Photo Credit: Derrick Collins via Creative Commons
I’m a sucker for old movies.
One of my favorites is Peyton Place, an oldie from the late 1950’s.
Considered very risqué at the time, Peyton Place had it all: scandal, alcoholism, murder, and moral dilemmas. Not my typical fare, and perhaps somewhat cheesy by today’s standards, this is a classic example of superb storytelling.
The film is narrated by “Allison MacKenzie” and it opens with a depiction of seasons and how they relate to life in a small New England town. Allison is a high school senior and her goal is to become a writer. (That, of course, is a big draw for me.)
On the surface, Peyton Place seems like the ideal town in which to live. Most of the folks there are hardworking, church-going, law-abiding citizens. Life is simple and uncomplicated and untouched by big-city mindset.
There’s a euphoric sense of nostalgia as we’re drawn into the lives, loves, and beauty of all who reside there.
As the movie unfolds, however, we learn that life in the picturesque town of “Perfectville” isn’t what it seems.
Beneath the lily-white façade of life at its finest lurks an unnamed presence.
Sex.
Greed.
Gossip.
Heartache.
Repression.
Depression.
Sin.
Peyton Place dusts off the veneer of idealism and exposes the harsh realities of life in a fallen world. The fact that this movie still resonates today speaks to our obvious generational similarities.
People are human.
They don’t always play fair.
Bad things happen to good people.
Life isn’t always what it seems.
Corruption breeds corruption.
Sin is sin.
Sin isn’t limited by boundaries. It doesn’t play favorites. It knows no friends.
While I like the movie version of Peyton Place, I find the book distasteful. It’s clear that the film is tame compared to the novel. While I’m not a prude, I find the author’s use of profanity and description of sexual antics unnecessary and off-putting.
When I read about Grace Metalious’s life I was saddened to learn that, despite her literary talent, she actually experienced much disappointment and died at a young age, unscrupulously used and in debt.
After Peyton Place, Metalious went on to write other novels, but none with as much success as her first.
I sometimes wonder what life would have been like for this author if her breakout novel had been one of different acclaim.
To some extent, I think Peyton Place mirrored her own personal struggles, both as a child and as a young woman.
The movie has always kickstarted my creative juices.
I identify with sweet Allison Mackenzie who longs to pursue her passion for the written word. And my heart aches for the author who brought Allison’s story to life, but didn’t get to see her own blossom to fruition.
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What movie/novel kick-starts your creative juices?
What legacy do you hope to leave through your words?
Photo Credit: Creative Commons
Blessings Always,
Comments 3
I love old movies, too!! 🙂
One TV show that really jump-starts my creativity is Gilmore Girls. A) I just love quirkiness of the show. B) The dialogue is soooo quick. It always gets my brain jogging, and I love it! 🙂
Author
Melissa, I don’t often watch prime time television anymore, but when I come across a show that really captures my attention, I like to analyze the story and the writing and what really makes it tick. Great concepts and witty writing will hook me every time. Some of my previous faves from years past: The Waltons, The Cosby Show, & ER. I’ve not seen the Gilmore Girls. I’ll have to check it out. Thanks!
I like a show with witty writing and dialogue. How many times I’ve said, “I wish I’d written that!”