Happy Birthday!!!!!

I wonder what they are doing on the West Coast.

Oh, it's a repeat of an episode from last year.   

SHADOWGRAM OFFICIAL DARK SHADOWS NEWS ONLINE UPDATE # 398
APRIL 1, 2017
 
Hello, Dark Shadows Fan,
 
ShadowGram (SG), The Official Newsletter & News Source for Dark Shadows (DS), provides the following news in this ShadowGram Official Dark Shadows News Online Update "Bulletin."
 
**** BETSY DURKIN: NEW HISTORICAL BIOGRAPHY / PERSONAL MEMOIR AVAILABLE IN PRINT & KINDLE DOWNLOAD
 
BETSY (Victoria Winters #2) shares with SG about her new book, “Forever Is Not for Everyone.” In this evocative historical biography, she personally explores how her father’s death in the waning days of World War II impacted her life – even though she was only 3 years old at the time.
 
She tells SG: “It is listed on amazon.com in both a printed and a Kindle version. Also,
if any DS fans wish to buy an autographed copy of my book, they can send me a note with a check for $20 (the cost of the book + postage/padded envelope) with their name and postal address, as well as the person to whom they would like the book autographed.
Please have them address it to me at:
 
Betsy Durkin Matthes
Peter's Pride Publishing
P.O Box 452
Shelter Island Heights, NY 11965
 
She also shares that “I am not taking any profit from this book, as it is dedicated to my father, who was a paratrooper and a gliderman, and who was killed in World War ll. All the money that I receive is going to support the Museum of Aviation Foundation as well as the 325th Glider Infantry Association.”
 
FOREVER IS NOT FOR EVERYONE  by Betsy Durkin Matthes
---- Kindle Download Edition – $9.99
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0178QBIHC/ref=dp-kindle-redirect?_encoding=UTF8&btkr=1
 
---- Paperback Book Edition - $15.95
 
Sample Reading: Chapters 1-3
 
File Size: 11773 KB
Print Length: 245 pagesTop of Form
“Due to its large file size, this book may take longer to download.”
 
Amazon description: “As a World War II historical biography and present-day memoir, “FOREVER IS NOT FOR EVERYONE” illuminates the story of one daughter’s search for the forgotten life of her deceased father, a war hero she never got a chance to know.

“Fatherless at the age of 3 and armed with a lifelong desire to uncover the past, a telephone conversation with a total stranger propels her forward on a journey to the invasion beaches of Normandy, France, to a picturesque hill town in Belgium, and to a fateful crossroad in a remote area just over the German border. Encountering along the way heroes of the past and the present, she ultimately finds herself in the midlands of England, as her father’s representative, addressing attendees at memorials honoring regiments of the 82nd Airborne who were billeted there during war.

“This is a story of loss, self-renewal, and undying love. It is a source of genuine inspiration to all those contemplating such a journey for themselves.”
 
“About the Author: Betsy Durkin Matthes is a former actress, singer, dancer, and lyricist. She appeared on Broadway, Off-Broadway, in daytime dramas, national touring companies, and in over 100 television commercials. She also had 13 songs recorded by major artists including John Parr, Cissy Houston, Stephanie Mills, and The Manhattans. As a returning student, Betsy graduated from Marymount Manhattan College in 1996 as Class Valedictorian with a degree in International Studies and Women s Studies. In 2006, she turned her talents to the subject of men's clothing in her first book, ‘Dressing the Man You Love: A Woman’s Guide to Purchasing, Coordinating, and Caring for His Classic Wardrobe.’ She is a lifelong advocate for refugees and women's rights, and a former pilot.”
 
SHADOWGRAM welcomes and invites fans to please share any publicity materials, reviews, articles, etc. regarding BETSY DURKIN’S book with SHADOWGRAM.
Please use the postal- or e- mail addresses above/below.
 
 
**** JAMES STORM FEATURED IN RECENT ARTICLES
 
JIM (Gerard Stiles) shares with SG about 3 articles covering his life and career. As SG has reported over the years, Jim is not only a TV/film/stage actor, but also an accomplished photographer, talented musician, and rights activist.
 
He is very involved in causes that support human and legal rights of Native Americans, the wonders of our natural environment, and the ever-changing, never-static flow of people across the country who live, travel, and work on the land.
 
Below are links to the articles about Jim, followed by details about his many interests, causes, and activities.
 
