Lara Parker, R.I.P.

Above, Lara Parker at a Dark Shadows Festival. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

This one hits hard.

The gorgeous Lara Parker, who played the witch Angelique on the ABC spook-opera Dark Shadows, has passed away at age 84.

A post from the House of Dark Shadows Facebook page:

It is with a heavy heart to announce that our beloved, Angelique (Lara Parker) has passed away. Please keep her family in your prayers.

And, from her co-star and friend Kathryn Leigh Scott:

We met as "Josette" and "Angelique" on Dark Shadows. . . that's how many knew us, but we knew each other as friends and confidantes. For more than 50 years, our lives were intertwined through our mutual love of literature, writing and acting. While getting on with the ordinary stuff of life, we sought each other out for encouragement, support and a trusted sounding board. We could not have been more unalike, and therein lay the magic of our enduring friendship. My thoughts are with her family in this sad time of grief and remembrance.

 At Soap Hub, Scott is quoted:

The news of Parker’s passing was reported by her dear friend and Dark Shadows co-star Kathryn Leigh Scott (ex-Maggie/ex-Josette). “I have sad news . . . my beautiful, beloved friend Lara Parker passed away Thursday, October 12,” Scott shared on Facebook. “I’m heartbroken, as all of us are who knew and loved her. She graced our lives with her beauty and talent, and we are all richer for having had her in our lives. Family meant more than anything to Lara, and they have wanted these few days since her passing to themselves. Rest in peace, my cherished friend.”

Details on her passing have not as yet been provided.

Dark Shadows Collection 9

Since we're about a month away from winter, I figured I'll need something to keep myself occupied when it snows outside and I'm holed up inside the house.

It's been months since I ordered the Dark Shadows Collection 8 on DVD, so I ordered Collection 9 this evening.

It features the Adam, Nicholas Blair and Angelique (as a vampire) story lines from 1968. Humbert Allan Astedo played a delightfully evil warlock that, to me, was the best villain during Dark Shadows entire run.

The story synopsis:

Fearing Victoria Winters' safety, Barnabas Collins forces her to reveal her nightmare resulting from Angelique's frightening dream curse, which threatens to make Barnabas once again a creature of the night. The man made monster Adam kidnaps Victoria in an attempt to force Barnabas and Julia Hoffman to create a mate for him. Warlock Nicholas Blair causes Angelique to age and warns that he'll destroy her unless she returns the vampire curse to Barnabas. Nicholas becomes infatuated with Maggie Evans and causes her boyfriend to be the victim of a vampiric attack. After ailing handyman Tom Jennings tries to warn Maggie of the danger surrounding them, Barnabas discovers fang marks on Julia's neck.

"Master of Dark Shadows" Trailer

This looks to be interesting!

Happy Birthday, Lara Parker!

Above, Lara Parker at a Dark Shadows Festival
 in the late-1990s. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Yikes!

I just read a Facebook post by the Dark Shadows News Page. It said that actress Lara Parker is celebrating her 80th birthday today. Yes, our Angelique is 80 today.

Then I stopped to think, "Well Dark Shadows originally aired 50 years ago."

Well, I guess growing old(er) is better than the alternative!

Happy Birthday, Lara Parker!

Terrorizing Burbank Bookstores

Above, yours truly with a new Dark Shadows novel by Lara Parker. Photo by Brant Elliot.

Today was spent hanging out in "Beautiful Downtown Burbank" with fellow G-fan Brant Elliot roaming around different genre bookstores.

We met up at The New Deal restaurant for lunch. We were supposed to be joined by Peter H. Brothers, but he had something come up.

Above, a couple of Godzilla goods at Dark Delicacies. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

After lunch, we migrated to the Dark Delicacies bookstore, where one can find all kinds of books with horror themes. I saw a number of Dark Shadows books by Lara Parker that are based on the 1960s soap opera. She does book signings there when she publishes a new novel.

Above, Brant Elliot rummaging in a bin at Blast From The Past. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

When we were done perusing Dark Delicacies, we then headed over to Blast From The Past, which has toys, books, CDs and old comic books.

