Peyton Place
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.
Critics Sentiment
Selena Cross tried for murder, truth revealed in court
Nellie Cross commits suicide in MacKenzie house
The film recovers dramatically from Nellie's tragic suicide to reach its emotional peak during Selena's trial, rising 3.4 points as the courtroom sequences deliver the story's most powerful moments.
Peyton Place builds slowly through small-town melodrama, dipping into genuinely dark territory with its unflinching portrayal of abuse and suicide. The film finds its strongest footing in the final act, where the courtroom trial and moral reckoning elevate the material beyond typical 1950s soap opera into genuinely compelling drama. Critics consistently praised the ensemble performances and bold subject matter, though noted some stiffness in the filmmaking and miscasting in key roles.
Full cast
Showing 20 of 23
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
Tami Conner
Margie
Staats Cotsworth
Charles Partridge
Peg Hillias
Marion Partridge
Erin O'Brien-Moore
Mrs. Page
Scotty Morrow
Joey Cross (uncredited)
Crew
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