DARK SHADOWS AND BEYOND THE JONATHAN FRID STORY

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Please join me for a very special look at Dark Shadows and Beyond The Jonathan Frid Story live in The Locher Room on Thursday, September 30th at 3 p.m. EST / 12 p.m. PST. This is the first feature-length documentary devoted to Canadian-born actor Jonathan Frid, who became a television sensation with his portrayal of guilt-ridden vampire Barnabas Collins on Dark Shadows, the 1966 - 1971 daytime drama that remains a beloved cult classic today. Joining me to talk about Jonathan and the documentary is Emmy-winning soap opera producer Mary O’Leary (The Young And The Restless, General Hospital, One Life To Live, Another World, Guiding Light) who wrote and produced the documentary. Mary will be joined by Dark Shadows actress Marie Wallace who played Jenny Collins, one of three parts she played on the series.
Who was the man beneath the vampire’s cloak? The documentary reveals Frid’s joys, struggles, artistic triumphs and rise to fame in part through his own written correspondences, read by Ian Buchanan (General Hospital, Twin Peaks) and the reminiscences of family, friends, and co-stars.
Among those offering insights are veteran talk show host Dick Cavett; actress Marion Ross (Happy Days), Anthony Zerbe (Omega Man, Harry O), Christina Pickles (St. Elsewhere, Friends) and Dark Shadows colleagues David Selby, Lara Parker, Kathryn Leigh Scott, Nancy Barrett, Marie Wallace, James Storm, John Karlen and Dan Curtis. Frid (who passed away in 2012 at age 87) appears in never-before-seen interviews as well as rare performance material and archival images.
Dark Shadows and Beyond The Jonathan Frid Story will be available on Blu-ray, DVD and the Amazon Digital Platform on October 5 from MPI Media Group.
About Mary O’Leary, Producer/Director:
Mary O’Leary has garnered seven Daytime Emmy Awards for producing the daytime soap operas, General Hospital and The Young and The Restless. She also received several nominations for her work on Guiding Light, Another World and One Life To Live. Early in her television career she met actor Jonathan Frid and became co-producer of his theatrical production company, Clunes Associates. Under this banner Frid toured a series of one-man shows to universities and performing arts centers across the country for almost a decade.
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DARK SHADOWS AND BEYOND THE JONATHAN FRID STORY
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[@TheLocherRoom]

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[@maewest456]

Yes I was lucky enough to be old enough to see it on real time. These days I have the entire series in a coffin box.

[@TheLocherRoom]

I love that. Such a great marketing tool - the coffin.

[@danbaranowski]

Thank you for posting this. Jonathan Frid’s performance as Barnabas Collins is the only character to hold a candle to Boris Karloff’s performance as Frankenstein’s Monster

[@TheLocherRoom]

You're so welcome, Daniel. Thanks for watching.

[@erikandrus4387]

To Mary O’Leary, thank you for giving credence to the Laura Collins (Diana Millay)/Phoenix story. I think it bought the show more time, and encouraged the writers to go even bigger with the creation of the Collinsport vampire. 🧛🏻

[@carolprice8300]

The photograph Louis Edmond and Jonathan Frid on the Beach was photograph in 1968...it first appearance was in a teen magazine either Tiger Beat or 16 magazine... about Dark Shadows Actors what they do in the summer.

[@TheLocherRoom]

That's a great memory, Carol.

[@patriciawise2277]

Johnathon Frid ‼️❤️❤️❤️

[@carolprice8300]

Jonathan Frid never said he was in lust or love for Louis Edmond...he never said he was homosexual...he just did not marry anyone..1990 was when Louis Edmond admitted he was homosexual in his interview with Craig Hamrick.

[@TheLocherRoom]

👍

[@jenniferlynn73]

Thank you Alan for this! You did an amazing as always and you would never know that you were not a DS viewer as you are so well prepared and well informed. I could listen to Mary O'Leary talk about Jonathan Frid and her experiences in daytime all day long. Marie Wallace is just as beautiful and interesting as she was on the show. I am in my late 40s and first saw DS when I was around 8 or 9 in the early 1980s and Barnabas scared me to death! Mr. Frid was truly a gifted actor.

[@TheLocherRoom]

I so appreciate that, Jennifer. Thank you for the message.

