House of Dark Shadows is a 1970 film based on the tv series Dark Shadows. The movie begins with Willie Loomis searching for the Collins family jewels. After deciphering several clues he discovers a hidden casket. Thinking the jewels are inside he opens the coffin...a hand reaches out and beings to choke him. Later, a woman is stalked and attacked by a man with a cane. She is later found with two bite marks on her neck. The Sheriff consults with Dr. Hoffman about the nature of the attack and learns of another attack, this time a fatal one. Meanwhile, the mysterious figure with the cane approaches the Collinwood Estate.
This man introduces himself as Barnabas Collins, a cousin from England. Barnabas meets Elizabeth Collins Stoddard, her brother Roger Collins, Elizabeth's daughter Carolyn, Dr. Hoffman and Professor Stokes. Barnabas gives Elizabeth some of the fabled lost jewels and, in return, they let Barnabas stay in the old house where his 'ancestor' lived. Barnabas bites Carolyn and puts her under his spell. A costume ball is held and Barnabas meets Maggie Evans, who reminds him of Josette...his long lost love. He later tells Willie the tale of how, nearly 200 years ago, Josette refused to become the bride of a vampire, refused to become one herself...and jumped off Widow's Hill and into the ocean. Carolyn overhears this tale, becomes jealous and is attacked by Barnabas. She eventually dies of her wounds.
Later, Dr. Hoffman is examining the blood from the victims. Professor Stokes puts forth the theory of a vampire. Dr. Hoffman discovers a cell that she believes could cure vampirism. Carolyn doesn't stay dead for very long and comes to her boyfriend Todd, offering him eternal life. Todd is later found and is put under the care of Dr. Hoffman. While putting on makeup Dr. Hoffman discovers that Barnabas has no reflection. Todd escapes and goes to Carolyn. While they are together the police, armed with crosses, and with Professor Stokes, corner and kill Carolyn. Later, Dr. Hoffman confronts Barnabas about his secret but promises that she can cure him. Barnabas and Maggie have dinner and he gives her Josette's music box. Willie tries to warn her about Barnabas...and he is later savagely beaten for this.
Professor Stokes confronts Barnabas about his nature...only to find that he is able to exist in the daylight. The treatments Dr. Hoffman have been administering worked. Later he is even able to enjoy a romantic stroll with Maggie. Like Carolyn before her, Dr. Hoffman becomes jealous and sabotages the injections...causing Barnabas to age horribly. Barnabas becomes enraged and kills Dr. Hoffman for this betrayal...and a quick bite from Maggie restores his youth.
Barnabas kidnaps Maggie and dresses her in a wedding gown, intending to make her his bride. Maggie's boyfriend Jeff returns, only to find that, somehow, Professor Stokes and Roger Collins have become vampires. He manages to kill them and heads to the old house to confront Barnabas. Jeff makes his way inside, takes aim with a crossbow and...accidentally hits Willie instead. After trying to warn Maggie and being beaten by Barnabas he can not let her become a vampire. Barnabas removes the arrow from Willie and begins to hypnotize Jeff. Just as Barnabas is about to bite Maggie, Willie stabs Barnabas with an arrow. Free of his control Jeff shoves the arrow through the other side of his chest. Jeff picks up Maggie and the film ends...though after the credits the fallen Barnabas turns into a bat and flies away.
This movie borrows much from the tv show. The plot is, more or less, directly lifted from the series. All the actors, even some of the minor ones like the Sheriff and Minister, have large roles on the show. Even much of the music is reused. The original storyline which played out is much different. Carolyn is bitten and becomes a slave to Barnabas...but she never becomes a vampire and she does not die. Nor does Dr. Hoffman die. Another big difference is the blood. The series had little blood. Sometimes we would see a drop of blood on a neck wound, but that was all.
Also on the series, Barnabas is not killed. His death was originally planned, but when the character proved to be extremely popular he was spared. In the movie, however, we see his original fate. This film was made while the tv series was still running and due to that several actors had their characters written out long enough to participate in the film. Indeed, on the series Barnabas was locked in his coffin for several weeks by a writer wanting material for a new book...which sounds a bit like Interview with the Vampire.
The idea of a reluctant vampire is extremely popular these days...but in the 1960s this was a new approach. Many attribute Barnabas Collins with being the first vampire who did not wish to embrace his bloodlust. Of course, this is not the case in this film, but on the series Barnabas becomes a very sympathetic character and is cured of his vampirism. Where it not for Barnabas, would we have Lestat, Angel, Spike...or yes, even Edward Cullen?
If you are at all curious about what Dark Shadows is then this film...is honestly a bit of a mess. I would suggest starting with the first dvd set...which begins with the introduction of Barnabas. This is a film that fans of the series can appreciate...but non-fans may just end up confused.
