Q&A with Kathryn Leigh Scott discussion

My John and I have been watching the original series of "Dark Shadows". We started from the beginning months ago. It's really a feast for the eyes! We love the intensity the entire cast gave to the show. The ladies' fashions and hairstyles are amazing. We actually howled and hooted hearing when you uttered one of Maggie's lines some time back: Joe: "Well, are we going to go out to dinner?" Maggie: "Yes, if we can find a restaurant that serves baby food". It just killed us! It’s great to be able to chat with you. So to a couple of questions:
What was your favorite and not-so-favorite “character” on "Dark Shadows"? They don’t necessarily have to be of ones you played.

Were most soap operas back in the late 1960’s/early 1970’s live on tape? Was Dark Shadows filmed that way because it was the norm or was it just tight budgets?

And is it true that Dr. Julia Hoffman's role was really written for a Man originally?

Thanks,
Jodi

I was amazed at how much atmosphere was created on Dark Shadows with the use of set decoration, costuming, and music. Did you ever get to keep a favorite outfit (perhaps a Josette dress)? I loved the way the music chosen really set the mood. Did they ever play it for you on the set?

Hi Kathryn- I have no doubt that you've answered this question before, but I've never heard the answer or the back story, so....when Dark Shadows began, Maggie was not only a little sassier than the way she ended being in later episodes, but she was also a Blonde. At what point and who decided to ditch the wig? Was there an initial fear that the viewers would confuse two brunettes, you and Alexandra Moltke? Best, DD

I hope that there will be a sequel to the "Dark Shadows" movie, it was different from the original DS, yet all of the elements that made DS so special were there. The cameo that feature you, Lara, David, and Jonathan was great. I would of love it, if Christopher Lee and Jonathan had a scene together, (Dracula and the original Barnabas working together), but the party scene was like the original cast passing the baton to Johnny Depp and the rest of the movie cast.

Mrs Scott! First & foremost thank YOU for the wonderful memories of Dark Shadows. If I didnt grow up with it I would be sad. I feel like you ALL were my family. And when Mr Frid passed, I felt like I lost a family member. I also would love a movie on the ORIGINAL. That would be great! And have all the original actors available to be in it! It would be great. Although Mr Frid wont be there I am sure that the technology today can add him in somewhere with all the others acting!

Was it confusing playing so many roles?

I would also like to thank you for this wonderful opportunity to communicate with you! You will always be admired not only for your acting ability and your writing but also for the kind and considerate way you treat people. The world would benefit greatly to have more people like you!

Jodi wrote: "My John and I have been watching the original series of "Dark Shadows". We started from the beginning months ago. It's really a feast for the eyes! We love the intensity the entire cast gave to the..."Good questions! Dark Shadows aired "live" and was captured on kinescope, the only method then of preserving a broadcast. Desi Arnaz was the smart cookie who actually filmed I Love Lucy, a brilliant move at a time when kinescopes were erased or destroyed. I don't think I was the exception among the Dark Shadows actors in focusing entirely on my own story and rarely watching the broadcast. There were many episodes I never saw, even ones I was in. Once the day was done, we moved on to the next show. I can't really say I had any particular feelings about liking or not liking a character: I was simply fulfilling the demands of the script and telling a story. Dr Julius Hoffman was meant to be played by an actor, but I think Sam Hall probably planted the idea of having his wife, Grayson Hall, take on the role . . . a brilliant move!

Terri Lynn wrote: "I was amazed at how much atmosphere was created on Dark Shadows with the use of set decoration, costuming, and music. Did you ever get to keep a favorite outfit (perhaps a Josette dress)? I loved t..."
I did not keep any of the wardrobe because most of the period costumes were rented. I think I kept the brown patterned jersey dress I wore in the stable scene with John Karlen and Louis Edmonds in House of Dark Shadows, but that's all. The music was added in the control room while we were doing the show and never heard it on the set.

D.d. wrote: "Hi Kathryn- I have no doubt that you've answered this question before, but I've never heard the answer or the back story, so....when Dark Shadows began, Maggie was not only a little sassier than th..."
I originally wore the wig because they wanted Maggie to be more tough, a gal from the wrong side of the tracks . . . there was also concern that I would look too much like Alexandra. One day Dan saw me at rehearsal wearing my own hair and said "Your hair looks great . . . lose the wig." Lela Swift was concerned the audience wouldn't buy the change, but there wasn't a peep about it! If I hadn't mentioned it in my book, I doubt there would be any comments . . .