[@maewest456]

Yup. I'm 70

[@maewest456]

Yes Marie Wallace is always so full of energy. She rocks! Poor Jerry lacy such a tragedy about his son

[@TheLocherRoom]

😍

[@HallowWen65]

This was such a lovely interview, thanks so much.

[@TheLocherRoom]

You're so welcome. I appreciate you watching.

[@thejupiter2574]

The first fifteen minutes of the interview is very interesting and mostly about Ms. O'Leary's experiences with the soap opera 'The Guiding Light' for those people who were fans of that soap opera.

[@TheLocherRoom]

They certainly are!

[@NinaMaria8]

Great interview. Lovely to see Marie Wallace again. Wish Mary had introduced her companion who was wagging its tail at the end. :-)

[@TheLocherRoom]

LOL -- thanks for watching, Nina.

[@jameswhittaker9826]

Thank you for doing this it makes me so happy

[@TheLocherRoom]

You're so welcome! Hope you enjoyed it.

[@shortlandstreetfan]

Cheers for this, Mr. Locher. I LOVE DARK SHADOWS and even own the entire series. Any chance you might possibly do a programme about PEYTON PLACE and/or RETURN TO PEYTON PLACE (NBC, 3 April 1972-4January 1974)? Joseph Gallison from DAYS was Steven Cord on RETURN and Katherine Glass, the first Jenny Wolek on ONE LIFE, was the original Allison on RETURN. Would LOVE to see that! Have a very Blessed and Magical day, luv, and ta so much for your time! X

[@TheLocherRoom]

Much appreciated, Eden. Thanks for tuning in.

[@thejupiter2574]

@30:00 minutes into the video DS actress Marie Wallace is introduced. Lovely and funny Marie. On Dark Shadows she played the beautiful Eve character, the mate to Adam in 1968. Then she played poor Jenny Collins who went mad in 1897. Then in present time she was Megan Todd the foster mother of the Leviathan children and then she became a beautiful seductive vampire .:)

[@TheLocherRoom]

Hope you enjoyed the show.

[@jimmietate905]

Alan another amazing show. I would watch reruns of Dark Shadows after school. It was a favorite .

[@TheLocherRoom]

Thank you, Jimmie! I so appreciate it.

[@kathrynbellerose3925]

Thank you for this wonderful program.

[@TheLocherRoom]

You're so welcome, Kathryn! Thanks for watching.

[@thomassoloma8915]

Loved watching This! When I was a kid I remember DS and loved watching it whenever I could sneak a peak as my mother didn't like me watching because it was so scary and I would get nightmares. When I was about 10yrs old, I was at an auto show in Michigan and Jonathon Frid was there signing autographs. I remember getting an autograph photo of him (but sadly do not have ) and ironically I collect autographs ....so wished I saved. I remember just staring at him because I was afraid and in awe....but he was very friendly and reassured me that he only played a vampire on TV. As I've gotten older and watched some episodes of D.S., his talent as an actor just blows me away. I dont think the Daytime emmys were given out yet back then but he definitely should have one! I look forward to watching this documentary.

[@TheLocherRoom]

I hope you enjoy the doc! I found it fascinating and I knew nothing about Dark Shadows or Jonathan.

[@maewest456]

Yup. Lots of parents forbid letting their kids watch it but since I was a lackey kid I got away with it

[@BrianJosephMorgan]

The documentary is marvelous. 🦇

[@susannconnelly7826]

I need to get my hands on it and watch it!

[@sandraculter869]

Wonderful interview! So looking forward to this documentary because I love Jonathan Frid more than anything!🦇🦇🦇

[@TheLocherRoom]

Thanks for watching, Sandra. So glad to hear your enjoyed it. I hope you like the doc.

[@timothychoate8661]

Very interesting interviews!!

[@TheLocherRoom]

Glad to hear, Timothy!

[@allysonkitchens5840]

This is the first Locher Room I have watched. I’ve enjoyed it very much. Mary O’Leary jointed Guiding Light about the time I started watching, so I loved hearing about her experiences. I’m a huge Dark Shadows fan and Marie Wallace is just delightful. I loved her story about working with Jonathan Frid on Lion In Winter. I actually live in Milledgeville, where Georgia College who put on the production, is located. Interesting town for sure.

[@TheLocherRoom]

Thanks for tuning in, Allyson! I hope you'll come back to see more.

