Synopsis

Dark Shadows is an American gothic soap opera that originally aired weekdays on the ABC television network, from June 27, 1966, to April 2, 1971. The show was created by Dan Curtis. The story bible, which was written by Art Wallace, does not mention any supernatural elements. It was unprecedented in daytime television when ghosts were introduced about six months after it began. The series became… hugely popular when vampire Barnabas Collins appeared a year into its run. Dark Shadows also featured werewolves, zombies, man-made monsters, witches, warlocks, time travel, and a parallel universe. A small company of actors each played many roles; indeed, as actors came and went, some characters were played by more than one actor. Major writers besides Art Wallace included Malcolm Marmorstein, Sam Hall, Gordon Russell, and Violet Welles.

Another stage actress, Nancy Barrett, was cast as Elizabeth's headstrong daughter Carolyn Stoddard, and child actor David Henesy was cast as Roger's troubled son David Collins.

Two early cast changes brought stage actors David Ford and Thayer David into the ensemble.

Michael Currie, as Constable Jonas Carter, was replaced by veteran actor Dana Elcar, as Sheriff George Patterson.

Alexandra Isles (then Alexandra Moltke), a young actress with little experience, was cast in the role of Victoria Winters, an orphan who journeys to the mysterious, fictional town of Collinsport, Maine, to unravel the mysteries of her past.

Veteran film star Joan Bennett was cast as Victoria's employer Elizabeth Collins Stoddard, a woman who had not left her home in over eighteen years.

Stage actor Louis Edmonds was cast as Elizabeth's brother, a widower, Roger Collins.