---- NOT HIS FIRST RODEO
Published in Cultural Weekly by Alexis Rhone Fancher – December 2016
http://www.culturalweekly.com/not-first-rodeo-interview-actorphotographer-james-storm/
 
---- WHY GO TO STANDING ROCK?
Published in Cultural Weekly by Alexis Rhone Fancher – Feb. 16, 2017
http://www.culturalweekly.com/go-standing-rock/
 
---- OUT OF THE SHADOWS
by Herbie Pilato
http:/www.emmys.com/news/online-originals/out-shadows
 
Jim often focuses his camera on evocative images that capture close-up people of multiple backgrounds and livelihoods at work, play, and rest, plus bridges, common objects, buildings, surrounding countryside, and more. His close-up portraits reveal each unique individual and the indelible marks of life’s impact on humans and nature alike.
 
He’s stayed on Native American reservations and homelands, sharing and chronicling their lives and heritages with his camera. He recently spent a few weeks at the Standing Rock Indian Reservation, supporting ongoing protests with the tribes and many others in opposition to the planned Dakota Access Pipeline.
 
At DS Festival events in NY, Los Angeles, and San Diego, Jim and his guitar have performed live onstage, presenting a range of traditional country-western songs. Many in the audience sang and clapped along.
 
In 2014, Jim asked ShadowGram to help with a very personal project: His “Wanderlust” trip. SG reported frequent details about his Go Fund Me campaign to raise monies for him to travel that summer by Greyhound Bus from Los Angeles to Montana and back. Thanks to wonderful support from DS fans and others, the effort succeeded.
 
During Jim’s 2 months’ travels, his camera and online posts chronicled what he saw and did in detail and specific images: distinctive views of individual people; the expansive vistas of sky and land; intimate pictures of an isolated, dilapidated barn or a cowboy’s dusty boots leaning against a wooden fence post, and more. Stepping into the intense world of local and professional rodeo enthusiasts brought Jim’s vivid portraits: the exhilarating competitions, behind the scenes activities, the lives and camaraderie of the people, animals, equipment, and their surroundings
 
Jim continues to explore with his camera, revealing people, places, objects, and more that he sees in the vast and the close-up worlds around him. SG thanks him for sharing.
 
 
**** SEAVIEW TERRACE PROMINENT IN NETFLIX MOVIE “THE DISCOVERY”
 
SEAVIEW TERRACE (CAREY MANSION) is the familiar “face” of the original daytime DS’ “Collinwood.” Located along the rocky Atlantic coastline in Newport, RI, the rear of the house is actually the iconic view of the Collins Family home.
 
The 2017 Netflix movie THE DISCOVERY shot extensively in and around the house and grounds. Starring Robert Redford and Rooney Mara, the sci-fi fantasy premiered at the Sundance Film Festival. It debuted on Netflix 3-31 and is available for streaming.
Netflix offers people to “join free for a month”:  https://www.netflix.com/title/80115857  or call 866-579-7172.
 
Netflix publicity: “A scientist whose proof of an afterlife caused a rash of suicides forges ahead with his research, while his disapproving son falls for a troubled woman.” Also: “Now that the afterlife’s been proven to exist, people are killing themselves in droves. Seems like a good time to fall in love.” The movie is “cerebral, dark, mind-bending, romantic, understated.”
 
TODAY SHOW 3-20 interviewed Redford. His reaction to the script: “I loved it for a whole bunch of reasons. It was out there. It made you think and it explored new territory. When you were a kid, didn’t you ever wonder what was out there but that you would like to know about?” His character “realizes what he’s done” and “the consequences” because people worldwide are committing suicide to reach the realm of the afterlife. Yet “he can’t take responsibility for this because he can’t correct things.” Redford’s personal view: “What I like about it is that you don’t know ((what an afterlife may be like)) until you get there or don’t get there.” The premise is “fascinating. What else is out there that we don’t know about, that we are curious about? We’d like to know but we don’t. The curiosity is there, and that’s what this film feeds on. “ 
 
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qxqQYz-Ikdo&list=PLVn1ZdfiPPppN-oSn9P-_YT15wrKEl5wJ
 
A special premiere was held in Newport 3-30. SG thanks SG contributors Gaye McNown and Nina Ogle, who share: Director Charlie McDowell says he is “paying attention to the fact that the house is drawing its own audience of DS fans.” So SG joins him in encouraging all “to please spread the word for every DS fan to watch this movie!”

It'll be interesting to see how they're going to take another 1,000 page King epic novel and compress it into less than two hours.

According to the article under the trailer, this is only the first of two movies that will tell the story.

SHADOWGRAM OFFICIAL DARK SHADOWS NEWS
ONLINE UPDATE # 397
MARCH 26, 2017
 
---- DARK SHADOWS AT SEA CRUISE – OCT. 1-8, 2017 REMINDER:
SPECIAL “FULLY REFUNDABLE DEPOSIT OFFER” ENDS FRIDAY, MARCH 31
 
---- ACCLAIMED PERSONAL BOOK “JONATHAN FRID: AN ACTOR’S CURIOUS JOURNEY COMMEMORATIVE EDITION ” CAREER BIOGRAPHY NOW AVAILABLE
 
---- DS CAST REUNION III IN NYC MAY 20
 
Hello, Dark Shadows Fan,
 
ShadowGram (SG), The Official Newsletter & News Source for Dark Shadows (DS), provides the following news in this ShadowGram Official Dark Shadows News Online Update "Bulletin."
 