Cindy wrote: "Mrs Scott! First & foremost thank YOU for the wonderful memories of Dark Shadows. If I didnt grow up with it I would be sad. I feel like you ALL were my family. And when Mr Frid passed, I felt ..."
We have 1225 episodes available, plus two films, so I think our legacy is secure without another remake of the original. Playing the roles wasn't at all confusing because each character was so individual in every respect and lived in a different time frame.

Kathryn, everyone says there are 1225 episodes but in my official Dark Shadows episode guide, it ends with episode 1245. What's up with that?? Were some combined or pre-empted?? Anne

Anne wrote: "Kathryn, everyone says there are 1225 episodes but in my official Dark Shadows episode guide, it ends with episode 1245. What's up with that?? Were some combined or pre-empted?? Anne"
I had to turn to my friend and co-author, Jim Pierson, marketing director & producer with Dan Curtis Productions for the answer: There were 1,225 episodes of the original Dark Shadows
produced and broadcast.

"The ABC-TV numbering system meant that for the 20
times the series was pre-empted during its five-year run,
those 20 episode numbers would be either skipped or
combined with other episode numbers, resulting in
numbering reaching 1,245."

Kathryn, first of all, thank you so much for doing this!!! And thank you for being our voice all these years!! I have a question for you; it's off-topic but did you get the photos I sent you of Joel Crothers and you on the set of DS?? When I asked my friend that I got them from if I could make an extra set, she said, "WHY?" and I said, "It's for Kathryn!" and she said, "OF COURSE!!" I hope you got them and I certainly hope you enjoy them....I just love those!!

Kathryn wrote: "Anne wrote: "Kathryn, everyone says there are 1225 episodes but in my official Dark Shadows episode guide, it ends with episode 1245. What's up with that?? Were some combined or pre-empted?? Anne"..."

Kathryn, whenever Dark Shadows was pre-empted, talk about chaos at our house!! My brother would usually say, "Let's go for a drive!!" (He only had his learner's permit...down here in south Louisiana back then you could get your permit when you were barely 14!! It's still pretty rural so most kids start learning to drive when they are around 12. My brother Dale started teaching me how to drive when I was 12!!

Hi Kathryn, do you ever go by a nickname like Kat, Kitty, Kate, or Kathy? Just curious! Thanks.

Stephanie wrote: "Hi Kathryn, do you ever go by a nickname like Kat, Kitty, Kate, or Kathy? Just curious! Thanks."
I prefer Kathryn, but in college was known as Kay

Kathryn wrote: "Stephanie wrote: "Hi Kathryn, do you ever go by a nickname like Kat, Kitty, Kate, or Kathy? Just curious! Thanks."
I prefer Kathryn, but in college was known as Kay"

Well, o-Kay then! Thanks!

Kathryn wrote: "Terri Lynn wrote: "I was amazed at how much atmosphere was created on Dark Shadows with the use of set decoration, costuming, and music. Did you ever get to keep a favorite outfit (perhaps a Josett..."

Kathryn, I had a chance to buy the dress Nancy Barrett wore when she was Leticia Faye??? Can't keep all those names straight -- it was pink with a boa and a bustle....I fussed at my DS Dude and told him it should be in a museum...he said it had been hand-made in the 1860's in Houston, TX...he told me a few months later than at auction it did go to a museum!! So glad!! Anne

Kathryn wrote: "Stephanie wrote: "Hi Kathryn, do you ever go by a nickname like Kat, Kitty, Kate, or Kathy? Just curious! Thanks."
I prefer Kathryn, but in college was known as Kay"

During the run of the series, I seem to remember you being referred to as Katie Leigh Scott, maybe in magazine articles?

Maybe.. at least they were talking about me!

Kathryn wrote: "Maybe.. at least they were talking about me!"

Kathryn, like you said in one of your books, it could have been Katie KLEENEX!!! LOL! I know you regret changing your name but I'm sure your parents understood....and look at what you have achieved! And believe me, WE all know your given name!!! Anne

Do you think DARK SHADOWS had more atmosphere in black and white? Did it lose anything, in your opinion, when it went to color. And how long into its run was it before the show was produced in color?

Hey Kathryn, Were lyrics ever written to the Dark Shadows theme song? And did the music written for the tv episodes win any awards during the shows run? I thought I read somewhere that the show's music was 'very innovative' for it's time.

