Where Was Dark Shadows 1966 Filmed? Filming Locations Of The Original Gothic Series!!

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You might have watched the Johnny Depp starrer horror-comedy film, Dark Shadows. But have you watched the original gothic show it was inspired from? Well, if you haven’t, then follow this article to know all about the classic horror series, Dark Shadows, starring Jonathan Frid, and later find out where was Dark Shadows 1966 filmed.

The American fantasy soap opera, Dark Shadows premiered on ABC channel in 1966 and successfully continued till 1971. This top-cult television show was developed by Art Wallace, who later joined the project as a screenwriter. The basic premise of this supernatural series showcases the paranormal world of a vampire named Barnabus Collins, and the members of his mystical family.

Dark Shadows had a total of 1,225 gripping episodes divided between 6 successful seasons. The show ended in 1971 although its huge popularity, lured other directors to remake the television series multiple times in the later years. Horror-show fans from all parts of the world thoroughly enjoyed the overall storyline of Dark Shadows, which the makers kept making more engaging with each passing season.

So, before I give you a brief overview of this super-exciting series, let’s explore where was Dark Shadows 1966 filmed. So that you may be able to take a closer look at the idyllic filming locations.

Where Was Dark Shadows 1966 Filmed? Let’s Know This Horror Series Closely!

The story of Dark Shadows was set in the supernatural town of Collinsport, in Maine. However, the makers wanted to shoot the sequences of this fictional town in Britain, instead of America. Dan Curtis, the creator of the show, thought the overcast and misty setting of England would be perfect to create a gloomy and dark backdrop required for the show. 

Subsequently, Curtis arranged a special meeting with the other head of the unit, to have a discourse over the International filming locations. The creative members then suggested Curtis refrain from traveling overseas and shooting in England, after reviewing the production budget. Dan later agreed to the prospect of exploring other locations within America, which was much more economically feasible to film in. 

Thus, after extensive scouting, a number of locations in Rhode Island, Connecticut and New York were shortlisted. The production members then arrived at the final conclusion to shoot the first season of Dark Shadows in Rhode Island and New York. Important to mention that, the other seasons which followed were also filmed in the same location, except for season 5 which was entirely filmed in Connecticut.

The principal photography for the pilot season began in the summer of 1965 and was completed in three and a half months. The production members captured the sequences of 135 episodes from the first season, on time and managed to stay on top of the schedule. So, without waiting any longer, let’s discuss where was Dark Shadows 1966 filmed in-depth, and find out more about the specific shooting sites.

Rhode Island | USA

Where Was Dark Shadows 1966 Filmed? Filming Locations Of The Original Gothic Series!!

The opening sequence from the pilot season, where we see the governess enquiring about the address of Collins, was actually filmed in Newport Rhode Island. The production members used a black and white camera to capture the sequences of the first few episodes, as the director wanted to present an overall gothic look to his audience. A couple of establishing shots were filmed in the downtown area of Newport, portraying the arrival of Collins’ new governess, Victoria Winters.

In order to depict the Collingwood mansion, the production members took special filming permissions from the owners of the Carey Mansion, also known as Seaview Terrace. This privately owned mansion, with French architecture, was perfect for the director to portray the affluent and gilded lifestyle of the Collins. Thus, after the permissions were acquired, the production members captured the outdoor shots of this Chateauesque-style mansion which was designed during the French Renaissance. 

Interestingly enough, the mansion is still owned by the Carey’s and stands as a major tourist attraction in Newport. You can definitely pay a visit and witness the beautiful architecture of this glamorous mansion, should you decide to make a trip to Newport, Rhode Island anytime soon.

New York | USA

Apart from filming the outdoor scenes, the major task for the production members was to shoot the interior sequences of the show. Thankfully, Curtis had already arranged a well-equipped sound stage inside a renowned studio located in Manhattan.

The Studio 16, of ABC Studios, was used by the crew to construct the make-believe set of Collin’s mansion. All interior sequences of the show featuring the estate and the mansion of Barnabus were filmed here. The crew used the same set for the filming sequences of the other seasons as well, although after making minor adjustments to the look and decor, of course.

Alright amigos, now allow me to discuss the plot of Dark Shadows in brief, so that you can get a clear idea about the basic premise of this supernatural show. Meanwhile, you can check out Step Brothers, Cinderella and Little Girls too.

Plot Of Dark Shadows | What’s It About

Where Was Dark Shadows 1966 Filmed? Filming Locations Of The Original Gothic Series!!

The story of Dark Shadows revolves around the character of Barnabus Collins, a former affluent industrialist, who somehow became the king of the undead, a nosferatu. At the very beginning of the series, however, other supernatural stories of ghouls and werewolves are depicted.

Later, as the story progresses further, the character of Barnabus is introduced, along with other members of his family. The plot thickens, when a meek young girl named, Victoria Winters is summoned by the Collins to work as a governess. Watch Dark Shadows (1966 Tv Series) to witness the tales of pure horror.

Final Words

Alright, guys, we have reached the end of the article I hope now you finally know where was Dark Shadows 1966 filmed, and found what you were searching for. Let us know about your thoughts in the comments section below if you’d want us to add/change anything. You can also check out other intriguing articles on Viebly, which are super-entertaining.

Who Are The Cast Members Of The Show Dark Shadows 1966?

The cast members of the show Dark Shadows includes Joan Benett, Louis Edmonds, Nancy Barrett, Denise Nickerson and Mitchell Ryan along with some others.

How Many Seasons Are There In The Show Dark Shadows 1966?

The show Dead to Me has a total of 6 seasons, with 1,225 episodes in total.

Who Are The Producers Of The Show Dark Shadows 1966?

Robert Costello was the producer of the show Dead to Me.

What Is The Rating Of The Show Dark Shadows 1966?

The show Dead to Me has a TV-PG rating

Who Is The Music Director Of The Show Dark Shadows 1966?

Bob Cobert is the music director of the show Dark Shado

Ujwal Mattoo
Ujwal Mattoo
With full journalism and half engineering background, Ujwal has hands in both the tech and creative fields. He is a film enthusiast who loves all kinds of genres. As much as he enjoys watching movies, he is always amused to know more and write about the locations to feed his hunger for traveling. In this world of fictional louds, he voices his opinions softly! He is either busy writing or playing with Milo, his dog!

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