[@susannconnelly7826]

I loved Guiding Light as well!!!

[@TheLocherRoom]

😍💛😍

[@sixeses]

Dark Shadows got ABC many affiliate stations.

[@TheLocherRoom]

I bet they did!

[@greg7656]

Looking forward to seeing the Frid documentary, but i really hope it doesn't continue the silence about his sexuality. That would be such a wasted opportunity

[@TheLocherRoom]

I would highly recommend watching the doc for more on his sexuality. They definitely touch on it.

[@greg7656]

@@TheLocherRoom so good to hear. And another great job on this episode Alan

[@sandraculter869]

I totally agree! Many fans don't want to know and are in denial about it.

[@thejupiter2574]

@@sandraculter869 Ohhh omgd yeah. For years I've seen so many fans arguing about his orientation. The die-hard lady fans in love with him dont want him to be gay and there's a lot of hateful religious fans who dont want nor accept it neither. As soon as they get into the argument they start using their bible like a weapon, quoting passages and judging others. That happens on the anniversaries of the actors who passed on from AIDS related illnesses. As soon as some fans read that or find out who was gay / lesbian from the show, then they loose their sh***t . Those hateful people don't belong in the DS fandom IMO

[@susannconnelly7826]

I could care a less about Frid’s sexuality. He was a great actor and portrayed the Barnabas role magnificently!!! Love him! I wish I met him at the DS fest that I went to but he wasn’t in attendance! 😢

[@sharonhenderson8956]

Shakespearean Act🌠r Jonathan Frid & his Dark Shadows Colleagues brought this Classic Gothic Daytime chiller ABC Soap to Life. Look forward to the Documentary: thanks to MPI n all involved Veteran Soap Producer Ms. O'Leary (Guiding Light, General Hospital, etc.) & DS✨s alumni, Pierson, legendary Host Dick Cavett to name a few for their input. Actress M. Wallace is a pearl forever our Eve, Jenny n Megan. Also, thanks to the Locher Room Host Alan.- Peaceout

[@TheLocherRoom]

You're welcome, Sharon! Thanks for watching the show.

[@lillianfraijo6621]

I watched "Dark Shadows" when I was four years old, and obsessed with vampires. On especially scary Barnabas episodes, I'd call my Mom back to our den and make her watch with me. I loved David Selby as Quentin, and Kate Jackson as Daphne, and was obsessed with the couple as only a four year old can be.

[@TheLocherRoom]

I need to find Kate Jackson clips.

[@lillianfraijo6621]

@@TheLocherRoom Do you have access to Tubi? All the old DS episodes are on there.

[@abe_froman8360]

Loved Dark Shadows. How about a reunion of some of the cast members?

[@TheLocherRoom]

Thanks for the suggestion.

[@darius369548]

Would love to see Nancy Barrett, Lara Parker and Kathryn Leigh Scott

[@maewest456]

Yes we done this for many years including a cruise. most of the cast is deceased

[@maewest456]

Yes laura parker and Katherine Leigh Scott are still alive. Laura Parker age 80 and Katherine 78

[@maewest456]

The others who are still living but retired and are not up to it anymore

[@maewest456]

Well I actually don't have to buy this because I have had this for many and mango seasons but I don't blame you for trying to capitalize on it

[@TheLocherRoom]

❤️

[@spiderspinner53]

I enjoyed going to a bunch of the Dark Shadows Festivals; saw Frid, Bennett, and many more of the cast. It was loads of fun and well-planned with lots to see and do during those Festival weekends. Marie still looks fantastic! I echo the commenter that hopefully they will address his sexuality.

[@TheLocherRoom]

I would highly recommend watching the doc for more on his sexuality. They definitely touch on it.

[@thejupiter2574]

@@TheLocherRoom In a few Dark Shadows sites, fans are told that the franchise needs to maintain the fabricated 'image' that the studio created of Frid for the fans because MPI and publishers need that image to sell the DVD Coffin set, the DS Compilation videos, the documentary, the fan publications and the two books about Mr. Frid. They all want to maintain that studio image of him and not mention his orientation, even though most older DS fans know it and many fans from the community knew Mr. Frid and Mr. Edmonds and Crothers personally and socially. It's the 21st Century but in many Dark Shadows social groups we're not allowed to mention the word 'Gay'. SMH

[@spiderspinner53]

@@TheLocherRoom Thanks for your reply. Noted!