*****IMPORTANT REMINDER:
“DARK SHADOWS FESTIVAL AT SEA CRUISE” OCT. 1-8, 2017
SPECIAL “FULLY REFUNDABLE RESERVATION DEPOSIT” OFFER MUST BE
RECEIVED BY FRIDAY, MARCH 31, 2017
 
SG Update #395 (2-19-17) detailed the upcoming “DS Festival at Sea” New England / Canada roundtrip cruise via Boston, Oct. 1-8, 2017.
 
The Royal Caribbean Line’s ship Serenade of the Seas departs Boston and makes Canadian outbound port stops at Halifax, Nova Scotia, and Saint John, New Brunswick. The return trip to Boston has port stops in both Portland and Bar Harbor, Maine.
 
Cruise guests: LARA PARKER (Angelique) and KATHRYN LEIGH SCOTT (Maggie). ShadowGram will announce future DS guests as they are confirmed.
 
---- ONBOARD DARK SHADOWS ACTIVITIES: Free autographs and photo opportunities with the guests – In-person guest Q&As and interviews– Special DS screenings and surprises – DS Costume Party with our guests (bring your costume!) – DS photos, books and merchandise for purchase – And more!
 
NOTE: To receive the complete ShadowGram Update # 395 (2-19-17) with more and specific information about the DS Festival Cruise, please email Marcy Robin at ShadowGram@aol.com
 
That ShadowGram Update #395 announced the following special fully-refundable deposit opportunity. Please note it MUST be received by THIS Friday, March 31, 2017.
 
 “A $350 per person deposit is required at the time of booking.”
Fans can make this “fully-refundable” $350 per person deposit now to reserve a shipboard cabin. This would “avoid any price increase” that could occur as the cruise dates draw closer.
 
DSF Cruise: Call 800-828-4813 to hold a cabin with a fully-refundable deposi. This reservation must be received by MARCH 31, 2017.”
 
---- Descriptive flyer with itinerary, cabin rates, and other trip information at:
http://www.vbdusa.com/darkshadowscruise2017.html
 
Upcoming ShadowGram Official DS News Online Updates will announce and report further definite Cruise news and plans as they develop.
 
**** CRUISE DETAILS:
DSF at Sea: New England/Canada Oct 1-8, 2017  RT BOS (via Boston):
 
The cruise departs Boston at 4:30pm on Sun. 10-1 and stops in Halifax Tues. 10-3. The ship continues to Saint John on Thur. 10-5. Next is Portland on Fri 10-6 and Bar Harbor on Sat. 10-7. The ship returns to Boston at 7:00am on Sun. 10-8.
 
DS never established a specific Maine coastline location for Collinsport. The cruise route – sailing during the distinctive natural “Autumn Colors Viewing” period along the coastline – will present many “possible” settings for Widow’s Hill, Collinwood, and other DS landmarks.
 
“A minimum number of (fan) participants is required in order to operate (the DS activities).”
 
ShadowGram Official DS News Online Updates will announce and report further definite Cruise news and plans as they develop.
 
IMPORTANT NOTES:
 
----- Valid government-issued passport & photo ID required
 
---- A $350 per person deposit is required at the time you book your onboard cabin and is offered until Friday, March 31. This would “avoid any price increase” that could occur as the cruise dates draw closer.
 
The following “onboard cabin rates are per person based on double occupancy and include cruise fare, port charges, and DS Festival registration fee. Government taxes of $159 per person are additional.”
 
--- Inside & ocean view cabins from -$1209 per person
--- Veranda staterooms from $1556 per person
--- Suites from $3162 per person
 
“DSF Cruise: Call 800-828-4813 to hold a cabin with a fully-refundable deposit! This reservation must be received by MARCH 31, 2017.”
 
 
**** ANNOUNCING:  “JONATHAN FRID: AN ACTOR’S CURIOUS JOURNEY” COMMEMORATIVE EDITION BOOK – NOW AVAILABLE
 
Author / Interviewer / Researcher Malia Howard asks SG to announce:
 
“At long last it's back, now in my Commemorative Edition of JONATHAN FRID: AN ACTOR’S CURIOUS JOURNEY. This is the first time I've offered this book in print form in over 10 years.” She appreciates that DS fans really enjoyed the initial edition and many were “asking me to do this. I finally got all the work done that was required” and now the book is available again.
 
