Dark Shadows Before I Die: Slates

On the MPI home video release, slates are included for the first 209 episodes of Dark Shadows. Read by ABC announcer Bob Lloyd, whose soothing and distinctive voice also became familiar to viewers through the closing announcement that "Dark Shadows is a Dan Curtis production," these production materials offer fans an entertaining glimpse behind the scenes.

Originally created for production use, the slates preserve details such as episode information and recording dates while capturing a unique moment in the history of the series. While not part of the Collins family history, they are an important part of the visual record that helped bring the world of Dark Shadows to viewers.

This page presents each surviving slate along with Bob Lloyd's announcement before the episode begins.

"Yes, I'm here. What do you want me to do? I can't see the slate.
Dark Shadows number 1. VTR 6-13. Air date 6-27-66. Take 3."

"Dark Shadows VTR 6-14-66. Air 6-28-66. Take 1."

"Dark Shadows number 3 dash 66. Air date 6-29-66.
VTR date 6-15-66. Take 1."

"...TR date 6-16-66. Air date 6-30-66. Dark Shadows number 4 dash 66.
VTR date 6-16-66. Air date 6-30-66. Take 1.

"Dark Shadows number 5 dash 66. Air date 7-1-66. VTR date 6-17-66. Take 1."

Nancy Barrett gets into position for her scene.

Other voice: "We're slating!"
"Shadows number 6 dash 66. Air date 7-4-66. VTR date 6-20-66. Take 1.

"Dark Shadows, number 7 dash 66. VTR 6-21-66. Air 7-5-66. Take 1."
Mark Allen steps in front of the slate just as it's being read.

"Dark Shadows number 8 dash 66. VTR date 6-22-66. Air date 7-6-66. Take 1."

"Dark Shadows number 9 dash 66. VTR 6-23-66. Air 7-7-66. Take 1."

Conversation happening and other voice shouts, "We're slating!" after
Bob Lloyd has started announcing the slate. "Dark Shadows number 10 dash 66.
VTR date 6-24-66. Air date 7-8-66. Take 1."