At the hotel restaurant, Maggie (Kathryn Leigh Scott) is filling and polishing sugar containers when Carolyn (Nancy Barrett) comes in looking for Burke. They are both upset with Burke's accusations against Sam and Roger. Later, Burke (Mitchell Ryan) explains his side of the story to Carolyn. Sam (David Ford) tells a suspicious Maggie the unopened "life insurance" letter has nothing to do with Burke or the accident; it certainly seems, at this point, that Maggie should open the letter immediately. The script hints at her willingness's to perjure herself for her father, and Maggie does not believe Sam's description of what is written in the letter...
This episode's highlight is the first appearance of Clarice Blackburn (as Sarah Johnson). Previously mentioned as Bill Malloy's housekeeper, she gives her statement to Sheriff Patterson. Mrs. Johnson clearly smells something rotten in Collinsport, exclaiming, "Who killed Mr. Malloy!" Setting the standard for "Dark Shadows" character actresses, Ms. Blackburn performs exceptionally. Note how well she and Mr. Elcar cover for the fact that nobody filled the water cup container (from rehearsal). "I'm out of cups for the water," Elcar cues her, and they move on...
This is also reportedly the first episode where Mr. Ryan failed to show up for work; consequently it was taped only a couple of days before airing. Ryan had had frequent trouble with lines, and did not appear able to cover or recover like others in the cast. Otherwise a fine actor, Ryan later revealed a drinking problem was having an adverse effect on his performance...
***** Dark Shadows 1966 ABC #67 (9/27/66) Lela Swift ~ Mitchell Ryan, Clarice Blackburn, Kathryn Leigh Scott, Nancy Barrett