pretty awesome that an 84 year-old is fielding questions online and talking about uploading videos to youtube! Cracks me up. Looking forward to hearing him speak at the Newark convention (if that's still the plan)...

An impressive display of knowledge in here. Thank you so much!

I thought the pilot was okay, but it's unfinished - there are missing fx shots and backgrounds that aren't totally filled in (I recall some greenscreen shots that had no background).  Look for this pilot to be on the eventual DVD release of the Depp film, if at all.

I am reading an interview with Sam Hall. In it, Hall mentions that Dan Curtis once penalized them for using too many actors by forcing them to do an episode with only two actors. Hall says they did an entire episode with just Grayson Hall and Nancy Barrett.  Can anyone tell me what episode this is, and in what storyline it appeared?  Many thanks in advance.

Perhaps Frid, in the wrongest thought he's ever thunk, assumed the kids would've outgrown and forgotten him and his show in six months' time...

It was usually on a bed in 1795 or at the Evans cottage. I need  a pic of it. Anyone?