PEYTON PLACE {SERIES FINALE} (TV)
Summary
The final installment in this nighttime serial drama about the residents of a New England town, based on the novel by Grace Metalious. In this episode, Norman and Rita arrive at Dr. Rossi's hearing, planning to give an honest testimony about the events surrounding Fred Russell's death. Attempting to determine probable cause, the lawyers question Sergeant Walker, who speaks to Rossi's state of mind on the night that Russell suffered his fatal injury, and Walker states that he seemed "professionally concerned" but calm. When he is dismissed, he talks to Lew, telling him that there is a warrant out for his arrest for a hit-and-run, and asks him to behave honorably and turn himself in after Rossi's trial concludes. Marsha Russell next takes the stand and explains that Fred tried to rape her shortly before his death. When asked about his final moments in the hospital, she is reluctant to reveal his dying words, but finally admits that he accused Rossi of injuring him. Norman then talks about breaking up a fight between Russell and Rossi, after which Rossi expressed the desire to "clobber" him. Rita explains that Rossi's behavior was "controlled" and, despite the fight, he did not seem likely to seek further violence.
During a recess, Marsha wonders if she should have lied, but Rossi tells her that it would not have helped, and she reiterates her desire to marry him as soon as the hearing ends. Rossi speculates that the judge is getting "fed up" with Carter, the opposing counsel. Ada Jacks then takes the stand and reveals that Rossi was seen to be looking for Russell, though she suggests that he merely wanted to speak with him. Dr. Miles comments on Russell's fatal head injury, casting doubt upon where and when it was caused, and Mr. Hagen, the motel manager, states that he saw Russell at his establishment with a blonde woman, though he is unsure who she was. The judge then waives the lawyers' right to their closing summaries, as there is no jury, and declares that probable cause does in fact exist and that Rossi will go to trial, much to everyone's distress. Lew debates running away, having observed Rossi's unfair treatment in the hearing, but decides to stay. Susan, worried, says that she must speak to Rossi, and the series concludes on a cliffhanger as Rossi returns to his cell for an indefinite stay. Includes commercials.
Details
- NETWORK: ABC
- DATE: June 2, 1969 8:30 PM
- RUNNING TIME: 0:30:00
- COLOR/B&W: Color
- CATALOG ID: T78:0725
- GENRE: Drama, night-time serial
- SUBJECT HEADING: Drama, night-time serial
- SERIES RUN: ABC - TV series, 1964-1969
- COMMERCIALS:
- TV - Commercials - Alka-Seltzer medication
- TV - Commercials - English Leather cologne
- TV - Commercials - Love's Basic Moisture lotion
- TV - Commercials - One-A-Day vitamins
CREDITS
- Paul Monash … Executive Producer, Adapted by
- Everett Chambers … Producer, Director
- Nina Laemmle … Associate Producer
- William J. Hole Jr. … Associate Producer
- Dan Nathan … Associate Producer
- Del Reisman … Writer
- Grace Metalious … Based on the novel by
- Arthur Morton … Music by
- Franz Waxman … Theme Music by
- Ed Nelson … Cast, Dr. Michael Rossi
- Barbara Parkins … Cast, Betty Anderson
- Christopher Connelly … Cast, Norman Harrington
- Patricia Morrow … Cast, Rita Harrington
- James Douglas … Cast, Steven Cord
- Elizabeth Walker … Cast, Carolyn Russell
- Percy Rodrigues … Cast, Harry Miles
- Barbara Rush … Cast, Marsha Russell
- Evelyn Scott … Cast, Ada Jacks
- Morris Buchanan … Cast, Sgt. Walker
- William Sargent … Cast, Asst. D.A. Carter
- Glynn Truman … Cast, Lew Miles
- Robert Hogan … Cast, Tom Winter
- George Dunn … Cast, Mr. Hagen
- Frank Ferguson … Cast, Eli Carson
- John Findlater … Cast, Jeff Kramer
- Joe Maross … Cast, Fred Russell
- Nikki Wilk … Cast, Mother
- Darin Chambers … Cast, Child
- Alicia Chambers … Cast, Child
- Jacqueline Mayo … Cast, Duty Nurse
- Diana Hyland … Cast, Susan Winter
- Michael Strong … Cast, Judge