DARK SHADOWS

Dark Shadows, (Re-make)

Born in 1963, I was not an avid follower of the late 1960’s – early 70’s TV series Dark Shadows with Jonathan Frid as Barnabas Collins, but knew of it well.  Needless to say I was still most interested to see Tim Burton’s movie rendition of this classic ABC daytime Serial.

Finally having had the opportunity to see Dark Shadows, I was pleasantly entertained and very much enjoyed this film.  I was slightly amused with an opening scene, where the young woman sitting in a train on the way to the Collins Mansion to apply for the governess position, scanned her immediate surroundings in the compartment she was travelling in and noticed a poster with the words “Ski VICTORIA, B.C.”.  Hence the lead character’s name “Victoria Winters”.

I was intrigued by the choice and use of the city’s name and province “Victoria, B.C.” (my home town).  It is not a city that is highly recognized and known by many. 

Normally I would not make a point about acknowledgments in films, but because there was one small detail the writers failed to realize……there is no skiing in ‘Victoria’, BC.  One can ski on the island, yes, but it would be on the slopes of Mt. Washington located 4 hours north of Victoria.  Victoria is not a well known city, but a city, where many who have graced its boardwalks and streets, have been blown away by its beauty and charm , i.e. JK Rowling.

I have indulged in the character Barnabas Collins for Halloween purposes only.

Barnabas Collins played by Johnny Depp