Above, goodies for sale at Blast From The Past. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Following Dark Delicacies, we then went over to Creature Features, were more toys, books, magazines and just about anything else of horror and science-fiction can be found. I gave them my card so that "the Boss" can contact me to order copies of The Monster Movie Fan's Guide To Japan.

Above, now here's a gal at Creature Features who could use
a boob job, among other things. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

After Creature Features, we then drove over to the House of Secrets comic book store. There, I held the first issue of Superman that was drawn by Curt Swan. I also saw the first issue of Superman's Pal, Jimmy Olsen in the display case ($699.00). I mentioned to the clerk that the comic came about due to the popularity of Jack Larson in the Adventures of Superman television show. She asked, "Who's Jack Larson?" She never watched the show. So, I had to explain everything to her. I showed her photos of Jack that were taken with George Reeves during the production of the show and the photo of him and I taken by the Los Angeles Daily News during the plaque dedication two years ago. Now, she's up to speed! House of Secrets has a great collection of Silver Age comic books, many of which are from the 1950s, which are harder to find.

We then wrapped up the day at a coffee/latte shop in Burbank. This was a fun day. I haven't done thing kind of thing for quite a while.

Lara Parker To Appear At 2 L.A. Book Signings

Above, Lara Parker. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Actress and author Lara Parker, who portrayed the spurned witch Angelique in ABC-TV's Dark Shadows will be appearing at two Los Angeles area book signings in the upcoming weeks.

She will be signing her new novel, Heiress of Collinwood, that is based on the show.

The first signing will be held October 29 at the Woman's Club of Hollywood and the second will be at the Dark Delicacies Bookstore in Burbank on November 12.

As I will be on the road during the first book signing, I will try to attend the November 12 signing.

For more information, go here.

"Remembering Jonathan Frid" Book Released

A new book, Remembering Jonathan Frid has been released.

According to the Dark Shadows News Page blog:

The life of Jonathan Frid (Barnabas Collins) is celebrated in a new book from Evil Twin Publishing. Remembering Jonathan Frid is a 200-page paperback that gathers memories and insights from Jonathan's friends, colleagues and fans, illustrated throughout with rare and unseen photographs.

Frid passed away on April 14, 2012, only weeks before the Tim Burton/Johnny Depp Dark Shadows movie was released. Frid, along with former Dark Shadows co-stars Lara Parker, Kathryn Leigh Scott and David Selby, appeared in a cameo scene in the movie.

Above, Jonathan Frid, circa 1984. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

The paperback book can be ordered through Amazon.com.

Dark Shadows Movie Night In Hollywood April 30

Above, Kathryn Leigh Scott. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

The folks who put on the annual Dark Shadows Festivals have a special event coming up on April 30 in Hollywood.

They will be holding a "Dark Shadows Movie" night at the Vista Theatre. The event includes a premiere party and screening of Doctor Mabuse II: Etiopomar, starring Jerry Lacy (Rev. Trask on Dark Shadows), Lara Parker (Angelique on Dark Shadows), Kathryn Leigh Scott (Maggie Evans on Dark Shadows) and Christopher Pennock (Jeb Hawkes on Dark Shadows).

The even will also have a 40th anniversary screening of the Dan Curtis-produced (and newly restored) Dracula, starring Jack Palance, with music by Dark Shadows composer Bob Cobert.

Above, Lara Parker. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Actors Lacy, Parker and Pennock will be in attendance as will composer Cobert. Each will sign free autographs. New Dark Shadows merchandise will be on sale, plus a surprise Dark Shadows screening.

And, a Dark Shadows memorabilia auction will be held.

Ticket are $15 per person and will be available at the door or in advance (advance ticket buyers will receive a free Dark Shadows gift).

For advance tickets, send Paypal to Shadowgram@aol.com or mail to Dark Shadows, P.O. Box 1766, Temple City, CA 91780.

