Where was Peyton Place filmed?
1957
City Locations
Camden, Rockland, Belfast, ME (USA)
Location Types
School, Church, Restaurant, Office
Location Styles
Craftsman, Cape Cod, Colonial, Dated/’50s-’60s-’70s, Building Dated/Retro
About Peyton Place
Peyton Place, an American drama film that made waves in the cinematic world in 1957, was expertly directed by Mark Robson and stars Lana Turner, Lee Philips, Hope Lange, Lloyd Nolan, Arthur Kennedy, and Terry Moore. Set in a fictitious New England mill town during World War II, the film unveils the scandalous secrets hidden beneath the town's seemingly tranquil facade.
Adapted from Grace Metalious's bestselling 1956 novel of the same name, Peyton Place takes the audience on an unexpected journey into the private lives of its residents, including notable characters such as Constance MacKenzie, Allison MacKenzie, Selena Cross, Michael Rossi, Rodney Harrington, and Betty Anderson. The film brilliantly portrays the town's underlying turmoil amidst themes of scandal, rape, illegitimacy, and gossip, all set against the backdrop of global conflict.
Peyton Place, released in December 1957, proved a box-office sensation, becoming the year's second-highest-grossing film in the United States. The film's popularity spiked again in April 1958 due to a real-life scandal involving leading actress Lana Turner. Peyton Place was nominated for an impressive nine Academy Awards, including Best Picture, affirming its influence and success within the film industry.
Despite its acclaim, Peyton Place faced criticism for modifying the original novel's sexually explicit content in adherence to the restrictions of the Hays Code, leading to mixed reviews. The film received widespread praise for its compelling storytelling and remarkable performances.
Peyton Place Locations
In 1957, the picturesque town of Camden, Maine, caught the attention of 20th Century Fox, who chose it as the primary filming location for their upcoming movie, Peyton Place. Starting in June, the production team transformed this quaint New England town into a movie set, employing hundreds of local extras and incorporating iconic landmarks like Main St., Whitehall, Mirror Lake, Knox Mill, and the Courthouse in Rockland into their scenes.
The expansive backdrop of Camden, with its quintessential small-town charm, was further complemented by various homes on Chestnut Street and the idyllic setting of the Amphitheatre. The crew went above and beyond to maintain authenticity; Main St. received a wash before filming commenced each morning to avoid traffic disruption. The arch over Union Street temporarily read “Entering Peyton Place,” further immersing the town and its residents into the cinematic universe.
One of the most notable feats was the transportation of 5500 pounds of equipment up Mt. Battie, all by hand, for a particular scene - a testament to the team's dedication, given there was no road at the time.
While Camden is the primary location, some scenes came alive at Fox Studios in Los Angeles, meticulously recreating the interiors.
A trip to Camden would undoubtedly be worthwhile for fans of Peyton Place or anyone interested in film history. Visitors can stroll down the same streets, take in the serene views of Mirror Lake, and perhaps even imagine the hustle and bustle of a Hollywood film set on Main St. The natural beauty, coupled with its rich cinematic history, makes it a unique destination that continues to captivate audiences more than half a century later.
Mike Rossi arrives in the town scene at Peyton Place
Village Restaurant Inc., 5 Main St, Camden, ME 04843, USA
Mike Rossi (Lee Philips) pulls up outside a local eatery, the Village Restaurant, in the heart of Camden. The scene captures the quintessential charm of small-town America, setting the tone for the following narrative.
The Village Restaurant on Main St. was integral to the local community. During the filming of Peyton Place, washing Main St. each morning and filming before traffic became too heavy preserved the town's authentic ambiance. Sadly, the restaurant closed down, but visitors can appreciate its exterior. However, contact the local administration for further information about the location.
Camden, the primary filming location for Peyton Place, is widely celebrated for its picturesque coastal beauty. The Camden Harbour Inn is a notable landmark that has graced the hilltop overlooking Penobscot Bay for over a century. Its bright white exterior from the harbor adds to the town's scenic allure. Guests can enjoy panoramic views of the rugged Maine coastline, downtown village, and surrounding mountains from the inn.
To reach Camden, one can drive from Portland International Jetport, approximately 80 miles away. Another option is to fly into Knox County Regional Airport, which is closer, about 10 miles from Camden.
Michael Rossi as a principal scene in Peyton Place
The Crosby Center, 96 Church St, Belfast, ME 04915, USA
Michael Rossi (Lee Philips), the town's new arrival, starts his appointment as the school principal after Leslie Harrington (Leon Ames), the school board's president, hires him. The decision received some resistance, as the students had favored veteran teacher Elsie Thornton (Mildred Dunnock). However, Rossi manages to win Ms. Thornton over by proposing to work alongside her.
The scenes featuring Peyton Place High School were shot at the Crosby School in Belfast, Maine. Today, the Crosby School has transformed into the Crosby Center, a vibrant event venue catering to diverse activities. It boasts two magnificent theaters, spacious office areas, and a large dance studio. Positioned within walking distance of the parking lot, the center offers convenient accessibility for all visitors.
