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Peyton Place

Play trailer Poster for Peyton Place 1957 2h 37m Drama Play Trailer Watchlist
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65% Tomatometer 20 Reviews 73% Popcornmeter 2,500+ Ratings
In this adaptation of Grace Metalious' popular novel, steamy goings-on abound in the small, prim New England community of Peyton Place. Newcomer Michael Rossi arrives in town on the eve of World War II and is soon involved with gorgeous but prudish shop owner Constance MacKenzie, who keeps some secrets from her daughter, Allison. Amidst engagements and school graduations, Michael discovers seething, dark undercurrents that include rape, suicide -- and murder.
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Peyton Place

Critics Reviews

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Variety Staff Variety Jul 6, 2010
Under Mark Robson's direction, every one of the performers delivers a topnotch portrayal. Go to Full Review Time Out Jun 24, 2006
It comes with its full quota of sex, conspiracy and violence, but the story is told in such circumspect fashion that next to nobody was offended. Go to Full Review Kim Newman Empire Magazine Apr 6, 2005
3/5
Effective melodrama with some satisfying emotional confrontations, particularly from Lana Turner. Go to Full Review Matt Brunson Film Frenzy Apr 10, 2022
3.5/4
Slick and satisfying. Go to Full Review André Bazin L'Obs (France) Dec 8, 2021
The greatness of American cinema resides not so much in its realism as in its aptitude for integrating that realism into the most varied styles or genres, setting them artistically free in the process. That is what's missing from Peyton Place. Go to Full Review Janet Graves Photoplay Nov 17, 2021
4/4
Dealing with some rough material and several interlaced plots, this closeup of small-town life still has taste, dramatic urgency and emotional warmth. Go to Full Review Read all reviews

Audience Reviews

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Leaburn O @RT35452347 Aug 2, 2026 A Dickensian tale set in small town America to dramatic effect. The characters and storylines are infused with old timer moralities which now feel very dated. Watched on DVD. See more Rosana B @RosanaBotafogo Aug 6, 2024 Representação dos jovens nos anos 40, e como deve ter sido difícil ser jovem nessa época (principalmente meninas, lutando contra a violência masculina), afinal casavam se as cegas, sem para mínimo de informações sobre educação sexual, um filme bem gostosinho de acompanhar, e curiosamente os casais e descasais, são graciosamente apresentados, cada qual com seu próprio tabu e dificuldades de relacionamentos, homens e mulheres que não nasceram para serem pais… Excelente filme, adorável desfecho... See more john l @RT60116419 Oct 21, 2023 At the time, Peyton Place was risqué. The novel was a bestseller, not because it was particularly good, but, like Valley Of The Dolls, it was naughty about naughty people. Fast forward to today, it is quaint. Probably get a PG rating but a mild one at that. But for an old chestnut of a film, it's a hoot. The acting is serviceable in wonderful technicolor. The actors were the popular thespians of the time. No nudity. Lots of suggestion. Great for killing some time harking back to a time more innocent than today. Ripping the facade off of the denizens of Peyton Place you find more was going on than meets the eye, but by today's standards it's more amusing than shocking. See more Jul 16, 2022 One of the great melodramas of the 50s with a glorious Franz Waxman score. Beautifully photographed in Camden ME. See more Feb 16, 2021 Hold up really well as a tribute to the culture of the 50's. Good cast. I was a kid when the scandalous book came out. Today, it seems like a fairy tale. Excellent film! See more steve d @RT35616104 Jul 20, 2020 It is over the top but the actors hold it together. See more Read all reviews
Peyton Place

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Cast & Crew

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Mark Robson

Director

Lana Turner

Constance MacKenzie

Hope Lange

Selena Cross

Arthur Kennedy

Lucas Cross

Lloyd Nolan

Dr. Swain

Lee Philips

Michael Rossi

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Peyton Place

Peyton Place (1957) Peyton Place (1957) Peyton Place (1957) View more photos

Movie Info

Synopsis In this adaptation of Grace Metalious' popular novel, steamy goings-on abound in the small, prim New England community of Peyton Place. Newcomer Michael Rossi arrives in town on the eve of World War II and is soon involved with gorgeous but prudish shop owner Constance MacKenzie, who keeps some secrets from her daughter, Allison. Amidst engagements and school graduations, Michael discovers seething, dark undercurrents that include rape, suicide -- and murder.
Director
Mark Robson
Producer
Jerry Wald
Screenwriter
John Michael Hayes
Distributor
20th Century Fox
Production Co
Twentieth Century Fox
Genre
Drama
Original Language
English
Release Date (Theaters)
Dec 11, 1957, Original
Release Date (Streaming)
Jul 1, 2011
Runtime
2h 37m
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