DARK SHADOWS

Hmmmm…….

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 surprised and most enjoyed this film.  I was, however, surprised with an opening scene, where a young woman sitting in a train on the way to the Collins Mansion to apply for the governess position, was practising introducing herself.  She didn’t like the sounds of her given name, and scanning her immediate surroundings for clues in the compartment she was travelling in, she noticed a poster with the words “Ski VICTORIA, B.C.”.  Inspired by this poster, she changed her name to “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. Those who have heard of us, are confused and tend to call us ‘Victoria Island’ (NOTE: Victoria is located on an island off Vancouver, confusing, yes). The better way to describe it ‘Victoria, the capital city of British Columbia Canada, located on Vancouver Island’. 

Normally I would not make a point about acknowledgments in films, but because there was one small detail the writers failed to realize, I took note……there is no skiing in ‘Victoria’, BC.  One can ski on the island (Mt. Washington located 4 hours north of Victoria), but not the city itself.  ‘Victoria’ is such 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