The Cutting Room Floor Page Eight: The Hanging Of Angelique

During the August 1971 New England showing of Night of Dark Shadows, the dramatic hanging of Angelique was a longer sequence. (Download a transcript.) As was the case with Strack's death, the footage which was subsequently deleted from this sequence of the film was removed because of its disturbingly violent nature. Originally, every moment of the agony that Angelique experienced upon her death was graphically displayed.

There were also other cuts made in the scenes making up Carlotta's revelation, including Angelique's pronouncement from atop the platform that the people who had conspired to kill her would all die. The following two scenes are the only deleted extended sequences - the first occurs immediately following the scene in which Angelique gives Sarah her locket - the second is the complete text of the scene featuring Sarah staring up at Angelique's hanging form. Note that the way the second sequence now plays in the film, Angelique's voiceover was substituted for the scripted dialogue between Mrs. Castle and Sarah (and Carlotta).

Night of Dark Shadows Script Excerpt INT - SARAH'S BEDROOM - DAY as the door opens, Mrs. Castle and Sarah ENTER. Sarah is still crying. MRS. CASTLE Lie down on your bed, angel. Please stay here. There's nothing we can do. She turns to leave. Sarah runs to her. MRS. CASTLE Sweetheart, get into your bed and pull the covers over your head. Whatever you do, please stay away from the window. As she EXITS, TRUCK IN on an anguished Sarah.

Night of Dark Shadows Script Excerpt (red text - included in film / white text - deleted from film) EXT - COLLINWOOD GROUNDS - EVENING - HIGH ANGLE as the small figure of Sarah ENTERS from the veranda. She walks to a spot below where the body hangs. As she looks up at it, start a SLOW ZOOM IN TO HER CLOSE-UP. Her eyes are filled with tears. SARAH I will always remember...always...always...always... MRS. CASTLE (O.S.) Sarah...Sarah...please come inside. HIGH ANGLE FROM THE TREE. With Angelique in F.G., we see Mrs. Castle cross from the veranda to Sarah. Taking her gently by the hand, she leads her back to the house. HOLD ON THE SCENE, as the rain begins to fall. The SOUND OF MRS. CASTLE and SARAH'S VOICE is heard O.S. MRS. CASTLE (O.S.) You mustn't be unhappy, Sarah. You must try and forget. SARAH(O.S.) I'm not unhappy, mama, because she'll be back...some day Angelique will be back... INT - GALLERY - DAY - 1971 CARLOTTA - CLOSE-UP She is staring blankly as she finishes Sarah's speech. CARLOTTA ...and I will help her. He looks at her. QUENTIN Then her spirit is still alive in this house.

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