The Must List (Ten Things We Love This Week) in the April 21 issue of Entertainment Weekly, p. 51, lists as #1:

Image
BRICK -- A SoCal high school is the inspired setting for this clever, stylish indie noir, featuring a knockout performance by Joseph Gordon-Levitt as a nerdy, bespectacled teen detective.


He's not bratty little David Collins anymore.

ShadowGram Online Dark Shadows News Updates List
Marcy Robin's Cyberspace "Dark Shadows" News Update List
ShadowGram@aol.com

Number 149.   April 10, 2006.

*********************************************
Hello, Dark Shadows Fan,

ShadowGram (SG), The Official Newsletter & News Source for Dark Shadows (DS), announces the following breaking news.

--- NEW SHADOWGRAM NEWSLETTER ISSUE NOW AVAILABLE

The latest published issue, SG #107, is being mailed now to all current postal-mail subscribers and will be mailed to new subscribers and renewing subscribers as well. Subscription/renewal information follows later in this Update.

PREMIERE ANNOUNCEMENTS AND EXCLUSIVE FEATURES OF SG #107 FOLLOW.

----- A SPECIAL NOTE ABOUT THIS SG #107:

***   I consider this to be Part 1 of 2 full-size companion issues, SG #107 and SG #108. This SG #107 presents special memorial information about Dan Curtis' death. It also premiere-announces breaking news for the DS Festival's 40th Anniversary Celebration in Brooklyn in August; planned new DS audiodramas on CD; new DVD releases from MPI; and all the latest news and information from and about the original 1966-71 DS cast/crew.

This is an expanded SG issue due to an abundance of material. The regular SG sections featuring news for the 1991 DS personnel and the 2004 WB pilot personnel, plus updates for the news in this SG #107, all will be in SG #108, to follow soon. That SG #108 also will have more exclusive pictures of Dan, the latest for the Fest Celebration and the coming merchandise, and more news from and about the individual cast/crew members of all DS versions. By publishing 2 full issues close together, I can include the latest complete news developments and share more photos.

If your current postal-mail subscription extends past SG #107, you will get both newsletters within a few weeks of each other. You always can tell the final issue on your subscription by looking at the X # on your address label or envelope. New subscribers/renewals will receive both issues and future ones as well.

If your subscription ends with SG #107, you will need to renew to receive the second newsletter, SG #108. A renewal slip stapled inside this issue and red markings in 3 places indicate if this is your final SG. If SG #108 is your last issue, it will be so marked. You can renew at any time.

I will announce publication of SG #108 on this Updates List when it is being mailed.


****** SG #107 HIGHLIGHTS:


*** DAN CURTIS (DS Creator/Producer/Director) is honored upon his March 27 death with special memorial material. (See SG Update #148, dated March 27)

This includes never-before-seen pictures of him and his late wife Norma on-set during filming of the 1991 DS series as well as details, and the complete memorial booklet, from his March 30 funeral service. Individualized obituaries from the Los Angeles Times and New York Times also are in this SG. More pictures of Dan and Norma and media obituaries / tributes will be in the upcoming SG #108.


*** Obituary notices and photos of PAULA LAURENCE, honoring her and her extensive acting/singing career after her 10-29 death. (See SG Online Update #145)


*** ShadowGram # 107 Premiere Announcement:

--- New DS Audio Dramas on CD, read by original cast members, are being developed by Big Finish Productions. Title, storyline, and other details are not yet determined.. Plans call for the first of a possible series of audio plays to debut at the August Fest and be available afterward through mail-order and retail sources.

Big Finish Productions is based in the United Kingdom and produces audio plays for a number of popular British science fiction properties, most notably "Dr. Who." Confirmed details and future DS projects will be announced on this List and in SG print issues.


*** ShadowGram # 107 Premiere Announcements - 2006 DS Festival:

--- The DS Festival's 40th Anniversary Celebration is at the Marriott Hotel at the Brooklyn Bridge, NY, from Aug. 25-27. SG #107 premiere-announces these planned programming highlights:

Several of the guest cast members participate in a staged reading of the scripts from DS Episodes #1 and # 2.

Nancy Barrett presents a special anniversary musical performance.

Lara Parker reads from her new novel "DS - The Salem Branch."

David Selby reads from his new book "A Better Place."

Screening of the 2004 WB pilot.

Memorial Tribute to Dan Curtis.

Group Trip to South Street Seaport and Museum in Lower Manhattan on Fri., Aug. 27, before Fest programming opens that evening.

Banquet With the Stars on the evening of Sun., Aug. 29. Several of the guests will be randomly seated at tables with the fans for a full meal and special programming.

Volunteer fans help in several capacities. Those who volunteer 4+ hours are invited to a private party joined by some DS guests. Please contact the Volunteer Coordinator as soon as possible. E-mail or SASE to   Nina Johnson, 411 Victoria Dr., Columbia, MO 65201-3636. ds_volunteers@hotmail.com  OR  n_ogle_johnson@hotmail.com

Fans often seek hotel roommates to meet others and to split expenses. An informal assisatnce service puts inquiring fans in touch with each other to make their own arrangements. Please contact Hotel Roommates Referrals as soon as possible; do not wait too long. E-mail or SASE to   Pam Jarman, P.O. Box 45674, Los Angeles, CA 90045. pljarman@hotmail.com This roommate service has nothing to do with actual room reservations. You must contact the hotel directly for those (see List Update #146 or this SG #107 print issue).


