Peyton Place (1957)
Excellent drama about repression in small town America on the eve of WWII.
Gossip, scandal, homicide, suicide, rape, incest, and moral hypocrisy belie the town of Peyton Place's tranquil façade. Lana Turner, Diane Varsi, Russ Tamblyn and Arthur Kennedy (You can probably guess which of the above sins he plays part in) are part of an excellent ensemble cast in this drama which unfolds at a stately pace to begin with but soon becomes fascinating viewing under Val Lewton fave, Mark Robson's, direction.
Made in 1957, the film tackled subjects unheard of in popular cinema at the time and still retains a UK 15 certificate from the BBFC.
David Lynch once said that Peyton Place was the origin of Twin Peaks. Make of that what you will.
|