Monday, February 28, 2011

BARNABAS COLLINS - DARK SHADOWS Vintage TV Show Toys and Collectibles








Since we're a VAMPYRE FAN BLOG there is actually NO way we could not mention Barnabas Collins! This Vampire appeared on the classic TV show "DARK SHADOWS". Dark Shadows was a gothic soap opera that originally aired weekdays on the ABC television network from June 27th, 1966 to April 2nd, 1971.

The series became hugely popular when, a year into its run, Vampire Barnabas Collins ( played by Actor Jonathan Frid ) appeared. Dark Shadows also featured werewolves, ghosts, zombies, man-made monsters, witches, warlocks, time travel (both into the past and into the future), and a parallel universe.

Dark Shadows was distinguished by its vividly melodramatic performances, atmospheric interiors, memorable storylines, and an unusually adventurous music score. Now regarded as somewhat of a camp classic, it continues to enjoy intense cult status among its followers. As a child, Johnny Depp was so obsessed with Barnabas Collins that he wanted to be him. So now, Depp is collaborating with Tim Burton on a movie adaptation, in which he will play Barnabas.

Shown here are a few Vintage "Dark Shadows" toys, books, & collectibles that were made around the time the TV show originally aired. The 1st photo is the cover to "Famous Monsters of Filmland" magazine, issue #59. The 2nd pic is the Official BARNABAS COLLINS / DARK SHADOWS Board Game made by Milton Bradley! ( I have always loved those vintage-style graphics! ). Next up is this extremely cool BARNABAS VAMPIRE VAN Plastic Model kit by MPC. Well, it actually looks more like a Hot Rod Car to me but why argue, ha! It looks like it was made to deliver coffins & I bet every little kid back then begged their Mom for this toy! The 4th photo shows one of my favorite toys growing up, the Magic Slate! It was made by Whitman. Speaking of that company they also made the next item, the 2nd DARK SHADOWS TV SHOW Board Game. After that we get to see a Wax Wrapper for the DARK SHADOWS Bubble Gum Cards. These trading cards today are extremely hard to find! OK, now the last photo, it shows 2 Vintage Paperback Books. One of them is a Cookbook, which is kinda funny! They actually made a TON of books back then that revolved around this show. There are even a few that are still in print today.

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