*** ShadowGram # 107 Premiere Announcements:

--- MPI asks SG to announce these planned new 40th Anniversary Comemorative DVDs:

DVD Collection #26, due in Sept., will have the final 19 episodes of the original DS. There also is a special "Beyond the Shadows" epiologue narrated by Roger Davis, compilations never released on DVD, and 2 new featurettes: "DS - The Salem Branch" and "Remembering Dan Curtis."

In Nov., the 40th Anniversary DVD will include bloopers and music videos, plus rare bonus material to be announced.

DVD Collection #27 in Feb., 2007, will bring the pre-Barnabas B&W episodes to DVD for the first time. The set begins with Episode #1, Victoria Winters' arrival in Collinsport.

Subsequent bi-monthly DVD sets are projected until Barnabas is introduced in Oct., 2007. Since MPI's DVD releases started with his first appearance, all 1225 episodes thus will be available on DVD as of that point.


*** ShadowGram #107 Highlights - 1966-71 DS Personnel

--- Congratulations! to NANCY BARRETT (Carolyn, Millicent, Charity, Leticia, Melanie) on her December marriage to Stuart Leichter.

--- JONATHAN FRID (Barnabas, Bramwell) kindly shares a recent photo of himself.

--- LARA PARKER (Angelique, Cassandra, Alexis, Valerie, Miranda, Catherine) offers more thoughts on her new novel "DS: The Salem Branch," published by Tor Books on July 11.

--- JERRY LACY (Tony Peterson, Rev. Task, Gregory Trask, Lamar Trask) updates news about his family.

--- PAUL MICHAEL (King Johnny Romano) and his wife, actress MARION ROSS ("Happy days" and more) share their holiday greetings card.

--- MARY McKINLEY-HAAS (1840 Costume Designer) shares a recent photo of herself.

--- ALEXANDRA MOLTKE ISLES (Victoria) is seen in an Oct. , 2005 photo.

--- More media obituaries for HENRY KAPLAN (Director), who died 9-14 at age 79.

--- DAVID SELBY (Quentin) participated in the West Virginia Book Festival in Charleston in Oct. and at the "Explore-A-Story" benefit for the Wonder of Reading organization in Hollywood in Mar. SG #107
features a picture of him as record company executive "Rob Polan" in the upcoming independent film "Spin." SG #107 also has details about his other recent films.

--- MARIE WALLACE (Eve, Mad Jenny, Megan) tells SG #107 about her recent photography projects. She continues to offer autographed copies of her memoir "On Stage & In Shadows" with a bonus signed photo and a personalized note. She also kindly shares 2 of her photos from the Hollywood DS Festival in July, 2005.

Thank you.
Marcy Robin

Carol,
HAPPY BIRTHDAY!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY,  BATMANN!  

Doctor Who's "The Unquiet Dead," a historical ep with a Gothic feel that takes place in Victorian England, is very reminiscent of DS:  The Grandmama (that's Grandmamama to Quentin ) in her coffin who is apparently quite stubborn even in death, a seance, the spooky house with a freaky history, zombies, talk of parallel universes, and a [spoiler]ghost.[/spoiler]
SciFi will air it again on:

Sunday night/Monday morning 3/26 at 12:30 a.m.
Wednesday night/Thursday morning 3/29 at 1 a.m.
Thursday 3/30 at 10 a.m.
Friday 3/31 at 3 p.m.
All times are Eastern; check your listings for the time in your area.

I understand that a scene was cut, perhaps to make room for their own advertisements, sigh.

ShadowGram Online Dark Shadows News Updates List
Marcy Robin's Cyberspace "Dark Shadows" News Update List
An Internet Publication of SHADOWGRAM ShadowGram@aol.com

Number 147.  March 16, 2006.

---

Hello, Dark Shadows Fan,

ShadowGram (SG), The Official Newsletter & News Source for Dark Shadows (DS), announces the following breaking news.


**** NORMA CURTIS - IN MEMORIAM

ShadowGram sadly announces the passing of Dan Curtis' beloved wife, Norma, on March 7 at age 75 from heart disease. Dan and Norma were married for 54 years and were the parents of three daughters. Dan is DS' creator / director / producer.

Fans who wish to do so may make donations in her memory to the Alzheimer's Association, 919 N. Michigan Ave., Suite 1000, Chicago, IL 60601-7633. 1-312-335-8700. https://www.alz.org/Donate/EProcess1.asp

ALZ Statement: "The Alzheimer's Association, the world leader in Alzheimer research and support, is the first and largest voluntary health organization dedicated to finding prevention methods, treatments and an eventual cure for Alzheimer's. For 25 years ((founded 1980)), the donor-supported, not-for-profit Alzheimer's Association has provided reliable information and care consultation; created supportive services for families; increased funding for dementia research; and influenced public policy changes.... Our toll free, 24/7 Nationwide Contact Center is a vital resource for information, assistance, care consultation and referrals 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Our number is 1-800-272-3900."

