Once again, death has claimed someone else who had a big influence on my life. We lost Buck Owens on Saturday (Yep, I grew up watching Hee-Haw -it was pretty much mandatory growing up in Virginia, especially when one of your Uncles played with Lester Flatt), and now we've lost Dan Curtis. You may know him better as the guy who brought us Dark Shadows and The Night Stalker. Pretty much two of my favorite childhood shows, and STILL two of my favorite all time shows. Without Barnabas Collins, I may have never been influenced by gothic horror. As a kid, I was torn between wanting to be Barnabas or Micky Dolenz. As a musician, well, I guess a bit of both crept in. Aside from Dark Shadows, he also produced the first two Night Stalker movies starring the incredible Darren McGavin, whom we also just lost.
And furthermore, he produced my favorite version of Dracula, starring Jack Palance. It is also probably the version most true to the book by Bram Stoker.
So Dan, thanks for all the thrills and chills. You're right up there with Vincent Price as far as scaring the bejeezus out of me. RIP to one of the great Kings of Horror.
And furthermore, he produced my favorite version of Dracula, starring Jack Palance. It is also probably the version most true to the book by Bram Stoker.
So Dan, thanks for all the thrills and chills. You're right up there with Vincent Price as far as scaring the bejeezus out of me. RIP to one of the great Kings of Horror.
Darrin McGavin, Dennis Weaver, Don Knotts, Buck Owens, Dan Curtis.
I can remember watching Dark Shadows from the safety of behind my Mom's chair when I was a kid. And I still pull out The Night Stalker on vhs every once in a while. What a great show!
[Edited on Mar 27, 2006 8:30PM]