← 191 → Timeline 1967 Narrator Victoria Winters Writer Malcolm Marmorstein Director Lela Swift Airdate March 20, 1967 Tapedate March 7, 1967 Home Video VHS: CS V38 DVD: TB C6D1 We have 1 images of Dark Shadows #191

The story of the Phoenix reaches its conclusion as Laura and David are entrapped in a fiery fishing shack.

Synopsis Edit

Teaser

My name is Victoria Winters. These are desperate moments at Collinwood, moments when a boy stands in the perilous middle-ground between life and death. Death reaches out to him and his only hope for safety lies in the meaning of words that have come from beyond

As the fire spreads and the flames grow, Laura continues to entrance David into befriending the fire, which is calling and reaching out to him. Meanwhile, Josette contacts Vicki in order to help her find David, who begins to succumb to his mother's urging and steps closer to the fire.

Act IEdit

The fire is starting to engulf the fishing shack; Laura urges David to embrace the fire, which gives life like the sun. She promises the fire will give David eternal life and that, very soon, the flames will take him away. At the same time, Josette makes Vicki learn that David is in a "little house by the sea" that is burning; Vicki realizes it's the fishing shack. In Boston, Carolyn vigils by the side of her mother. She learns from the doctor that there is no brain damage despite how Liz appears; all they can do is watch and wait. The doctor departs, leaving Carolyn with the vague hope that there could be a change tomorrow. Suddenly Liz begins to stir and awakens!

Act IIEdit

Carolyn notices that Liz's eyes are open, and calls the doctor, who immediately declares that Liz is coming out of her state. Motor responses return and Liz's pulse picks up. Liz is frightened by something (she senses David's in danger) but is still unable to speak. Back at the shack, Laura tells David that it's almost time to come to her. As the heat rises, Laura asks David to recite the legend of the Phoenix for her. She believes that his recitation will prepare him not to be afraid of death, and when its summation is reached, he can join her. Vicki arrives, frantically screaming and knocking at the door.

Act IIIEdit

Vicki is unable to reach David, and Laura taunts her. David continues his recitation. Vicki pleads with 'Mrs. Collins,' who insists on being called 'Laura Murdoch' and says that Vicki must have known what was to happen based on her and Dr. Guthrie's research. Vicki continues to yell for David, to no avail. Laura tells Vicki it will soon be over, only to begin again somewhere else; like herself, David will be reborn again and again, century after century. At the Hospital, Liz is attempting to speak. She becomes hysterical and screams out David's name.

Act IVEdit

Liz begins to scream about David in fire. Back at the shack, flames surround Laura and David as he nears the apex of his recitation and Vicki tries to reach into him. At the hospital, Dr. Franklin and Carolyn are unable to restrain Liz, who continues to shout for David. At the shack, David hears Liz's scream but Laura implores him to continue the legend. Vicki (and, in Boston, Liz) shout for David as he speaks of the Phoenix burning up. David begins to cry as he sees his mother in flames. She implores him to hurry, before it's too late. Laura needs David now, at this moment, or it will be too late. David, finished with his story, begins to hear Vicki's voice and is torn between Laura and Vicki. He looks back to Laura, who cries out that it's too late now. As she burns up, she cries "From these ashes, the Phoenix is reborn!" before screaming and disappearing in flames. David becomes distraught and Vicki begs him to open the door. He comes out and collapses in tears in her arms.

Memorable quotes Edit

• Laura Collins: "From these ashes, the Phoenix is reborn!"

Dramatis personae Edit

• Joan Bennett as Elizabeth Collins Stoddard
• Diana Millay as Laura Collins
• Nancy Barrett as Carolyn Stoddard
• Ivor Francis as Dr. Franklin
• David Henesy as David Collins
• and Alexandra Moltke as Victoria Winters

Background information and notes Edit

• Extra footage from this episode can be seen on Dark Shadows The Beginning DVD Collection 6.
• This episode closes the Phoenix storyline, which was originally planned to go on for at least three more months. However, due to Diana Millay's pregnancy, the plot was wrapped up quicker than anticipated.
• Josette's ghost contacts Vicki for the very last time.
• This is Diana Millay's final appearance until 729.

Edit

Bloopers and continuity errors Edit

• The opening shot of Collinwood has a curious blue tint.
• There's really no way to reconcile the dates with the information given in this episode with 268's happening on (or around) April 10, 1967. The writers most likely forgot that they printed the date on the paper prop in 180.
• As Carolyn first approaches Elizabeth's hospital bed, the second unit camera can be seen on the far left of the screen.
• The flames engulfing Laura occasionally appear to be above her, burning upside down.

External links Edit

• Episode 191 at the Internet Movie Database