So, I just have to do a little plug for Peyton Place. The first 31 episodes of the series have been released on DVD recently, and what kind of soap fan would I be if I didn't give some mention to the show?
Peyton Place was the show that cemented ABC as a major network back in 1964. It also made stars out of Mia Farrow, Ryan O'Neal and Barbara Perkins. It was a kind of oddity back in the day. It was a prime time soap opera in the truest sense. It aired two nights a week, Tuesday and Thursday, and ran year round. Hell, that's even an oddity now. The show ran from 1964 to 1969 (over 500 episodes). The series, as did the movie and the book, pushed boundaries in storytelling, featuring storylines that included pre-maritial sex, affairs, children out of wedlock and murder. While it wasn't as shocking as the book or movie (which coverd topics such as incestial rape leading to pregnancy and abortion), it was still an eye brow raiser.
So, is it still watchable today? Yes, my dear readers, it is. I just had to pull myself away from the TV! Sure, the dialogue skirts around talking about anything dirty, but it doesn't matter. The drama is still there, and it is aided by an amazing cast, strong scripts, and a real sense of style.
So, give Peyton Place Part 1 a shot! It's pure soapy goodness in all its black and white glory (and don't tell me you can't watch stuff in black and white.) Part 2 will be released later this summer.
No comments:
Post a Comment