The original text is expanded and updated with information and photos in this newly-revised edition’s 300 full-size perfect-bound pages. 
 
This fully-detailed book explores Jonathan’s life: Schooling, training, a range of productions, projects, his time on DS, stage and other appearances since DS, and more. It includes rare photos, publicity items, and much more, selected by Jonathan and Malia together from Jonathan’s own personal collection.
 
Malia explains: “I started working directly with Jonathan in early 1999. We talked and he reviewed drafts all the way up to publication in 2001.” They thoroughly discussed, examined, and reviewed his personal memories, photographs, publicity materials, and more across his life and career. The resulting book examined DS and his other work in TV, film, theater, and especially his own creative, live-onstage one-man Readers Theatre presentations.
 
Jonathan performed these wonderfully unique, themed programs across the US and parts of Canada, from the mid-1980s to early 2000s. Each distinctive program created specific characters, settings, themes, emotions, and moods. He used only the written words and his own talents, experiences, perceptions, background, voice ranges, and body language. Alone on stage with just the program text on a stand in front of him, he explored history, humanity and life through literary excerpts ranging from the Bible through classic and current literature as well as his own insightful observations. The selections were personal, serious, humorous, and endlessly thought-provoking. They showcased Jonathan’s natural skills as an actor, storyteller, director, and human being
 
The book is $35 + shipping. It is available exclusively from lulu.com:
 
http://www.lulu.com/shop/malia-howard/jonathan-frid-an-actors-curious-journey-
commemorative-edition/paperback/product-23004565.html
 
Lulu offers a range of shipping options from a low of $3.99 (delivery in 2-6 business days) to $36.99 (delivery in 1 day). Once ordered, shipping is in 3-5 days. 
 
Official Description:
“JONATHAN FRID: AN ACTOR’S CURIOUS JOURNEY”: “Career biography of actor Jonathan Frid. This classically trained actor enjoyed a distinguished career on stage, in television and on film. He became American television's first matinee idol due to his spellbinding portrayal of ‘Barnabas Collins’ on ABC-TV's ‘Dark Shadows’ in the late 1960s. He also enjoyed a highly successful run as the evil brother, ‘Jonathan’, in the national touring company of ‘Arsenic & Old Lace’ in the late 1980s. In the latter stages of his career, he created a series of Reader's Theatre One-Man-Shows that toured the U.S. from coast to coast.
 
“Frid mesmerized audiences with his unique gift for interpreting the nuances of a wide array of characters, all while relying only on his own voice, facial expressions and his remarkable ability to inspire the imagination of his audiences. He viewed this part of his career as the most satisfying, as it allowed him to play numerous characters covering dark comedy, classic horror and the horrors of the mind.”
 
ShadowGram sadly remembers that Jonathan died “peacefully in his sleep” at age 87 on April 14, 2012, at a hospital in his hometown of Hamilton, Ontario, Canada.
 
ShadowGram Update #261 (April 19, 2012) reported accurate information of his passing that was provided specifically, exclusively, and directly to ShadowGram by his family members and associates.
 
Fans interested in that ShadowGram Online Update #261 can request a copy be sent to them by writing directly to Marcy Robin at:  ShadowGram@aol.com
 
 
**** DS CAST REUNION III IN NYC – MAY 20
 
SHADOWGRAM is asked by Friends of the 91 DS to report: “The Cast Reunion III event will be at Berkeley College, 3 E. 43rd St., NYC, NY. It will be Sat., May 20 from 11am to 4pm.
 
“There will only be 100 seats to this private intimate DS gathering. We will be holding 30 seats for ShadowGram members. They can go to the website: http://www.fo91dscastreunions.weebly.com/ to print out a registration form to mail in payments. They also can use PayPal by signing into their account and sending payment to: fo91ds@yahoo.com. 
 
“The charge is $35.00 for the event. All proceeds will go to Lockwood Mathews Mansion in Norwalk, CT. ShadowGram members must mark ShadowGram on registration form or put in memo area for PayPal payments, to reserve their seats. 
 
“There will be a Q&A session, autographs and photo time as well as a raffle with many DS prizes - grand prize being a private tour of Lockwood Mathews Mansion. So far the guest list includes: Jerry Lacy, Sharon Smyth, Christine Domaneicki, Beverly Hayes and Nick Besink from the original show. Also, Jim Fyfe and special guest Matthew Hall will be joining us from the 91 series as well. We hope to add several more guests soon. 
 
“Fans can also stay in nearby hotels in mid town NY, even though there is not a specific one tied to the event. There are also many places to eat and dine in the surrounding areas.”
 
---- PLEASE NOTE: This event is not affiliated with the Dark Shadows Festival.

Ooh...