Kathryn wrote: "Maybe.. at least they were talking about me!"

Kathryn, Oh yeah! I do remember hearing Dan Curtis call you "Little Katie" on the DS reunion DVD. It was sweet! Did he think of you almost like a daughter?

Jim wrote: "Do you think DARK SHADOWS had more atmosphere in black and white? Did it lose anything, in your opinion, when it went to color. And how long into its run was it before the show was produced in co..."
Much of this was covered in both the Dark Shadows Almanac and Memories book, but it seems to me we went to color within a year of going on the air. I would hate to give up the glorious richness of the costumes in color, especially when we went back in time, but most of my favorite episodes are the early ones in black & white.

Jodi wrote: "Hey Kathryn, Were lyrics ever written to the Dark Shadows theme song? And did the music written for the tv episodes win any awards during the shows run? I thought I read somewhere that the show's ..."
One of the most innovative elements on Dark Shadows was Bob Cobert's original orchestral music. Several selections made it on the charts, such as Quentin's Theme . . . which is why I published the book, Dark Shadows Music, with the sheet music and a photo gallery from the scenes in which these lovely themes were featured.

Kathryn,
Guess you didn't see my previous post. I wanted to ask you:

I have a DS-related question for you.
In the first journey back to the 1700's when Barnabas gives Josette his onyx ring and Josette loses it, how does Barnabas get it back? Was this ever explained or do you know how it happened?
I feel like I missed something while viewing the episodes. However, I am told I didn't.

Michelle

See my answer in the Q for Kathryn thread...

Stephanie wrote: "Kathryn wrote: "Maybe.. at least they were talking about me!"

Kathryn, Oh yeah! I do remember hearing Dan Curtis call you "Little Katie" on the DS reunion DVD. It was sweet! Did he think of you al..."

I think he thought of us all as his kids! He was very patriarchal in the best sense of the word. We were family.

Kathryn wrote: "Jodi wrote: "Hey Kathryn, Were lyrics ever written to the Dark Shadows theme song? And did the music written for the tv episodes win any awards during the shows run? I thought I read somewhere tha..."

Kathryn, I just got my copy from Pomegranate Press of the Dark Shadows Sheet Music book!! I just love to play the piano!! And I was thrilled at all the photos included in the book!! I highly recommend it!! Anne

Cool!!

Jodi wrote: "Cool!!"

Really cool! I want that music book too! I never knew about it, but then again I never knew about most of this stuff!

I'm going to have to check out that music book, too! Are the arrangements fairly easy? Since I only get around to playing a couple of times a year (if even that), I am permanently out of practice and need easy stuff!

Denise wrote: "I'm going to have to check out that music book, too! Are the arrangements fairly easy? Since I only get around to playing a couple of times a year (if even that), I am permanently out of practice..."

You know what would be really fun? To play that Dark Shadows music on a harpsichord or an organ, or just use that setting on an electric piano. You guys really have given me some good ideas! I'm getting an electric piano soon and playing some Dark Shadows tunes! We should record ourselves and post it put on youtube. We'd all get a good laugh out of that!

The Robert Cobert score is a flatout classic. One of the best musical compositions ever written for TV. I'd love to see it performed live, and the harpsichord idea is fascinating.

Stephanie wrote: "Denise wrote: "I'm going to have to check out that music book, too! Are the arrangements fairly easy? Since I only get around to playing a couple of times a year (if even that), I am permanently ..."

I have an electric keyboard, with all those different instrument sounds!

Denise wrote: "Stephanie wrote: "Denise wrote: "I'm going to have to check out that music book, too! Are the arrangements fairly easy? Since I only get around to playing a couple of times a year (if even that),..."

Okay then Denise, I'll be waiting for your video on You Tube. Show us how it's done! Get to practicing now! Just try playing by ear until you get the music book. One note at a time. That's what I'm doing. It's fun. Reading music's fine too, but I found that picking out a tune's not all that hard.

Let me know where you find a good price on that music book if you will. Hopefully, Kathryn has it on her site for the best price. I think I'll check now.

Still working on our site to take down that alert. The virus has been cleaned up by our domain host, and we're working on getting Google to take down that malware warning. If you feel brave, you can proceed to the site, but I know it's hard when you see such a warning! But it's safe now.

Unfortunately for me, once I get the warning, I just get a blank page and can't get to anything. I'll keep trying, though!

I'll put a message up here for everyone once it's clear! Thanks for trying Denise.

