base on the bestselling novel by grace metalious and peyton place be a solid melodrama all about the secret and scandal of a small new england town . john michael hayes do a fine job of adapt the book and tighten the plot and lose most of the cynicism and though it can be argue that the book feminist slant be lose in the process as well . mark robson direction be the model of craftsmanship while the film be slick entertainment that move along smoothly and assuredly . and what a cast . lana turner justly earn an academy award nomination for her work her ( sadly and her only nomination ) while obviously identify with element of the role and she deliver her most even keel performance . she also have terrific chemistry with diane varsi and play her daughter . other great performance be provide by hope lange and russ tamblyn and terry moore and and lloyd nolan . peyton place be more than just an artifact of the 1950s while it be highly influential and and if you do not believe me and just take a look at dawson creek .