← 160 → Timeline 1967 Narrator Victoria Winters Writer Malcolm Marmorstein Director Lela Swift Airdate February 3, 1967 Tapedate January 26, 1967 Home Video BEG 5, Disc 2 #8 We have 1 images of Dark Shadows #160

Parapsychologist Dr. Peter Guthrie arrives at Collinwood to study the strange malady of Elizabeth Collins Stoddard.

Synopsis Edit

My name is Victoria Winters. The mistress of Collinwood lies stiffly in her bed, hovering in the narrow world between life and death. Unable to move, unable to communicate, a slow heartbeat and staring eyes the only indication that life still exists within her.

Carolyn is sitting vigil despite the fact that Liz doesn't move. Vicki tries to convince Carolyn to have lunch while she sits with Liz, but Carolyn refuses because she feels Liz is trying to say something to her.

Act I

Vicki and Carolyn rehash the reasons for and against moving Elizabeth. Carolyn is steadfast in her belief against moving Liz. Carolyn wants specialists; Vicki informs her of the impending visit of Dr. Peter Guthrie. After Vicki goes downstairs, Roger comes in. He is glad Liz is not worse; Carolyn realizes that she could be getting worse since they can't tell. Roger points out that where one wants--and where one has--to be can be different things. Roger accuses Carolyn of being stubbornly reckless. She accuses him of not being upset that the doctor couldn't diagnose Liz. Roger is sure that a diagnosis will eventually lead to Liz's being sent to a hospital. Roger believes he is as concerned as Carolyn, who stands strong in her beliefs. Roger and Carolyn fight over who has the authority and where each other's limits are. Roger again points out that Carolyn is getting more like him every day. Carolyn promises a post-Guthrie update will be given to Roger. Carolyn has the feeling that whatever's troubling Liz can't be cured in a hospital.

Act II

Dr. Guthrie arrives at Collinwood and talks privately with Vicki. He says that most of his investigations prove false or hallucinated. Guthrie's been filled in by Frank. Vicki admits she's not sure what's real and what isn't. Vicki asks if Guthrie has ever seen a ghost. Guthrie hasn't seen one, but has gathered proof that they exist. Guthrie gives Vicki a plausible (slight) cover story to tell everyone. Roger meets Guthrie and promises to be disappointed if Guthrie can't find an explanation. Roger enlists Guthrie's aid in removing Liz; Guthrie says he'll remove Liz if anything that he suspects is true.

Act III

Carolyn meets Guthrie, who tells her that Liz's case might be psychosomatic means. Guthrie examines Liz and questions Carolyn. She and Vicki fill him in on Liz's recent memory lapse and collapse. Guthrie suspects a delayed reaction to some form of trauma. Further examination leads Guthrie to believe Liz is in a trance—that is, a state of suspended animation.

Act IV

Guthrie likens it to a hypnotic state. He wants to move her out of the house because he believes the thing that influenced her into the trance may be in the house. Carolyn is reluctant. Guthrie says Liz may never recover, but they should try to do anything they can for her—starting with removing Liz. Vicki rationalizes that Liz didn't grasp what was happening; Carolyn finally concedes. Guthrie wants silence on the Liz matter; he wants to move covertly to learn what caused her to go catatonic.

Memorable quotes Edit

• Roger: Our family doctor claims that he's never seen anything like this in all of his experience. I certainly hope that you don't come away with the same comment.
• Dr. Guthrie: Well, I, uh, from what I've heard, I well might.
• Roger: Well, I should be very disappointed in you if you do. However, Doctor, if your findings are similar, I hope that you will persuade my niece that her mother should be sent to a hospital.
• Dr. Guthrie: Mr. Collins, if what I suspect is true, the patient will not spend another moment in this house.

Dramatis personae Edit

• ← Joan Bennett as Elizabeth Collins Stoddard →
• ← Louis Edmonds as Roger Collins →
• ← Nancy Barrett as Carolyn Stoddard →
• John Lasell as Dr. Peter Guthrie →
• ← Alexandra Moltke as Victoria Winters →

Background information and notes Edit

• This episode was filmed before 159, most likely due to Joan Bennett's schedule.
• First appearance of John Lasell as Dr. Peter Guthrie.

Bloopers and continuity errors Edit