Watch Peyton Place

Peyton Place, released in 1957, is a classic drama film directed by the renowned director Mark Robson. The film is based on the novel of the same name by Grace Metalious, which was highly controversial at its time of publication due to its frank depiction of the sexual and social issues faced by the residents of a small New England town.

The film is set in the fictional town of Peyton Place, New Hampshire, in the late 1940s. The story revolves around three main characters - Constance MacKenzie (Lana Turner), a single mother and owner of a local dress shop; her teenage daughter Allison (Diane Varsi); and Michael Rossi (Lee Philips), a newcomer to Peyton Place who becomes involved in the lives of both Constance and Allison.

At the heart of the story are the various scandals and secrets that threaten to tear Peyton Place apart. The film deals with sensitive issues like incest, alcoholism, abortion, and sexual assault, making it a groundbreaking and controversial film for its time. However, it was highly acclaimed for its honest portrayal of these taboo topics, and it was a huge commercial success.

Lana Turner delivers an outstanding performance as Constance, a strong but vulnerable woman who is struggling to come to terms with her own past mistakes while dealing with the pressures of being a single mother in a conservative community. Lee Philips is equally impressive as Michael Rossi, a young doctor who is determined to bring change to the town and help those in need.

Other notable performances include those by Lloyd Nolan as the stern and conservative Dr. Swain, who is Constance’s former lover and Allison’s biological father, and Hope Lange as Selena Cross, a young woman who is forced to confront the truth about her own past.

The film’s direction by Mark Robson is also noteworthy, as he manages to balance the film’s melodramatic elements with its more serious themes. Additionally, the film’s cinematography by William C. Mellor captures the picturesque New England landscape perfectly, further immersing the audience in the world of Peyton Place.

Overall, Peyton Place is a finely crafted and thought-provoking film that challenges the audience’s perception of small-town America. It is a must-watch for fans of classic drama, and its themes remain just as relevant today as they were over 60 years ago.

Peyton Place is a 1957 drama with a runtime of 2 hours and 42 minutes. It has received moderate reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 7.2 and a MetaScore of 63.