The address for the Vista Theatre is 4473 Sunset Drive, Los Angeles, CA 90027. The doors open at 6:15.

Actress Lara Parker Book Signings

Above, Lara Parker.  Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Actress Lara Parker (the original Angelique on Dark Shadows) has posted a schedule of her book signing appearances for her new Dark Shadows-based novel, "Wolf Moon Rising."

I am going to try to attend the one in Burbank in September.

To see the schedule, go here.

Dark Shadows Festival Events For 2013

Above, Lara Parker.  Photo by Armand Vaquer.

The latest mailer from the Dark Shadows Festival arrived and they have some good things in store.

First, their 2013 Dark Shadows Island Weekend takes place April 27-28 at the Coronado Island Marriott Resort (2000 Second Street, Coronado).  Special guests include David Selby, Kathryn Leigh Scott, Lara Parker, Jerry Lacy and Christopher Pennock.

One of the activities that weekend is the screening of Doctor Mabuse staring Lacy, Parker and Scott at the Coronado Village Theater.

For details go to www.darkshadowsfestival.com.

Above, Kathryn Leigh Scott.  Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Next, is the Dark Shadows Halloween Cruise 2013 aboard Royal Caribbean's Explorer of the Seas.  Fans can take a 7-day cruise to Bermuda from New Jersey with Kathryn Leigh Scott, Lara Parker and Marie Wallace.  The cruise is from October 27 to November 3.

There will be a "Tribute to Jonathan Frid" during the cruise.

The price (based on double occupancy) ranges from suites at $1,399 per person to inside staterooms at $749 per person.  This is pretty reasonable as far as cruises prices go.

For details, go to www.hartfordholidays.com/DarkShadowsHalloweenCruise.

Loaded Up On A Few DVDs

Yesterday, I went to the local Fry's Electronics store and picked up some DVDs.  They consisted of one new release and three old favorites (to replace my old VHS copies).

I'll start off with the three "oldies but goodies."

Two of them were the first and second sequels to 1971's Dirty Harry with Clint Eastwood:

Magnum Force (1973), which involves rogue motorcycle cops acting as judge, jury and executioner on baddies in San Francisco.  These guys made Inspector Harry Callahan look like a moderate.

The Enforcer (1976), which pits Inspector Callahan against radical killers (inspired by the real-life Symbionese Liberation Army) and a woman partner (played by Tyne Daly).

I had myself a Dirty Harry mini-film festival this morning.

True Grit (1969) with John Wayne as U.S. Marshal Rooster Cogburn.  Wayne's performance garnered him a Best Actor Oscar.  It was interesting to see some familiar faces such as Myron Healey (uncredited), James McEachin (uncredited), Hank Worden (uncredited) and Jay Silverheels (uncredited).  While watching the movie last night, it dawned on me that I've met two actors who were in this movie: Jeff Corey and Hank Worden.

The new movie I picked up was the Tim Burton/Johnny Depp Dark Shadows.  I bought the Blu-ray edition. As I knew what to expect ahead of time, I was prepared for it.  Fortunately, I found myself enjoying it (not quite as much as Burton's Ed Wood) and was entertained.  It was nice to see the cameos of original series stars Jonathan Frid, Kathryn Leigh Scott, Lara Parker and David Selby.  It was also good to see Christopher Lee's cameo as a grizzled sea captain.  It really looked great in Blu-ray.  My grade: A.

Burton and Depp Bring Their "Dark Shadows" Roadshow To Tokyo

Above, the original "Dark Shadows" cast in England to film their cameo scene. From left, Jonathan Frid, Lara Parker, David Selby and Kathryn Leigh Scott.  Japanese audiences probably have no clue as to who they are.

Director Tim Burton and actor Johnny Depp have taken their Dark Shadows "roadshow" to Tokyo, according to Metropolis magazine.

They wrote:

For moviegoers, the mere mention of Tim Burton summons up frightful scenes of grimacing jack-o-lanterns, corpse brides and headless horsemen. Yet the director whose very name is synonymous with gothic imagery had never tackled a vampire movie. Nor, for that matter, had his frequent collaborator, Johnny Depp. That has all changed with Dark Shadows, a fresh, comedic take on the bloodsucking genre that the dark duo recently flew into Tokyo to promote.

