from one of Sam Hall's interviews about NoDS, it would seem that a werewolf story was considered, but given the cost of the effects and makeup they decided to go with Angelique as a vengeful, seductive ghost instead.  And I think personally that NoDS is a much better movie simply because it is an original story, not a potted version of something already told at length on television.

The other salient fact about NoDS is that Frid apparently backed out somewhat late in the game, which left them scrambling to come up with an alternative because MGM wanted the sequel promptly (for a Summer or early Fall '71 release I think? Sam and Grayson's publicity tour was sometime in August, if I recall correctly).

I really think Frid's flat refusal to do the sequel soured his relationship with Sam and Grayson.  That's pure speculation on my part of course, based on various comments I have read from the Halls in several interviews.

G.

It's a series about actual hauntings or other paranormal occurrences with talking heads and re-enactments. It comes right up on Amazon if you select "Movies and TV" as your search object and just type the words "A Haunting."  It seems to be US--reference is made in one user review to a channel called Destination America (I presume it is a channel, I haven't watched television in years now).

Here's a sample blurb from the fifth or sixth season which only had four episodes:

These chilling tales of the supernatural take you inside real-life horror stories, with each one-hour episode featuring eyewitness accounts and cinematic re-enactments of some of the most spine tingling and inexplicable stories ever recorded. Episode by shocking episode, you will be stunned and astonished by these spellbinding tales of evil lurking in the most everyday places. By the end of each amazing story, you will experience an eerie feeling that life and death are stranger and more terrifying than you had ever imagined.  (end of blurb)

Best,  G.

Happy Birthday!

G.

It would seem that gay men are divided into two groups:  those who adore every arched eyebrow, camp innuendo and tongue-lashing torture-marathon of BITB, and those who just find it all "so very ugly."  Three guesses which "camp" I belong to.

Maybe I'll spot more DS references.  I have the distinct feeling that the playwright was a fan.

G.

Dear fans,

This notice was posted on the Collinsport Historical Society site today:

Turner Classic Movies will be airing HOUSE OF DARK SHADOWS at 3:30 a.m. EST, Saturday, Oct. 3. The film is part of a late-night horror movie package, and will air immediately 1974's HOUSE OF THE SEVEN CORPSES and the 1963 classic, THE HAUNTING.

Note: TCM's schedule can be a little confusing. HOUSE OF DARK SHADOWS falls onto the channels "primetime" schedule, which begins at 8 p.m. and extends to 6 a.m. the following day. While it's slated to be broadcast "Oct. 2," the film technically airs on the morning of Oct. 3.

Best,  G.

Sounds wonderful.  Carol used to make me laugh so hard I would literally roll around on the floor.  I'll never forget my first viewing of "Sunnyset boulevard."  grand stuff!

G.

In PT 1970, it's hinted a few times that the house itself was cursed.  But that got dropped in favor of other developments in the final phases of the storyline.

G.