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The Storyline
“Peyton Place” is a classic drama film released in 1957, directed by Mark Robson. The movie is adapted from the novel by Grace Metalious, which was a best-seller at that time. The story takes place in a small town of Peyton Place in New England during the post-World War II era. It revolves around the lives of several characters and their hidden secrets, scandals, and dramas.
The Plot
The movie starts with a high school student Allison MacKenzie (Diane Varsi) dreaming about becoming a writer. She lives with her mother Constance MacKenzie (Lana Turner), who runs a dress shop in the town. Later on, we find out that Constance has an illegitimate child from her affair with local mill owner, Lucas Cross (Lee Philips), who is married but has been separated from his wife.
Meanwhile, Allison’s classmate Selena Cross (Hope Lange) works as a maid for wealthy Rodney Harrington’s family (Barry Coe), who falls in love with her secretly. However, Rodney’s father accuses Selena of stealing and tries to rape her. Selena kills him in self-defense and hides the evidence with Allison’s help.
As the story progresses, more secrets are revealed, including sexual abuse by Selena’s stepfather (Arthur Kennedy) and Allison’s discovery of her mother’s past. The climax of the movie ends with Lucas facing his crimes as he confesses on the stand about his affair with Constance.
The Casts
The movie features an incredible cast of actors, including Lana Turner as Constance MacKenzie, Diane Varsi as Allison MacKenzie, Arthur Kennedy as Michael Rossi, Lee Philips as Lucas Cross, and Hope Lange as Selena Cross. Each of them delivers a remarkable performance that brings their characters to life.
The Acting and Characters
The acting in the film is superb, especially by Lana Turner and Diane Varsi. They both give a genuine portrayal of a mother-daughter relationship that is painful yet loving. Their emotions feel raw and authentic.
Allison’s character represents the innocence and ambition of youth, while Constance’s character showcases the struggles and mistakes of adulthood. The other characters also have their own unique personalities that add more complexity to the film.
The History
“Peyton Place” was considered controversial for its time due to its explicit themes, including sexual abuse, murder, and adultery. The book was even banned in some countries and burned in public. However, it became a commercial success and sold over 12 million copies worldwide.
The Score and Popularity
The music score by Franz Waxman adds to the dramatic intensity of the film. The main theme song has become iconic over time. It won an Academy Award for Best Music Score in 1958.
“Peyton Place” became one of the top-grossing films in 1957-58 with a box office revenue of over $25 million against a budget of $3 million.
My Evaluation
I have mixed feelings about the movie. The acting and storyline are impressive, but the movie feels too long and occasionally slow-paced. It’s hard to keep track of all the character arcs at times. The themes are still relevant today, but some of the scenes feel outdated and cringe-worthy.
The Cinematography
The black-and-white cinematography by William C. Mellor captures the small-town atmosphere perfectly. There are many beautiful shots of New England landscapes that add to the film’s visual appeal.
My Opinion
Overall, “Peyton Place” is a classic drama with an unforgettable cast and a well-written plot. It portrays complex human emotions and relationships that still resonate with audiences today. However, it may not be suitable for younger viewers due to its explicit themes and scenes.
The Scenes
There are many memorable scenes in the movie, such as Allison’s dream sequence, Selena’s murder scene, and Constance’s breakdown at the end.
The Gossip
The movie was rumored to have caused a scandal on set when Lana Turner’s then-boyfriend Johnny Stompanato threatened to kill director Mark Robson over their alleged affair.
The Soundtracks
The main theme song “Peyton Place” composed by Franz Waxman has been covered by many artists and is still popular today.
The Analysis
“Peyton Place” represents the changing values of post-war America and its impact on small towns. It also shows how societal norms can lead to secrecy and oppression.
The Special Effects
The movie doesn’t have any special effects per se, but the use of lighting and camera angles creates a haunting atmosphere in some scenes.
The Dialogue
The dialogue is well-written and reflects the different personalities of each character. Some lines have become iconic, such as Constance’s famous line “A girl like that has a kind of courage that comes from knowing she has nothing to lose.”
The Crews
“Peyton Place” was produced by Jerry Wald, who was known for producing a series of successful dramas in the 1950s. The screenplay was written by John Michael Hayes, who also wrote Hitchcock’s “Rear Window” and “To Catch a Thief.”
The Criticism
Although the movie received several Oscar nominations, including Best Picture, it was criticized for its explicit themes and alleged glorification of immorality. The Catholic Church even issued a statement condemning the film.
The Production
The movie was filmed on location in various places in Massachusetts, including Camden, Rockport, and Gloucester. The small town atmosphere adds to the authenticity of the film.
The Editing
The editing is seamlessly done, with smooth transitions between scenes. The pacing is also well-balanced.
The Conclusion
“Peyton Place” may not be everyone’s cup of tea, but it’s a classic that deserves to be watched for its portrayal of complex human emotions and relationships that still resonate with audiences today.