Fans who wish to do so may send sympathy cards for the Curtis Family c/o ShadowGram, P.O. Box 1766, Temple City, CA 91780-7766.


**** DARK SHADOWS 40TH ANNIVERSARY

Preparations are underway for the special Dark Shadows Festival this August 25-27 at the New York Marriott Hotel at the Brooklyn Bridge, celebrating 4 decades of Dark Shadows! Among the confirmed guests are: David Selby, Lara Parker, John Karlen, Kathryn Leigh Scott, Jerry Lacy, Nancy Barrett, Marie Wallace and Diana Millay, with more to come.

It is recommended that all fans who plan to attend make their hotel reservations as soon as possible because the hotel will sell out of rooms. (The Marriott Financial Center Hotel in lower Manhattan, two subway stops from the Brooklyn Bridge Marriott, will ultimately serve as a back-up hotel). There is a special discounted Dark Shadows sleeping room rate of $153 + tax per night (single/double occupancy) at the Brooklyn Marriott. Please call the hotel's toll-free direct reservations line at 1-888-436-3759 and be sure to mention "Dark Shadows." You also can go to the hotel's website at www.brooklynmarriott.com  and enter the following 7-character code: DARDARA

See SG Online Update # 146 for more specific directions for making hotel room reservations.

All fans attending the Fest's 40th Anniversary Celebration are invited to please send their photos and reports to SG at the e-mail or postal-mail addresses below. Contributor's Copies are given in thanks for major contributions.


**** BEN CROSS IN NEW SCI FI CHANNEL MOVIE

Ben Cross (1991 Barnabas) stars in the original film "SS Doomtrooper," due to premiere on Sci Fi Channel 4-1. SFC Publicity: "During the last days of World War II, a team of Allied soldiers is sent behind enemy lines to destroy a secret Nazi atomic-weapons program. But they soon find that the Nazis aren't making an A-bomb - they're making an army of monster super-soldiers! With time running out, the Allied troops must marshall their eclectic skills to prevent the Nazis from unleashing a horror that will change the outcome of the war."

Please share with SG any articles, reviews, or publicity about the movie. Send all material to SG's e-mail or postal-mail addresses below.


**** DARK SHADOWS VHS CLOSE-OUT SALE

MPI Home Video continues to release the entire original DS series on DVD in 4-disc sets. The company previously had released all 1,225 episodes on VHS videotape at $19.98 per tape, with 5 episodes on each tape. A unique collectible photo cover is on every tape box.

Now, MPI has a special sale of the VHS videotapes for only $5.99 each, while supplies last. They will no longer be manufacturing VHS tapes of DS episodes after June 30.  Fans who still want the VHS tapes should order them directly from MPI. Call  toll-free weekdays: 1-800-323-0442 or visit   www.mpihomevideo.com


**** DS MOVIES ON DVD

In a recent online forum, a representative from Warner Brothers, who owns the copyright to the 1970 and 1971 movies "House of Dark Shadows" and "Night of Dark Shadows," reported that the company will likely issue both films as a double-feature DVD sometime in 2007. There is no news yet if this release would include a restored "Night of DS."

Please note: "Recently, bootleg copies of both DS films have appeared illegally on eBay for sale or auction, sometimes with almost-convincing artwork/packaging. These are unauthorized copies, which Warner Brothers polices vigorously. These inferior copies violate copyright laws held by Warner Brothers, copyright owners of the 2 films."

SG will provide further confirmed updates as they become available.


**** DS EBAY BOOTLEGS

SG would like to remind all fans that, "in addition to occasional bootleg DVDs of the DS movies as mentioned above, there frequently are scam artists who offer fake props and other bogus materials, which they erroneously claim were used on DS. Despite sellers' assurances of authenticity, these claims are fraudulent, since original DS props were not circulated after the series' demise. A few genuine artifacts, however, are offered at the charity auction at the DS Festivals when they are confirmed through reliable sources who worked on the show."


**** DS ACTION FIGURES NOW AVAILABLE

Recent SG print issues and this Updates List have announced, reported, and pictured the new 12" Barnabas and Quentin action figures from Majestic Studios. There are two separate Barnabas figures with interchangeable heads and hands, and one Quentin figure with interchangeable heads. After some production delays, these figures now are ready and available through comic book and collectibles stores and online sources.

Barnabas Present Day - Catalog #2615787. Barnabas 1795 Era - Catalog #2615788. Quentin - Catalog #2615789. "Each (is in a) window box with front cover flap packaging" measuring approx. 15½" x 9+" x 3½." Suggested retail price of each: $39.95.


**** The above news and all the latest confirmed DS developments will be fully detailed in the upcoming new SG #107 print issue. Subscription information follows for these full-size postal-mail newsletters

Thank you.
Marcy Robin
ShadowGram Editor / Publisher

Marcy Robin, P.O. Box 1766, Temple City, CA 91780-7766
E-mail: ShadowGram@aol.com

artist07,

Hope you have a wonderful birthday!