In the outwardly respectable New England community of Peyton Place, shopkeeper Constance McKenzie tries to make up for a past indiscretion -- which resulted in her illegitimate daughter Allison -- by adopting a chaste, prudish attitude towards all things sexual. In spite of herself, Constance can't help but be attracted to handsome new teacher Michael Rossi. Meanwhile, the restless Allison, who'd like to be as footloose and fancy-free as the town's "fast girl" Betty Anderson, falls sincerely in love with mixed-up mama's boy Norman Page.
Lana Turner
as Constance MacKenzie
Hope Lange
as Selena Cross
Lee Philips
as Michael Rossi
Lloyd Nolan
as Dr. Matthew Swain
Diane Varsi
as Allison MacKenzie
Arthur Kennedy
as Lucas Cross
Russ Tamblyn
as Norman Page
Terry Moore
as Betty Anderson
Barry Coe
as Rodney Harrington
David Nelson
as Ted Carter
Betty Field
as Nellie Cross
Mildred Dunnock
as Miss Elsie Thornton
