Episode list

Book: The Count of Monte Cristo by Alexandre Dumas (1844)/Film: The Count of Monte Cristo (1934) Beginning in the early days of the Hundred Day period, this adventure story deals with hope, justice, vengeance, mercy and forgiveness. It centres on a man who is wrongfully imprisoned, escapes from jail, acquires a fortune, and sets about exacting revenge on those responsible for his imprisonment. His plans have devastating consequences for both the innocent and the guilty. The 1934 film directed by Rowland V Lee and starring Robert Donat and Elissa Land, this would be the first sound adaption of the film (there were five silent films before this). The film would prove to be a box office smash which would lead to two sequels. The film takes some liberties from its source material. To date the only adaption that is faithful to the film is a 39 part ITC television serial starring Richard Chamberland from 1975.

BEWITCHED: Season 1 - Episodes 1- 4. Starting with the pilot episode which begins the tale of a witch marrying a mortal and television comedy gold is born. Samantha and Darren are wed much to the annoyance of Endora. They purchase their first home together. Darren's alcoholic client makes a pass at Samantha and turns into a dog. Endora and Darren meet face to face. Special Guest Stars include: Alice Pearce, Nancy Kovack and Jack Warden.

The Toxic Avenger: an American superhero black comedy splatter film, the film was directed by Lloyd Kaufman and Michael Hertz and written by Kaufman and Joe Ritter. Largely ignored on its initial release, the film would find its audience and a long and successful midnight movie engagement at Bleecker Street Cinema in New York City in 1985. The film is considered a cult classic. The Class of Nuke'em High: This American science fiction, horror comedy film was directed by Lloyd Kaufman and Richard W Haines with New York holographer Jason Sapan providing the laser effects. The film would spawn four sequels and there is talk about a remake in the works. Although panned upon its initial release, the film has a strong cult following that continues to grow.

We interview Lara Parker on her career from actress, teacher and author. Finding fame as Angelique in Dark Shadows and starring in films such as Night of Dark Shadows, the award winning Save the Tiger and Race with Devil and numerous television guest starring roles. We also discuss her writing career and her future plans coming our way soon.

We interview Jennifer Salt, who played Eunice Tate in SOAP, and the films, Sisters, Hi Mom, The Wedding Party and many others. She is now the writer and producer of Nip/Tuck, American Horror Story and Netflix's new series Ratchet. She is also the screenwriter for Eat Pray Love and she shares her career with us. Join us as before we start our SOAP retrospective coming at the end of October.

December 1967: Episodes 275 - 395 Nathan pursues Millicent's affections after finding out how much money she has. Angelique is forced to cast a new spell on Josette because of her wedding plans with Barnabas has been moved up. Josette disappears before the ceremony. Abigail and Natalie are sure there is a witch operating in Collinwood.

First published as a serial in the children's magazine Young Folks from 1881 - 1882 and later as a book in 1883, this is considered the first coming of age novel and is noted for its atmosphere, characters and action. In 1950, Disney studios would film an adaption directed by Byron Haskins and starring Bobbie Driscoll and Robert Newton. This would be Disney's first completely live action and first screen adaption of Treasure Island in color. Filmed in entirely in England, the film would be released on home video with nine minutes cut to ensure it received a G rating but has since been released on video in its uncut format.

McClain Lindquist is a director and writer, known for The Tell Tale Heart (2020) and BassMint Pros: Localized Tell Tale Heart (2020) - Adapted from Edgar Allan Poe's original text, this original psychological thriller story has been re-imagined in this mind-bending, pulse-pounding, bloody-disgusting short film.

Samantha offers to help Darren with his soup campaign much to his annoyance. Samantha helps a neighbourhood boy to gain self-confidence. Witches are being stereotyped by the advertising agency much to the dismay of Aunt Clara, Bertha and Mary. Darren is putting in overtime leaving a bored Samantha to zip off to Paris with her mother only to meet Mr Tate. Special Guest Stars include: Charlie Ruggles, June Lockhart, Jimmy Mathers, Shelly Berman, Reta Shaw, Madge Blake and Marion Lorne.

