The read
It runs long at 2h 37m.
Synopsis
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.
Ratings
IMDb7.2/10
Rotten Tomatoes65%
Metacritic63/100
94 audience votes
Key crew
- Mark RobsonDirector
- John Michael HayesScreenplay
- Franz WaxmanOriginal Music Composer
Cast
- Lana TurnerConstance MacKenzie
- Hope LangeSelena Cross
- Lee PhilipsMichael Rossi
- Lloyd NolanDr. Matthew Swain
- Diane VarsiAllison MacKenzie
- Arthur KennedyLucas Cross
- Russ TamblynNorman Page
- Terry MooreBetty Anderson
- Barry CoeRodney Harrington
- David NelsonTed Carter
- Betty FieldNellie Cross
- Mildred DunnockMiss Elsie Thornton
Stills
Themes
high schoolsmall townrapebased on novel or bookworld war iichristmas treenew hampshirescandalsnownew englandalcoholic fatherteenage pregnancy