In all fairness to Mr. Frid I felt compelled to create a discussion in balance to the "JF bloopers" post. Yep, his dialogue flubs were doozies but I'd like to point out some JF highs, if I can.
i can think of lots but there is one scene that comes to mind:
1) 1795, Barnabas becomes a vampire and starts a killing spree on the town prostitues. Classic JF...early victim waterfront scene with high-spirited, mischievous but good-hearted Ruby Tate (who was that actress?). Barnabas approaches quietly in the fog as Ruby is expecting her married lover (or someone). In direct response to her cheerful nature Barnabas goes through all sorts of emotional turmoil. First he's quietly sadly menacing in his approach and like a smart vicitim (unknowingly) Ruby humanizes herself by recognizing him and stating his name. The dynamics change. After some dialogue they connect and laugh about Reverand Bland writng a sermon over her and looking like a duck. After a pause he is menacing again and asks if she's expecting someone. I especially enjoyed Barnabas'/JF's dry laugh when Ruby slyly tells him her lover isn't important, as anyway, he probably couldn't get away from his wife. Then, when Ruby giggles that she can't wait to tell the "girls" she's been out with Barnabas Collins he suddenly raises his voice in fear and, moving in closer, tells her she musn't tell anyone she's seen him. Dangerous and unpredictable... yet just as abruptly, haltingly, with those sad eyes, sais he has to leave. She flirtratiously coaxes "you don't REALLY want to leave, do you?" "no", he sais, his voice heavy and leering. Totally menacing now as the vampire he approaches her, she falls back in fear and into the water. He shouts in horror and sadness "Ruby!!". Poor Barnabas, I'm thinking, and he was going to kill HER. What struck me so much about that scene was the amazing give-and-take chemistry between JF and the actress and JF's sensitivity that he was able to so cearly reveal Barnabas' traumatic internal struggles between the vampire and what was left over from his human self in the shadings of that performance. His human characteristics being a natural warmth and an obviously sympathy towards Ruby.
I did not sense any dialogue flubs, hesitations or wrong notes. It was simply perfect in every respect.