Peyton Place

After Peyton Place was published in 1956, it sold extremely well. The film rights were sold within a month of the novel being released; Grace Metalious was hired as a story consultant, but she quickly became unhappy with the way her novel was being adapted. Part of the novel’s appeal stemmed from its relatively frank depiction of sexuality, as well as taboo topics including incest and abortion. However, in the 1950s, the American film industry was governed by the Hays Code (which remained in effect until 1968). These guidelines restricted Hollywood films from depicting or alluding to many subjects, particularly topics relating to sexuality. The film adaptation (also titled Peyton Place) was released in December 1957; it starred Lana Turner as Constance MacKenzie. While many aspects of the plot were retained, significant changes were made. Notably, both plotlines surrounding abortion were removed from the film adaptation: while Selena Cross does get pregnant due to being sexually abused by her stepfather, she suffers an accidental miscarriage (which Dr. Swain helps her to conceal). In the film version, Rodney and Betty elope after his father objects to their relationship.

The film adaptation of Peyton Place was the second highest grossing film in the United States in 1957, building on the success of the novel. It was also nominated for nine Academy Awards at the 1958 Oscars, including Best Director, Best Actress, and Best Motion Picture, although it did not win in any category. The film received additional public attention due to violent events in the life of the film’s star. On April 4, 1958, Lana Turner’s 14-year-old daughter, Cheryl Crane, stabbed and killed Turner’s boyfriend, Johnny Stompanato, alleging that he had been violently abusing Turner. The death was eventually ruled a justifiable homicide, and Crane was exonerated. These real-life events echoed themes explored in Metalious’s novel around abuse, self-defense, and a crime committed by an adolescent girl.

The 1957 film was likely the best regarded adaptation of Metalious’s novel; the novel was also adapted into a TV series that ran for more than 500 episodes between 1964 and 1969. The TV series, like the film adaptation, changed some of the original subject material (for example, it removed the plotline around incest) and added new storylines. It was quite successful and featured actors such as Mia Farrow and Ryan O’Neal. A second television series called Return to Peyton Place aired between 1972 and 1974. A made-for-TV movie called Murder in Peyton Place aired in 1977.

In 1959, Metalious published a sequel called Return to Peyton Place, which picks up several storylines for residents of the town after Allison publishes her first novel. The sequel did not sell nearly as well as the original, and Metalious spoke openly about feeling pressured to produce a sequel and being unhappy with the result.