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Return to Peyton Place (1961)
Rate:
8
Viewed:
9/14
9/14:
I thought the original was a marvelous movie: just exactly what an insular small town is like that's protected by its bigotry and
holier-than-thou standards, and I should know because I used to live in one for three decades.
Return to Peyton Place promises more of the same, and it sure delivers. The first half is slow and boring at times,
rehashing what had happened in the previous film although there are shades of
Valley of the Dolls minus the drugs. In
fact, according to nhmagazine.com: "[Peyton Place's author] Grace [Metalious] melted down
just before her appearance on Mike Wallace's show. She accidently ripped her girdle, and a young assistant calmed her down.
Her name was Jacqueline Susann. Ten years later, she would write Valley of the Dolls."
Things are more ramped up during the second half with fireworks, thanks to Mary Astor as Roberta Carter which is one of the
finest portrayals of evil. She's absolute camp and does it with such nobleness. If there's going to be a third part, I imagine
the next controversy will be a black family settling in Peyton Place with her exclaiming: "How could you allow this family
of...dark...colored...people live in Peyton Place? It's a permanent stain upon this fine, clean, and white New England town."
Although it's annoying to see the original cast be completely redone, their replacements are identical in terms of appearance,
yet they've turned in strong performances, matching the standards and delicateness that are required of them. My weak rating of
'8' is due to loose ends.
All in all, Return to Peyton Place is an excellent follow-up to the original.