Actually, that was Varney--from Varney the Vampire--who first appeared in 1845, in a series of penny dreadfuls. Richard Matheson's I Am Legend (1953) isn't really about the vampires (created by a virus, not magic), but some of them are not only sympathetic, they are in fact the heroes from their perspective, and the novel's protagonist--well--there have been three movies, but I'll always think the book is best. There have been so many takes on vampirism, it's almost pointless to list them all, but no, Dark Shadows didn't invent the notion of somebody cursed with vampirism who wants to somehow escape that destiny. Nothing on the show was original, just the way it attacked the problem.

Jonathan was a very handsome man, and I agree that his profile was classic! Thanks for sharing this! ~Janet in Canada

I fancy myself a lot like John Frid. We both love to read, we both have served in the Canadian millitary, and we are both scholars. I enjoyed this video a lot, and loved seeing the bits of Dark Shadows! I sure miss John Frid! I think we would have had fun discussing history! TFS! ~Janet in Canada

Outstanding compilation of scenes that portray Barnabas as the tragic hero that he became as the show progressed. There was also his devotion to Josette that was forever with him.

It has been twelve years since John Herbert Frid died, and I still think of him, and miss him! He was a lovely man, a veteran of WWII, and my hero! Rest in peace, John! I love you! ~Janet in Canada

The HIGH POINTS of the show for me, were usually when Barnabas FINALLY settled scores against his/"our" enemies--be it the Trasks, Blair, Petofi, Leviathans, whomever. Any enemy of Barnabas and the Collins's, were also enemies of us, the Viewers!

I think Julia accidentally gave Barnabas ACID. 😮😂

This was a very powerful video! I loved seeing the ORIGINAL Barnabas Collins! RIP Jonathan Frid! ~Janet in Canada

It was trippy to see Barnabas as a "newbie" vampire. He hadn't quite learned the trick of containing the blood to his mouth, hence he messed his face and clothes. He'd learn well enough, by the time he took out Ruby Tate (Was that the name of one of the waterfront whores?).

The eyes tell the story. ❤❤

THE only actor that would be THE perfect Barnabas Today would be Robert Pattinson

❤

El mejor vampiro de toda la la televisión y cine. Jonathan Frid.

Yes he was handsome and he was so uniquely handsome .No generic ness . Not a man in the whole world that looked like him.

The Greatest Vampire to Ever to hit the Silver Screen. FACT

Dark shadows forever

Does anyone know who was the cloaked man at the end talking to Barnabus?

A curse made him a vampire, now, two centuries later, medical science can make him mortal.

I wish I could have seen Jonathan Frid’s one man show. People say he was outstanding.

17:25 what episode?

Barnabas Collins is almost the same as another vampire...Count Dracula!

Best video of him I've seen.

RIP Jonathon Frid

That was the first time Barnabas realized what he has become, thanks to a curse laid on him.

They all where a such good actors, just put attention to their voices and inflections.

a childhood favorite enoyed today too rip sir

❤

Meeeeeee! two!!!!!!!!!

Very scary show

WOW! What a wonderful compilation! I had forgotten how incredibly sexy he was. This is terrific. Thank you for posting Thank you for creating.

VERY SEXY BEAUTIFUL Man!!!!!! .

Rip Jonathan Frid Thanks for Sharing this video Patti

Josette!!!

This is lovely. Thank you for creating this.

Did the volume go out on this one? Maybe it’s me idk This is my favorite of your videos 😢

Such a powerful performance, pathos, passion, and the word noone wanted to face, "VAMPIRE ". So tragically beautiful and monstrous, poetic and gruesome with perfect inflection and diction. Mesmerizing performance! Bravo!!

Era un fauno depredador😊

He was the best! Love him, his works were so infrequent, and he was such a thoughtful performer. Wish he had a greater body of work. Poetry and grace!!

Beautifully done, with Debussy's beautiful Clair de' lune. Loved this! Frid was so expressive and mesmerizing. Better than John Barrymore vibes.

Wow...first time seeing this..his presence is so captivating 💖

Jonthan Frid was SEXY !!!!!!

Come on every saturday night

Since I was a little girl

How Splendid

So cute 😢😢❤❤❤

Shakespeare would have loved him. Even just listening to him with eyes closed can give one chills. The greatest vampire to captivate you in any century. Bravo!!

Jonathan had some BIG, BEAUTIFUL HANDS! Thanks for this. 💕 I noticed he had his pinky ring on in one of these. For all the pressure he was under, his hands never shook. Amazing actor.

Having read most of Anne Rice's vampire books, I really believe she got her inspiration from Barnabas. He was the original "vampire with a soul". Jonathan Frid was perfect to bring him to life. No other actor can ever come close. Truly one of a kind.

Stunningly beautiful video. His voice was also gentle and hypnotic.

not full episodes. fan highlights.