The Children from 1980 is a low budget horror film directed by Carlton J Albright, tells the tale of five children infected by a yellow cloud that turns them into bloodless zombies with black fingernails who microwave everything. The film would be noted for its score written by Harry Manfredini who would score big with his Friday the 13th score. Another film with the same title is a The 2008 British horror film directed by Tom Shankland, opened to positive reviews in the UK and US. The film would tell the story over the Christmas season where the children come down with a mysterious illness that causes them to kill anyone who is an adult or over the age of 16. The film is known for its violence against the virgin snow that falls against the innocence of children.

Benson has problems with Chester, Jessica is having an affair, Jody is gay and in love with a football star. Danny is employed by the mob. Burt. Corrine is in love with a priest. Danny must kill Burt. Chuck and Bob come to live with the Campbells.

Barnabas and Angelique get married. Reverend Trask exorcises the old house whilst Angelique frames Victoria. Barnabas overhears Angelique spell. Barnabas shoots Angelique. Angelique casts a spell on Barnabas who grows old and dies. Barnabas rises from his coffin and Sarah gets sick and dies from pneumonia.

Published in 1903, this short adventure novel would tell the story of a Buck, who is stolen from his home and sold into the service of being a sled dog. The story would first be serialised in 1903 in the Saturday Evening Post and later put together as a novel in 1904. The film directed by William A Wellman and starring Clark Gable, Loretta Young and Jack Oakie would omit all the storylines but one. The film would be a box office success and be the last film released by 20th Century before merging with Fox to become 20th Century Fox. The film would later be recognised as the film that Clark Gable impregnated Loretta Young whom gave birth to their illegitimate daughter Judy.

Them. 1954 black and white film directed by Gordon Douglas and starring James Whitmore, Edmund Gwenn and James Arness would be the first nuclear monster big insect film. Originally to be filmed in 3D and in color, this has to be scrapped due to malfunction of the 3D cameras. The film would be the number one highest grossing film for Warner Brothers. There are cameo appearances by Dick York and Leonard Nimoy. Eight Legged Freaks (2002) - horror, monster, comedy, action film would be directed by Ellory Elkayem and star David Arquette, and Scarlet Johansson. The film would be a modest hit but would gain a following upon its released on home video. The film would feature seven types of spiders. The film was to be named Arach Attack but due to the Iraq war it was renamed after a line Arquette ad-lipped from the film 'Get Back. You eight legged freak!.

The Literary License Podcast interview the New Zealand director and scriptwriter on his career in New Zealand and in the USA. They discuss his short feature Larger than Life, main features which include Eight Legged Freaks, Without a Paddle sequel and films in the Return of the Living Dead series and more.

February 1968; Episodes 419 - 439: Angelique tricks Josette up on Widow's Hill. Josette jumps to her death. Victoria is convicted of witchcraft. Abagail dies from fright. Nathan courts Millicent although his wife Suki shows up. Barnabas appears to everyone even though he is hiding.

Published in 1843, the story would vitalised the Victorian Christmas traditions that were being looked at during this time. It would be the influence of Western style Christmas ever since. In 1951, directed by Brian Desmond Hurst and starring Alastair Sims as Scrooge would be considered the best adaption of the story that is most definitely had its share of adaptions. In the US, the film was to premiere at the Radio Music Hall in New York but was considered to gloomy and dark for their festive environment. The film was a huge hit in the UK but a disappointment in the US where they felt that Christmas films should be bright and cheery.

Samantha plays matchmaker to two very different people. Samantha meets Darrin's parents. Samantha and Darrin go to the North Pole. Samantha helps Zeno the Great get his mojo back.. Special Guest Stars include: Adam West, Chris Noel, Mabel Albertson, Robert F Simon, Bill Daily, Billy Mumy and Walter Burke.

The Toxic Avenger The Musical is based on the 1984 film with book written by Joe diPetro with music by David Bryan, both would write the lyrics together. Opening in 2008, the musical would receive multiple nominations and embrace hard nosed theatrical critics the world over. The show would play all over the world while smashing attendance records for an off Broadway tour and has played Australia, Canada, UK and across the USA. The video is available through Broadway HD. Anna and the Apocalypse is the UK Christmas Zombie film came out to critical acclaim and became a UK hit. It stars an ensemble cast of relatively unknown actors, the film and its soundtrack have become a cult classic. Based on Ryan McHenry's Zombie Musical, the film was adopted for the screen by Ryan McHenry and Alan McDonald. Directed by John McPhail, he chose the short shorts and cropped t-shirts from the cult classic Sleepaway camp whilst the film is a cross between West Side Story and Shaun of the Dead as its inspiration.