Experience the enchanting world of Peyton Place at the Crosby Center, where fans can immerse themselves in the film's atmosphere.
To reach the Crosby Center in Belfast, fly into Bangor International Airport or Knox County Regional Airport. From there, a short drive will take you to the heart of Belfast. The Crosby Center is on Church Street, right in the city center, adjacent to the First Church.
Allison meets Selena at the church scene in Peyton Place
Chestnut Street Baptist Church, 29 Chestnut St, Camden, ME 04843, USA
One morning, Allison MacKenzie (Diane Varsi) heads to church to meet her friend Selena Cross (Hope Lange). An unexpected altercation between Lucas (Arthur Kennedy) and Selena catches Allison's attention, prompting her to intervene. This dramatic encounter is followed by serene exterior shots of the church, showcasing its pristine white tower - a visual that has stayed with fans over the years.
The historic Chestnut Street Baptist Church in Camden, Maine, provided the location for this pivotal scene. Established in 1837, the church overlooks the scenic Camden Harbor from its vantage point on the village green. The church's distinct white tower, which features prominently in the movie, was replaced in 1980 by aspiring Eagle Scout Billy Young from Camden. Architect Christopher Glass designed the 34-foot-tall spire, adding a distinctive character to the structure.
Camden is accessible by car from nearby airports. Once in town, it is on Chestnut Street in the city center and is open to the public.
The graduation party scene in Peyton Place
Camden Amphitheater, Camden, ME 04843, USA
The Labor Day celebration begins. The Harrington Mills, an iconic location in the film, features prominently in the festivities. During the parade, Rodney (Barry Coe) and Betty (Terry Moore) reconcile and go skinny dipping. Not too far away, Allison (Diane Varsi) and Norman (Russ Tamblyn) also indulge in a swim, albeit more modestly dressed in bathing suits.
These scenes were filmed at the historic Knox Mill in Camden, Maine. Established in 1864, the Knox Woolen Mills were among the longest-operating manufacturers in the state. Although the mill has since closed, and its exterior may not look the same as in the movie, fans can still explore the surrounding area to soak in the film's atmosphere.
Situated on Washington Street, near the scenic Megunticook River, lies the Knox Mill. A mere 5-minute stroll from the city center, this charming destination beckons exploration. Rent a car and embark on a picturesque drive.
The trial scene in Peyton Place
Rockland District Court, 62 Union St, Rockland, ME 04841, USA
Allison (Diane Varsi) and Norman (Russ Tamblyn) return to town for the proceedings. The truth surrounding Selena Cross's killing of Lucas (Arthur Kennedy) in self-defense, his physical and sexual abuse, and Dr. Swain's falsified medical report are all revealed. Dr. Swain (Lloyd Nolan) openly criticizes the townsfolk for their ceaseless malicious gossip and rumors. Selena (Hope Lange) is acquitted, and the town reaches out to her with sympathy; she and Ted (David Nelson) are now free to marry.
The Rockland District Courthouse in Rockland, Maine, was the backdrop for this scene. While the courthouse has changed from how it looked in the 1957 movie, the city retains much of the atmosphere captured in the film.
Rockland is renowned for its stunning ocean views, historic lighthouses, unique summer festivals, and distinctive attractions. Nestled against picturesque hills and along the crystal-clear waters of Penobscot Bay, Rockland offers sights and activities that are truly unique to this area.
Visitors can fly into Knox County Regional Airport, just a few miles south of the city, to reach Rockland. Additionally, from Camden, it's a 15-minute drive via US-1 S. The Rockland District Courthouse, along with the many other attractions the area offers, is easily accessible by car or public transportation.
Conclusion
Peyton Place is a testament to the power of nuanced performances and masterful direction. Under Mark Robson's adept guidance, the cast delivered commendable performances that added depth and authenticity to their characters. The standout performance by Diane Varsi as the rebellious teenager Allison, grappling with the shocking revelation of her illegitimacy, was awe-inspiring. Hope Lange also shone brightly in her challenging role as the stepdaughter of the school's alcoholic caretaker.
The script, penned by John Michael Hayes, intricately weaved a drama of personal tensions that echoed the irony and terror in the film version of "An American Tragedy." Even though the narrative unfolded gradually, it successfully kept the audience's attention and engaged them.
The picturesque town of Camden, Maine, served as the primary backdrop for the movie, adding an authentic small-town charm that further enriched the storytelling. Some scenes were also filmed at the renowned Fox Studios in Los Angeles, where the interiors of Peyton Place were meticulously recreated. This combination of on-location and studio filming contributed to the overall visual appeal of the movie.
Regarding contribution to the movie industry, Peyton Place showcased compelling performances, a well-crafted script, and an evocative setting. It demonstrated how effective thoughtful location choices and a dedicated cast enhance storytelling. Lloyd Nolan's portrayal of the town doctor, who serves as the sensible anchor amidst the turbulent sea of emotions, further underscored the depth of the film's character development.
Given these elements, Peyton Place is worth watching for anyone interested in classic cinema. Its exploration of complex themes, combined with stellar performances and an immersive setting, make it an enduring piece of cinematic history.