I am not aware if the original ABC-TV Dark Shadows soap-opera (or spook-opera) was ever telecast in Japan back in the late-1960s/early-1970s.  If not, the Japanese audience will probably be unaware of the back-history of the movie.

To read the full article, go here.

Lara Parker: Dark Shadows Movies "Will Be Reissued"

Above, Lara Parker at a Dark Shadows Festival in Burbank.  Photo by Armand Vaquer.

At about the time the Tim Burton/Johnny Depp Dark Shadows movie was announced, it was stated that the two Dark Shadows movies would be released on DVD.   Those movies are House of Dark Shadows (1970) and Night of Dark Shadows (1971).

Rumors have swirled about regarding restorations of missing scenes, dialogue and other facets of the two movies.  But I haven't seen anything definitive.

Today, I was reading Lara Parker's latest blog post and this paragraph caught my attention, particularly the highlighted part (by me):

Those fans who are disappointed should remember that the show they loved inspired a major motion picture with first class talents. Because of the movie, Dark Shadows will live another day, another year, another decade. Because of all the renewed interest, the DVDs have been reissued, the two films will be reissued, my books were reissued, Kathryn has written another book that is selling extremely well along with all her others, and Dark Shadows will not fade away. The legacy has been resurrected one more time.

My feeling is, "if anyone should know what's going on, she's the one" (along with Kathryn Leigh Scott).

I have a copy of House of Dark Shadows on VHS that I recorded back in the 1980s from television.  It is heavily-edited.  I am looking forward to having a pristine, complete and clean copy on DVD (or, better yet) or on Blu-ray.

Let's hope an announcement of a release date is made soon!

To read Lara Parker's blog post, go here.

(By the way, no matter how one feels about the new movie, it benefits the Dark Shadows fandom as Lara Parker stated.  She's right!  I still have to go out to see it.)

Lara Parker Website Started

Above, Lara Parker at a Dark Shadows Festival in Burbank, California.  Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Lara Parker, most famously known as the evil-but-sympathetic witch Angelique on Dark Shadows, has started her own blog where she'll be posting articles on her career and to field questions from fans.

She has a beautiful tribute article on Jonathan Frid that you'll want to read and a separate blog post of photographs of her with Jonathan.

To visit her blog, go here.

Jonathan Frid Dies At 87

Sad news has been reported over at Dark Shadows News:

It is with tremendous sadness that we report that Dark Shadows legend Jonathan Frid has died. Jonathan passed away peacefully on April 13 at the age of 87. 

Frid was the original Barnabas Collins on the ABC-TV soap Dark Shadows.  He has a cameo appearance in the upcoming Johnny Depp/Tim Burton feature film Dark Shadows.  He posted at his website that he was hoping to attend the movie's premiere.  It would have been interesting to read of his reaction to the film.

I had the pleasure of meeting Frid at a convention in Los Angeles in 1984.  This news is almost like a punch to the gut.  Frid was as much a favorite to me as George Reeves.  Fortunately, Frid was blessed with a long and active life.  I have an autographed photo of Frid as Barnabas displayed on my bedroom wall.

Strangely, I received a mailer yesterday from the Dark Shadows Festival organizers.  Inside, it advertised that Frid was to be part of a luncheon with Lara Parker and Kathryn Leigh Scott on July 29 at the Doubletree Tarrytown Hotel.

Above, Jonathan Frid at a Dark Shadows Festival, circa 1984.   Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Read Kathryn Leigh Scott's Tribute to Jonathan Frid.

"...and our little life is rounded with a sleep." - Jonathan Frid quoting William Shakespeare.

UPDATE:  More details on the passing of Jonathan Frid.  Go here.

L.A. Comic Book and Science Fiction Convention In May

The Los Angeles Comic Book and Science Fiction Convention mailer arrived today. Their next show is set for May 6 at the Shrine Auditorium Expo Center and the special guest list is quite impressive.

