I saw Jonathan Frid's Bio...

Jonathan Frid, as forlorn vampire, Barnabas Collins, became a media sensation during the '60s (and remains such to this day), sharing the same prestigious and beloved status as Leonard Nimoy's Mr. Spock and Adam West's Batman.  

Beyond Dark Shadows: The Jonathan Frid Story, produced/directed by Mary O'Leary, now sheds light on the man behind the vampire, giving fans insight as to why Collins became a pop-cultural icon. It was, in fact, Frid's nuanced ferocity and sensitivity, along with Dan Curtis' deft writing staff, that turned the soap-opera bloodsucker into a heartbroken Hamlet whom women adored and the downtrodden championed. 

Indeed, Frid's defensive stance made his character easy to embrace, for like Lon Chaney Jr's Lawrence Talbot, the cultivated Collins didn't wish to kill; he was simply cursed to do so. It was, therefore, important for fans to follow the woeful vampire's pursuit to right the wrong implanted within him, but if thirsty fangs appeared in the interim, well, so be it. That was a huge part of Dark Shadows' ghoulish draw. 

Frid's Shakespearean background colored Collins' composition, and the documentary covers the actor's erudite foundation to a marvelous degree, showing footage from Frid's performances and later covering his popular one-man shows. The bio also presents fond and insightful recollections from those who knew Frid best, including John Karlen, Eve Wallace, Nancy Barrett, David Selby, Anthony Zerbe, Lara Parker, Kathryn Lee Scott, Marion Ross and Dick Cavett. 

The content is touching and inspiring, with emphasis on Frid's need to rise above his perceived limitations, and there were many, but none were ever daunting enough to quell his indomitable spirit. 

Some have complained that O'Leary's documentary doesn't place enough focus on Frid's personal life. However, the complaint is of small consequence. Frid was his work; his work constituted who he was and will always remain paramount to his adoring fans. Any clandestine interludes could only at best be speculative and distract from what distinguishes this remarkable gentleman. 

With this said, O'Leary succeeds in giving viewers a well rounded perspective on Frid's theatrical ascent and achievement of eternal stardom. Her approach will leave most viewers elated and brimming with respect for an actor who's long touched their lives, not only through Dark Shadows but well beyond.