Dark Shadows

John Karlen discusses his role of Willie Loomis, who he felt had very little dialogue; being a flake on the set; admiring Joan Bennett’s determination and concentration; Jonathan Frid’s line quantity and what a trooper he was and his letter-perfect performance in Arsenic & Old Lace; flirting with the females because of his easy lines; being unconcerned with the ratings and leaving the show for long periods as he worked sans contract; his first taste of being recognized, including by other celebs (Muhammad Ali and Lyle Lovett).