Dark Shadows facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Dark Shadows |
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| Genre |
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| Created by | Dan Curtis |
| Developed by | Art Wallace |
| Written by | Gordon Russell Sam Hall Ron Sproat Violet Welles Malcolm Marmorstein Art Wallace Joe Caldwell Francis Swann Ralph Ellis |
| Starring | Joan Bennett Grayson Hall Jonathan Frid Nancy Barrett Alexandra Moltke Louis Edmonds Kathryn Leigh Scott David Selby David Henesy Lara Parker Thayer David |
| Composer(s) | Bob Cobert |
| Country of origin | United States |
| No. of seasons | 6 |
| No. of episodes | 1,225 (list of episodes) |
| Production | |
| Producer(s) | Robert Costello |
| Running time | 30 minutes |
| Production company(s) | Dan Curtis Productions |
| Distributor | ABC Films (1971–1973) Worldvision Enterprises CBS Television Distribution |
| Release | |
| Original network | ABC |
| Picture format | Black and white (June 1966 – August 1967) Color (August 1967 – April 1971) |
| Original release | June 27, 1966 – April 2, 1971 |
Dark Shadows is a classic American TV show that was on air every weekday from 1966 to 1971. It was a unique soap opera because it mixed everyday drama with spooky gothic and horror stories. Imagine a show with vampires, ghosts, and witches appearing right in the middle of a family's life!
The show was broadcast on the ABC television network. It became very popular and was even ranked among the "Top Cult Shows Ever" by TV Guide in 2004 and 2007.
Contents
What is Dark Shadows?
Dark Shadows was different from other TV shows of its time. It started as a regular daytime drama, but soon it added supernatural elements. This made it stand out and attract many viewers, especially young people. The show had a mysterious atmosphere, often set in a large, old mansion called Collinwood.
The Spooky Story Begins
The story of Dark Shadows begins when a young woman named Victoria Winters comes to Collinwood. She becomes a governess, which means she teaches and cares for the children of the wealthy Collins family. Victoria soon discovers that the family has many secrets and strange things happen in their old house.
Meet the Main Characters
The show had many interesting characters, but one became especially famous:
- Barnabas Collins: He is a 200-year-old vampire who was locked in his coffin for many years. When he is accidentally set free, he returns to Collinwood. Barnabas tries to live a normal life, but his vampiric nature often causes problems. He is both scary and sometimes even a hero. Jonathan Frid played this iconic role.
- Victoria Winters: She is the kind and curious governess who tries to uncover the mysteries of Collinwood.
- Dr. Julia Hoffman: A scientist who tries to cure Barnabas of his vampirism. She often gets involved in the family's supernatural adventures.
- Angelique Bouchard: A powerful witch who has a long and complicated history with Barnabas. She is often the cause of many magical problems for the Collins family.
Time Travel and Parallel Worlds
One of the most exciting parts of Dark Shadows was its use of time travel and parallel worlds. Characters would often travel back in time to the 1700s or 1800s, meeting the ancestors of the Collins family. Sometimes, they would even visit a parallel universe where everything was slightly different. This kept the stories fresh and full of surprises.
The Show's Impact
Dark Shadows ran for 1,225 episodes over six seasons. It was one of the first shows to bring supernatural horror into daytime television. Its unique blend of drama, mystery, and the paranormal made it a "cult classic." This means it developed a very dedicated fan base that loved its unusual stories and characters. Even today, many fans enjoy watching the old episodes.
Images for kids
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Jonathan Frid as Barnabas Collins, a 200 year-old vampire
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Detail from Dark Shadows newspaper comic strip. Art by Ken Bald
See also
In Spanish: Sombras tenebrosas (serie de televisión) para niños