Barnabas tells Joshua of his predicament. Nathan marries Millicent and drives her insane. Nathan plans to get a hold of Daniel's money. Joshua can't bring himself to destroy Barnabas but instead chains him inside his coffin. We are joined by Kathryn Leigh Scott and Patrick McRae.

Roger Davis, star of Dark Shadows, House of Dark Shadows, Alias Smith and Jones and various films and television, joins us to talk about his childhood and his career. He also talks about his career after Dark Shadows and the various careers that he has successfully tackled and succeeded.

Published in 1831, Victor Hugo would make a stand against Gothic buildings being modernised or torn down to make way for more modern buildings. Notre-Dame is a main character within the text creating long standing narrative about the famous building that doesn't really add to the story. In 1939, William Dieterle would direct and the film stars Charles Laughton and Maureen O'Hara in the starring roles. The film would tack on a happy ending that most film adaptions still use creating a romantic dramatic film. Paris and Notre-Dame were built on a western ranch in Culver City and the film would have the essence of World War II as it stirs up feelings of Jews displacement during this time. The film would become a box office hit. The film was made for $1.8 million and considered one of the most expensive films by RKO at that time.

Darrin receives the gift of witchcraft. Darrin suspects a sexy model's cat is Samantha. Endora turns on the charm when she meets Darrin's parents. Darrin suspects that his new male intern is a warlock. Special appearances by Martha Hyer and Peggy Lipton.

Directed by Danny Boyle and starring Cillian Murphy, Charles Eccelston, Brendon Gleeson and Naomi Harris, this British apocalyptic film would be a box office success garnering a sequel in 2007. Considered to be the film that introduced fast moving zombies, when in fact, it was Return of the Living Dead that actually started this trend. The film would deal with the evil of man and disease when it gets out into the streets of London. The sequel to the successful 28 Days Later, the film would be directed by Juan Carlos Fresnadilo and star Robert Carlyle, Rose Byrne and Idris Elba. The film would be a success and receive good critical reviews. It is a direct sequel and deals what the rage virus is introduced into a safe zone due to two people's direct consequences by putting their needs above the common good.

Victoria is hanged a witched and switched back to Present Day Collinwood. Julia warns Barnabas to leave Victoria alone or she will expose him. Barnabas is worried that Victoria knows his true self. Dr Eric Lang finds out that Barnabas is a vampire and tries to cure him. Dr Lang shows Barnabas the dead body he plans to use to cure Barnabas. Jim and Valerie Storm stop by to say hello and share what they have been up to.

Samantha turns a Siamese cat into Ling Ling. Darrin sees a 300 year old painting that looks like Samantha. Samantha helps traffic move along. Endora turns herself into Samantha creating two to wreak havoc on poor Mrs Kravitz. Red Light, Green Light an appearance by Vic Tayback.

Published in 1895, the science fiction novella would popularize time travel using a device or a contraption. The story shares Wells socialist political views, his views on life and abundance and contemporary angst against industrial relations. The 1960's George Pal MGM film, starring Rod Taylor, Yvette Mimieux and Alan Young would use stop motion animation to help flourish the story. The film was a box office success. Pal wanted to film in London but to budgetary reasons had to settle for Culver City in California. Interesting fact, George Pal was going to film a sequel but unfortunately, he died before production.

Jodie goes for a sex change operation. Jessica finds out that Chester is having an affair. Peter is murdered. Eunice is having sex with a Congressman. The Campbells and Tates speculate on who killed Peter. Danny breaks in to the mob house to be accosted by Elaine the sex starve daughter of the mob boss.

Mad Max (1979) was directed by George Miller and starring Mel Gibson, this Australian dystopian action thriller would take the world by surprise. Presenting a picture of societal collapse against mayhem and murder an unhinged police cop would go on an odyssey of revenge. The film would earn more than $100 million worldwide and become an instant cult classic. Mad Max: Fury Road (2015) also directed by George Miller and starring Tom Hardy, Charlize Theron, Nicholas Houltt and Zoe Kravitz, the film would be a huge box office success making it the most profitable of all Mad Max within the franchise. Tom Hardy takes over the role of Mad Max whilst Miller installs the story with themes of vengeance, solidarity, home and redemption.

