In the outwardly respectable New England community of Peyton Place, shopkeeper Constance McKenzie tries to make up for a past indiscretion -- which resulted in her illegitimate daughter Allison -- by adopting a chaste, prudish attitude towards all things sexual. In spite of herself, Constance can't help but be attracted to handsome new teacher Michael Rossi. Meanwhile, the restless Allison, who'd like to be as footloose and fancy-free as the town's "fast girl" Betty Anderson, falls sincerely in love with mixed-up mama's boy Norman Page.
Acting
Lana Turner simmers; Hope Lange breaks your heart.
Cinematography
Snow-covered repression never looked so gorgeous.
Costume
Sweaters that scream 'we are not discussing this.'
Director
Mark Robson
Lana Turner
Constance MacKenzie
Hope Lange
Selena Cross
Lee Philips
Michael Rossi
Lloyd Nolan
Dr. Matthew Swain
Diane Varsi
Allison MacKenzie
Arthur Kennedy
Lucas Cross
Russ Tamblyn
Norman Page
Terry Moore
Betty Anderson
Barry Coe
Rodney Harrington
David Nelson
Ted Carter
Betty Field
Nellie Cross
Mildred Dunnock
Miss Elsie Thornton
Leon Ames
Leslie Harrington
Lorne Greene
District Attorney
Robert H. Harris
Seth Bushwell
Trivia, insights & behind the scenes
The novel was so scandalous that Grace Metalious became the most famous housewife in America — and was shunned by actual Peyton Place residents who recognized themselves.
The film sanitized the book's abortion and incest plots, yet still got condemned by the Legion of Decency. Hope Lange and Diane Varsi both received Oscar nominations for their debut performances.
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