Though Peyton Place hit the air several years before I was born, it’s always been a great curiosity of mine. Through the years, I have read Grace Metalious’ 1956 novel and her 1959 follow-up, Return to Peyton Place and seen the 1957 film adapted from the novel. However, I had only seen an episode of the television series here and there and seen the occasional clip when watching a biography of Ms. Metalious. Needless to say, I was thrilled when I received notice that Shout! Factory was releasing Peyton Place: Part One on DVD on May, 19, 2009 to be followed quickly by part two on July 14, 2009.
When it premiered in September of 1964 on ABC, Peyton Place was a bit of an experiment. The third ranked network in the United States, ABC decided to air Peyton Place in two serialized installments per week, Tuesday and Thursday nights, a first for American prime-time television. Somewhat predictably, the series initially received more attention for its controversial morality, than its unique schedule. The moral outcry was largely based on what people had read in the novel and that died down as soon as it became clear that the series would imply more than it would actually show. Right out of the gate, Peyton Place became a huge success–a month after the show premiered; ABC was number one in the Neilsen ratings for the first time in the networks history.
Early stories on Peyton Place were adapted from the 1956 book and 1957 film of the same name, although some principal character names and occupations were changed or eliminated. In the first 31 episodes provided on Peyton Place: Part One the story focuses on three rather complicated romances; Dorothy Malone (winner of a Best Supporting Actress Oscar for 1956’s Written on the Wind) plays Constance MacKenzie, the beautiful but emotionally distant owner of “The Book Gallery,” a small shop in the tiny, coastal town of Peyton Place, Massachusetts. Carefully guarding a secret she fears might destroy her family if it got out, she carefully guarded her daughter Allison (Mia Farrow) from all outside influences. Blonde, beautiful and a tad shy, Allison is a wannabe writer who mostly keeps to herself and enjoys reading all the books she can. However, after a chance meeting with Peyton Place ladies man Rodney Harrington (Ryan O’Neal), Allison starts to feel what she had only read about: the stirrings of young love.
Rodney, the son of Leslie Harrington (Paul Langton), owner of the prosperous Peyton Mills, the main employer in town; spoiled and cocksure, Rodney has been dating the luscious brunette Betty Anderson (Barbara Parkins), who comes from the proverbial “wrong side of the tracks” according to Rodney’s father. Strangely enough, this station in life hasn’t stopped Leslie from having an affair with his secretary Julie (Kasey Rogers), who is also Betty’s mother. Julie’s husband George Anderson (Henry Beckman) is an abusive, drunk, pill popper who also happens to be Leslie’s top salesman. Meanwhile, a new doctor Michael Rossi (Ed Nelson) has come to town to take over for the recently deceased Dr. Brooks. Undeniably handsome, Dr. Rossi has caught the eye of both the doctor’s widow Laura (Patricia Breslin) and Constance MacKenzie, though she would be hesitant to admit it. No matter, it soon becomes clear that one of these women is going to get very close to the new doctor, particularly when it is revealed that the he already has a connection to one of the women that stretches back several years…
I don’t want to give away any spoilers here, so I won’t go further as to the specific contents of the 31 episodes contained on this part one set. However, I will say that the quality of the writing is quite surprising. Though it’s important to keep in mind that some of these writer such as Paul Monash (who was also one of the series creators), Robert J. Shaw and Richard De Roy among them, had written for some of televisions earliest and finest shows including, Kraft Television Theatre, Schlitz Playhouse of Stars, and Robert Montgomery Presents. Needless to say, none of the behind the scenes talent were lightweights which gave the series a strength and credibility it wouldn’t have otherwise had.
A total of 514 episodes of Peyton Place were broadcast, in black-and-white from 1964 to 1966 and in color from 1966 to 1969. It is the only prime-time series ever to run episodes continuously without reruns. Shout! Factory has thus far committed to 16 box sets, which at 31 episodes per would be a total of 496.So assuming that some of the sets will have a few more or less than the 31 episodes on this first set, fans will have a chance to own this entire series. Which I can tell you, is one you’ll want to see all the way through once you start.
One final note; as many already know, Peyton Place served as a springboard for future stars such as Mia Farrow, Ryan O’Neal and David Canary. However, over the years the series had over 200 actors in starring, supporting and recurring roles, they included: Lee Grant, Ruth Warrick, Mariette Hartley, Leslie Nielsen, James Doohan, Lana Wood, Gena Rowlands, Ruby Dee and more. Peyton Place: Part One and the subsequent releases will be a welcome addition to any television fans DVD collection.
As with older shows, this full screen release varies in quality. Some do show some noticeable damage, with contrast going very dark at times and occasional scratches visible. Still, in keeping with the expectations of these kinds of vintage TV releases, overall, Peyton Place: Part One looks pretty good. Compression issues aren’t a problem.
The English mono audio track is solid. All dialogue is heard, but no subtitles or closed captioning are available.
This set contains no special features.
Check out this clip:
