After a typically well-written opening, Liz (Joan Bennett) finds some of Vicki's letters have been blown on the floor, due to an open window. She plans to read a letter as Carolyn (Nancy Barrett) enters. She wants to know why her mother hired Vicki. Liz worries when she learns Vicki (Alexandra Moltke) went to the Collins Port Inn to call Miss Hopewell (Elizabeth Wilson) and check up on Liz' story about Vicki's recommendation. At Collinwood, Joe (Joel Crothers) reveals he has received a promotion, then he proposes to Carolyn. The prospective newlyweds play their scene exceptionally well...
This was the last appearance for Ms. Wilson. She crossed paths with "Dark Shadows" actors again, but this will not turn out to be an uncommon occurrence for the show's performers. After the first episode, Hopewell was changed from "Mrs." to "Miss". It's unusual to discern that a Liz wants her young daughter to get married and leave town, but she has her reasons. Joe is also a relatively close childhood friend. To help when Carolyn was growing up, Liz hired Joe's mother as Collinwood housekeeper. Though we are not given the details of Mrs. Haskell's beginning and expiration date, she worked in the 1950s.
Die-hard viewers should note that first pressings of MPI's DVD 2007 omit the final scene from this episode. In it, we learn that Burke's private detective Wilbur Strake has also contacted the Hammond Foundling Home with questions about Vicki. Gwen Van Dam appears in a non-speaking role as Hopewell's secretary, typing a letter to Vicki at "Collinswood" (sic). The scene is present on MPI's 1994 VHS release. This is one of numerous, unwelcome "edits" in the series as it was re-run and re-released over the years (although, like others, it arguably improves the individual episode and overall storyline).
******* Dark Shadows 1966 ABC #8 (7/6/66) Lela Swift ~ Alexandra Moltke, Joan Bennett, Nancy Barrett, Joel Crothers...
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