433

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Number	427
Timeline	1796
Narrator	Alexandra Moltke
Writer	Gordon Russell
Director	John Sedwick
Broadcast	February 21, 1968 (Wednesday)
Recorded	February 16, 1968 (Friday)
Video	Complete: Disc 47 Collection 6: Disc 3

We have 5 images of Dark Shadows 433

Nathan agrees to testify in Victoria's defense; however, on the witness stand, he betrays her.

Synopsis[]

Teaser

A séance has been held in the great house of Collinwood, a séance which has suspended time and space, and sent one girl on an uncertain and frightening journey into the past, back to the Collins family in the year 1795. In the midst of a long reign of evil and terror, Victoria Winters is forced to defend herself against a charge of witchcraft.

In court, Reverend Trask describes finding the body of Abigail Collins, and boldly accuses Victoria of killing her through witchcraft.

Act I

Peter Bradford points out that the coroner believes Abigail died of heart failure; therefore the judge refuses to charge her with murder unless Trask can provide more evidence of Victoria's guilt such as a reason for killing Abigail. Peter reminds Victoria that Abigail was cruel to her since their first meeting and is concerned that Victoria may have discussed it with someone.

Act II

Victoria and Peter ask Nathan Forbes to testify for the defense as a character witness. Nathan is hesitant, and says that he may not be of much help as he is no longer on good terms with the Collins family. Peter insists that they need his help and Nathan says he will do what he can. Trask eavesdrops on the exchange.

Act III

The next day Trask calls Victoria to testify over the objections of Peter. The judge promises to protect Victoria's right against self-incrimination and allows her to take the stand. Trask asks if she ever wished for Abigail's death; Victoria denies the charge. Trask then offers her charm bracelet as evidence. He claims the Zodiac charms are symbols of the devil. Trask says the bracelet was found on the body of Abigail Collins. Peter points out that Abigail possessed the bracelet long before she died. Trask surprises everyone by calling Nathan Forbes to the stand.

Act IV

Peter believes that Nathan was coerced and doesn't want him to testify but Nathan swears to tell only the truth. He testifies that Victoria hated Abigail and wanted to kill her. He only rescued her from Reverend Trask because of Barnabas Collins. He always suspected Victoria of witchcraft. Victoria vehemently denies his charge of witchcraft.

Memorable quotes[]

Dramatis personae[]

Background information and notes[]

Production[]

This episode was recorded out of broadcast sequence. The previous episode to be recorded was 434.
When Reverend Trask calls Nathan Forbes into the courtroom and to the witness stand, a new music cue is used.

Story[]

TIMELINE: Day 174 begins, and will end in 435. It was last night when Abigail's body was found. It was a few days ago when Abigail took to the stand (occurred in 427). The witchcraft trial will resume at 2pm today.

Bloopers and continuity errors[]

The terms "heart attack" and "heart failure"--especially "heart attack"--are not terms or concepts used or known in the 18th century. "Heart attack" wasn't used until 100 years later, in the late 1890s.
In Act I, Jerry Lacy flubs his line: "Your Honor...the medical record also makes it clear that... that Mrs. ... uh, Miss Collins was uh...in perfect health..."
In Act I, Roger Davis flubs a line: "All he has to do is find someone who's...who's willing to prove that you had a good reason for saying that...for killing Abigail Collins."
In Act II, Roger Davis starts to refer to Lt. Forbes as "Lt. Collins" and then corrects himself.
In Act II, Roger Davis seems to forget his line when talking to Nathan Forbes: "You also remember that, uh [very long pause]...Look [pause]...you were the only one who was willing to help her, weren't you?" He also stumbles over "rev...reservation" and "Collins t...family."
In Act IV, Roger Davis flubs lines: In his first question to Nathan, he refers to Vicki as "Miss Collins." Then he stumbles over a line: "You mean you took care of her and all the rest knowing that she was not... that she was a witch".