Cassandra is not who she says she is. Dr Lang starts his experiments. Julia and Barnabas create Adam and the dream curse starts making its rounds. Dr Lang meets his demise. Adam swans dives off the cliffs of Widow's Hill. Willie pays a visit to Maggie. Maggie wears Josette's ear rings that starts her memory to resurface. Sam goes blind.

Published in 1719, the novel firstly was published under the name Robinson Crusoe leading many people to think the story was real and the book was a travelogue about incidents. It was the beginning of the realistic novel and gave birth to modern fiction. Directed by Luis Brunel in 1954 and starring Dan O'Herlihy who was nominated for Academy Award for Best Actor, the film is considered one of the first survival films. The film deals with a man who loses his mind and finds companionship as his only salvation. Many of the crew were sick from malaria and dysentery causing numerous delays upon its release and filming. Jaimie Fernandez spoke no English and learned on set at the same time his character Friday did.

Pleasure O'Riley moves in next door, creating friction between Darrin and Samantha. Samantha takes driving lessons. Aunt Clara volunteers to become the neighborhood babysitter. Gladys and Abner become transfixed over the new Stephen's automatic door opening device.

Color Out of Space is Richard Stanley's directorial comeback and based on a short story of HP Lovecraft, The Color Out of Space is a truly original film starring Nicholas Cage. This is the first instalment of a hopefully trilogy of Lovecraft films directed by Stanley to come. The film was a critical success using visual stylings and great performances from Tommy Chong, Nicholas Cage, Joely Richardson and the young cast to make a film that haunts long past the final credits. The Beach House is directed by Jeffrey A. Brown in his directorial debut. It stars Liana Liberato and Noah Le Gros as a college-aged couple who take a vacation to a beach house, where they meet an older couple (Maryann Nagel and Jake Weber) and are threatened by a mysterious infection that spreads across the coast. Given a chilling example of how the world will try to survive at any cost, this film plays havoc on your brain through the final hours which is probably more effective than Jaws because you never know what lurks beneath the ocean surface.

Barnabas has decided that Adam must die. Professor Stokes hides Adam and teaches him how to speak. The Dream Curse continues as it works its way through the cast. Angelique/Cassandra may have come to her end. Sam Evans comes to a fatal end. Nicholas Blair, Cassandra's brother pays a visit looking for his missing sister.

Published in 1726 as a novel to vex the world rather than divert it, this novel is about human nature and part of the traveller's tales subgenre. Printed several years after DeFoe's Robinson Crusoe, the book is looked as a rebuttal to the classic novel. The 1960 film directed by Jack SHer (Bewitched) starred Kerwin Matthews, June Therburn, Basil Sydney and Sherry Alberoni. This would be Ray Harryhausen second feature as science fiction wizard. He later would be known as the king of stop motion and green screen and blend the two to work in tandem with each other.

Tom Diamon interviews Christopher Pennock the bad boy of Dark Shadows. The guy we all love and due to his charisma and wonderful personality, we let him get away with anything. A huge talent and one we will always missed. He was truly one of a kind.

Samantha convinces Gladys that she has ESP. Darrin spends time with sexy Dora D D Danger O'Reilly, sister of Pleasure O'Reilly, Endora gets a handsome warlock to woo Samantha. Larry believes that Darrin is having an affair with Louise. Gladys kicks Abner out of the house only for him to outstay his welcome in the Steven's household.

Night of the Living Dead (1968) was directed by George Romero and starring Duane Johnson and Judith O'Dea, would give rise to the independent horror. The film was made for $110,000 and shot outside of Philadelphia. The film would gross $30million upon its release. A cult classic today and highly regarded as one of the best horror films of all time, upon its initial release, the critics were less than favourable. Return of the Living Dead is a 1985 American comedy horror film written and directed by Dan O'Bannon and starring Clu Gulagar, Thom Matthews and Linnea Quigley. The film is the first film that would introduce some Zombie tropes such as fast moving, able to talk and the hunger for brains. The soundtrack which includes bands such as The Cramps, The Damned, The Flesh Eaters and SSQ is considered one of the best post punk soundtracks of all times.

Adam dies causing Barnabas to die. Stokes and Julia dig up Barnabas who is not a vampire but alive causing Adam to come alive. Nicholas encourages Adam to lie and cheat. Cassandra crosses the wrong person. Joe is hospitalised. Barnabas finds some closure.