[@buckypollard3296]

I went to DS Festivals in early 80's and took home movies of Frid, Lara, Kathrine. The Fest were fun.

[@BruceWayneOfOz]

Marie is Adorable!!

[@TheLocherRoom]

Coudln't agree more!

[@alphatim7432]

Hi Alan did you know there was a good number of Dark shadows actors and actresses who continued on other soaps after and during the production of Dark shadows Louis Edmonds was a Shakespearean stage actor be4 came to soaps I really admired him as a person and as a actor he was on one life to live when dark shadows was still on the air very briefly then after dark shadows he went to all my children playing Langley grayson hall was another one she was in different films way be4 she was in dark shadows she also was a stage actress that's how she got her start was in stage then she went to films and tv her husband and her son was writers on one life to live the late great Sam hall which is her husband he wrote on one life to live in the late 70s and 80s if I'm not mistaken then Mathew hall which is graysons son started writing on one life to live shortly after his dad was writing for one life to live Sam was a writer on the dark shadows Matthew was a writer on the revival series in the early 90s in the early 80s grayson hall was on one life to live briefly sam created a roll for her Gordon Russell got sam hall the job on one life to live cuz he was a writer on one life to live be4 sam was Gordon Russell was also working on dark shadows that's how sam and him met it's a interesting history Nancy barrett that played Carolyn she was on a few soaps after dark shadowds I'm a big fan of the soap genre in general but my favorite is one life to live and dark shadows I'm a big fan of even though it aired way be4 my time I remember when the revival series was on tv and I was amazed but I watched the entire original show and the revival my heart is with soaps and I hope someday one life to live comes back

[@thejupiter2574]

Sam Hall and Grayson's son Matt Hall both wrote for the 1991 Dark Shadows Revival Series. Matt Hall said that he and his father originally wanted actor Johnny Depp to play Barnabas in the 1991 NBC-TV version of Dark Shadows but that Dan Curtis thought that Depp, at the time, was too young looking for the role. .............................. I remember Nancy Barrett on One Life to Live and DS actor Anthony George was on that show too. I remember seeing DS actor Jerry Lacy on As the World Turns with movie / TV actress Margaret Hamilton. Margaret played the personal secretary , assistant to Jerry Lacy's character on As the World Turns which is so so very ironic because on Dark Shadows Jerry Lacy played the Witch Hunter and in the Wizard of Oz movie, Ms. Hamilton of course played the evil Witch. So it was so ironic and novel to see Mr. Lacy and Ms. Hamilton working together :) ...................................... DS actress Clarice Blackburn who had played Mrs. Johnson, she became a very very well known and respected soap opera writer and she continue acting at the same time as she was still in demand. She played a nurse on another soap opera and after Dark Shadows, actress Nancy Barrett played a nurse on another soap opera. Loved DS actor Joel Crothers who left the show and went on to become a very very powerful dramatic soap actor as well.

[@lillianfraijo6621]

Loved Louis Edmonds as Langley Wallingford on AMC!

[@TheLocherRoom]

Thank you, for watching, Timothy.

[@jabjab4434]

Bravo Timothy. Wonderful info.

[@alphatim7432]

@@jabjab4434 thanks

[@Janster59]

how do I rent this?

[@TheLocherRoom]

Check your streaming platforms - Apple or Amazon. They should have it available.

[@JohnJones-qy5ko]

This isn't what the title says it is.

[@TheLocherRoom]

Not sure what you mean, John.

[@JohnJones-qy5ko]

@@TheLocherRoom The title says "Dark Shadows and Beyond The Jonathan Frid Story." This appears to be a discussion ABOUT said documentary.

[@maewest456]

I can't believe this has gone to something stoped so low.

[@thejupiter2574]

Yes, this was a wonderful interview. I totally enjoyed seeing Marie again and learning new information that I didn't know about before. I am totally looking forward to the Documentary DVD this month, October. It's going to be awesome. :)

[@TheLocherRoom]

Glad to hear it.

[@maewest456]

Yes Johnathon frid was gay so what? At the time he did not want to come out because at time his career would be ruined kinda like rock Hudson. Thank goodness this is no more but at the same time it's still swept under the rug

[@TheLocherRoom]

Agreed! I hear you as a gay man myself.