Lara Parker (left), who played Angelique in ABC-TV's Dark Shadows.

Photo by Armand Vaquer.







Kathryn Leigh Scott (below right), who played Maggie Evans and Josette on ABC-TV's Dark Shadows.

Photo by Armand Vaquer.


















Barbara Leigh, the original Vampirella cover model for the classic run of Warren's Vampirella magazine.

Ian Ogilvy, who starred as The Saint in the 1978-79 television series The Return of The Saint.

Audrey Dalton, who starred in Boris Karloff's Thriller and The Monster That Challenged The World.

Ann Robinson, who starred in the George Pal (and still the best) version of War of the Worlds.

Georges Jeanty, Dark Horse comics artist on Buffy The Vampire Slayer.

Last January, I had a table for The Monster Movie Fan's Guide To Japan. I may just do it again at this show. I've a couple of weeks to decide.

It is timely that the show will feature two of the original Dark Shadows cast members as the Tim Burton movie version will be released the same month. Both actresses appear in a cameo.

Original "Dark Shadows" Cast Members In Cameo

Whether or not the Tim Burton/Johnny Depp Dark Shadows movie (opening May 22) is a boxoffice and/or critical hit, at least the producers saw fit to include members of the original soap opera cast in the movie. They will appear in a cameo during a party scene.

The photo at top is of (left to right) David Selby, Lara Parker, Johnny Depp, Jonathan Frid, Tim Burton and (partially cut) Kathryn Leigh Scott.

New Barnabas and Angelique

A new photo from the new Tim Burton Dark Shadows has been released. It is of Johnny Depp (Barnabas Collins) and Eva Green (Angelique Bouchard):



The movie is based on the Dan Curtis soap opera. The roles of Barnabas and Angelique were originated by Jonathan Frid and Lara Parker.

Dark Shadows Festival In Burbank

Just got home a while ago and found in the mailbox the mailer from The Dark Shadows Festival about this year's convention in Burbank.

This year's convention, "Dark Shadows In The Sun" will be held July 16, 17 & 18 at the Burbank Airport Marriott (the site for Monsterpalooza). Weekend admission is $30.00 (available until July 10, thereafter at the door only) and they will have a special banquet Sunday, July 18 with Barnabas Collins himself, Jonathan Frid. The cost is $50 and reservations and payment must be received by July 10. Frid's autographed photograph (from the original negative) will be available only to those attending the banquet. The autograph will be personalized.

Also attending this year's show are David Selby, Lara Parker, Kathryn Leigh Scott, John Karlen, Marie Wallace, Jerry Lacy, Roger Davis, Kathleen Cody, Robert Rodan, Chris Pennock, Lisa Richards, Jim Storm, Bob Cobert, Sy Tomashoff and Michael Brockman.

For additional information, go to www.darkshadowsfestival.com

Additionally, on Friday, July 16, at 12:30 p.m., Jonathan Frid will be honored with a handprint in cement ceremony at the historic Vista Theater in Hollywood. Following this, House of Dark Shadows (1970) will be screened. Admission to this event is $10.00.

The Dark Shadows Festival

Above, Jonathan Frid as Barnabas Collins.

This year, The Dark Shadows Festival is presenting "Dark Shadows In The Sun" cast reunion and fan convention July 16-18 at the Burbank Airport Marriott.

The convention will feature Jonathan Frid, David Selby, Lara Parker, Kathryn Leigh Scott, John Karlen, Marie Wallace, Jerry Lacy, Roger Davis, Kathleen Cody, Robert Rodan, Chris Pennock, Lisa Richards, Jim Storm, Robert Cobert, Sy Tomashoff and Michael Brockman as guests.

For details, go to www.darkshadowsfestival.com.

As many Rancho readers know, I was critical of the last Dark Shadows Festival that was held at the Burbank Marriott. Hopefully, the organizers took my criticisms constructively and will put on a good show this year.