Corrine finds out that Ingrid is her mother. Jessica is arrested for murder. Danny must marry Eunice. Elaine's affair takes a turn. Burt become impenitent. Jodie finds himself in bed with Carol. Jessica's trial starts. Father Tim is leaving the priesthood and we find out who may or may not have killed Peter.

First published in 1890 in the Lippincott's Monthly magazine, this Gothic philosophical story offended England upon its release due to its lack of moralistic value. 500 words were excised from the text by the magazine editor and Wilde himself would be forced or face a jail sentence to take out certain scenes which would corrupt the moral majority. The 1945 American horror film directed by Albert Lewin and starring George Saunders, Donna Reed, Peter Lawford and Angela Lansbury in her first American film role. Two paintings of Dorian Gray were used with the second is in the Art Institute in Chicago whilst the other sold at Christie's Auction House for $149,000 in 2015 and is in a private collection.

Endora changes Darrin's face. Darrin blames Samantha for backing the wrong candidate. Samantha helps promote Mario's. Edgar appears and sets his eyes on Samantha. Samantha tells Darrin that there is going to be a new addition to the family.

The Day After is an American television film that broke viewing figures with more than 100million people (39 million households) watched upon its release. It is the seventh most highly viewed event for television of all times. The film stars JoBeth Williams, Steve Guttenberg, John Cullum, Jason Robards and John Lithgow. The film would explore what would happen if a nuclear war broke out and missiles hit close to two towns in the mid-West. Testament was directed by Lynne Littman and starring Jane Alexander, Kevin Costner, Lukas Haas, Rebecca De Mornay, and William Devane, the story tells how a small community falls apart after a nuclear explosion in San Francisco. The film was nominated for an Academy Award and is considered one of the most important American films to come out of the 80's.

Adam demands a woman. Victoria gets kidnapped again. Jeff Clark develops a jealous streak. Two vampires are running around the town. Julia gets a toy boy and Joe and Maggie's relationship heads downward. Elizabeth is fixated on death. Tom Jennings is introduced and dispensed with. Angelique is under the rulership of Nicholas.

Originally published in two volumes in 1868 and 1869, tells the story of four siblings and based on the writers own family as they go from girl to women. The author would write two sequels for the book and gave birth to the sentimental novel for children. The film is directed by George Cukor and starring Katherine Hepburn, Joan Bennett and Frances Dee, it would be the first talking version of the film, the other two versions were silent. It would spawn one sequel called Little Men which was released. Cukor's focus on hardship and relief partnered with intense familial commitment creates a nostalgic and sentimental picture of joyfulness, moral improvement, and social progression. The film one Academy award out of three it was nominated for.

Samantha finds out she is pregnant. Darren starts to neglect Samantha. Darren's old army buddy, from Salem, is a victim of a 300 year old curse and the Stephen's must try to break it. Mistaking the Tate's son to be his grandson, Maurice whisks the boy off to a Warlock Convention.

The Attack of the 50ft Woman is a 1958 science fiction film directed by Nathan H Juran and starring Allison Hayes, William Hudson and Yvette Vickers. It was released as other giant monster films were being released. Originally considered just a concept, the film would be put in production independently and released by Allied Artist. The film dealt with a heiress who has an encounter with a UFO and is grown much to her philandering husband's dismay. The Incredible Shrinking Woman is a science fiction comedy film directed by Joel Schumacher and written by Lily Tomlin and life partner Jane Wagner. It stars Elizabeth Wilson, Lily Tomlin, Charles Grodin, Ned Beatty and John Glover. It is a take off of the 1957 classic film The Incredible Shrinking Man. Lily Tomlin plays four parts in the film. Interestingly enough, the film deals with chemicals that we use in our food and cleaning products and the adverse effect these have.

We are joined by Dinah Manoff to discuss her career as film, television and stage actress. Her roles in Soap, Ordinary People, Grease, Empty Nest and her Tony Award winning performance in the Broadway production of I Ought To Be In Pictures and Leader of the Pack. She also discusses her new novel The Real True Hollywood Story of Jackie Gold out now.

Elizabeth is obsessed with death. Angelique has her teeth in all the sexy men. Adam is waiting for his mate. Barnabas is in a tizzy and Julia is trying to calm him. Victoria realises that Jeff is a bit of a creep. Carolyn wants to be a life force. Willie abducts Maggie. Maggie remembers her last abduction.