Tim Burton was a fan of Curtis' too. Time and schedules never allowed for them to met. As you know a young Johnny Depp was considered for the role of Barnabas for the 1991 TV series revival but Depp was not available at that time. They went with actor Ben Cross RIP
Robert Colbert did his affected, assisted role in his sidelines of a background soundtrack theme song conducting transition of music compositions at the right time. at the right place.
When I was a young child, everyone in my school grades 1-6 would eagerly watch the clock and as soon as it rang ; we all dashed home to watch 1-2 episodes on WLS television channel 7 in CHICAGO,IL. As far as I recall, nobody had any nightmares ! Incidentally one Halloween I remember dressing up as Barnabas Collins -the Vampire ! I scared several people - oh what innocent fun ! I I heard somewhere there's a " Blooper Reel " of Dark Shadows ! Can you post it please ?