Denise wrote: "I'm going to have to check out that music book, too! Are the arrangements fairly easy? Since I only get around to playing a couple of times a year (if even that), I am permanently out of practice..."

Denise, you could play them, I'm sure!! I have to admit I am a pretty advanced player -- I usually practice at least one to two hours a day...BUT GET THAT BOOK!! It is great!! Anne

Stephanie wrote: "Denise wrote: "I'm going to have to check out that music book, too! Are the arrangements fairly easy? Since I only get around to playing a couple of times a year (if even that), I am permanently ..."

Stephanie, and in costume, yes?? Now we can fight over which one we would each get to be! LOL - or we could just ALL be Magge/Josette...but we need an Angelique and Dr. Hoffman!! Too funny!! Anne

Anne wrote: "Stephanie wrote: "Denise wrote: "I'm going to have to check out that music book, too! Are the arrangements fairly easy? Since I only get around to playing a couple of times a year (if even that),..."

Anne, well I do have dark hair, so it's got to be Josette! We could all be her, or even come in drag! Is it drag when a girl dresses up like a man?! :) I could even dress up as Barnabas!

So you practice the piano two hours a day??!! Wow! I'm impressed. I never did that even when I took lessons. You must really like it, or just want to get better. Good for you! I liked it, but really only practiced just enough to "Pass" each lesson! I'm piano-less right now, but would like to get a nice electric piano since I have very little space for a regular one.

If I could look like her, I'd gladly be Angelique, but I think I would probably be Magda and bring a Tarot deck (I was a gypsy and brought my Tarot at a Halloween party last year). It was Dark Shadows that got me interested in that sort of thing. I remember going to Spencer's and buying a Tarot - I'm pretty sure it is the same deck as used in DS (it's Swiss 1JJ). I never could figure it out, though, but years later I learned more and have quite a collection of decks, as well as runes and other types of 'oracles'. I don't have the I Ching sticks though, although I do have I Ching coins and also as cards. I can thank Dark Shadows for all of that!

Oh yes Denise, that's a great idea! You could read our cards! Is that what you call it? Wouldn't that be fun?! You could at least pretend you know what you're talking about! I know I'd love it. You could even take tips or donations!

I could make the Bloody Mary's for the vampires, and play a little piano. I think Anne would be best at that though, and let's not forget about the dancing!

Okay then, so this make believe party's pretty well planned out! Do you think Kathryn would be our guest of honor? :)

Stephanie wrote: "I'm piano-less right now, but would like to get a nice electric piano since I have very little space for a regular one."

I have an electric keyboard because I don't have room for the baby grand my mother would like me to take, but I could never find the space for it! I just have a 'garden-style' condo (like an apartment), and my keyboard fits nicely into a corner of my dining room. The baby grand would take up the whole dining room, and I'd have to move everything else out!

Denise, I'd take your mother up on her offer if I were you! Baby Grands sound and look so good! I used to have an antique baby grand that took up my whole dining room. I'd do it again too!

I had to move and put the piano in storage, and it eventually got re-possessed. I just couldn't keep up with the storage costs, or afford to get it to my new place. I only paid $200 for it though. It was one of my best finds ever!

I really enjoyed Dark Passages and am currently reading Return to Collinwood. I especially liked the "backstory" you invented for Maggie--have you considered writing cozy mysteries yourself?

Peggy wrote: "I really enjoyed Dark Passages and am currently reading Return to Collinwood. I especially liked the "backstory" you invented for Maggie--have you considered writing cozy mysteries yourself?"

Thanks for the kind note. No I haven't considered cozy mysteries before, but I will consider it!

Stephanie wrote: "Oh yes Denise, that's a great idea! You could read our cards! Is that what you call it? Wouldn't that be fun?! You could at least pretend you know what you're talking about! I know I'd love it. You..."

Kathryn is up for anything!!! LOL!! I will now have to practice my DS music (courtesy of Kathryn's Dark Shadows Music Book) religiously (damn you Rev. Trask! lol)...I should go as Dr. Hoffman - I have red hair and I am kinda scrawny - only 5ft tall (I can hear yall laughing btw) and skinny...Just put a bustle on me and some very high heels...And Denise, I have the Tarot cards too!! Yes, you can be Magda and do readings (I will make some good ones up for you beforehand if you want!! lol..unless you really read the cards...I can! for what it's worth..it's mostly about reading people!!).Anne