Peyton Place (novel) - Reactions

Reactions

Another controversial character was school principal Tomas Makris, who bore the name and physical description of a Laconia resident and co-worker of Metalious' schoolteacher husband. In editions available in the United Kingdom, this character's name was Michael Kyros. Makris sued for libel, and settled out-of-court for $60,000. It later was revealed that Metalious had forged Makris' name on a release form, and the character was renamed Michael Rossi for the paperback, film version, television adaptation and her 1959 novel, Return to Peyton Place. Although the sequel sold well, its success did not approach that of the original.

Some citizens of the Lakes Region took umbrage at the notoriety that was quickly thrust upon the area, and they directed their resentment at Metalious. Vicious rumors began circulating about the author, some true (Metalious had an affair) and some preposterous (she bought groceries while wearing a fur coat and nothing underneath). Metalious later attempted to profit on her success when she invested in a motel on Lake Winnipesaukee that was re-christened the Peyton Place Motel, but it was an unsuccessful venture.

Despite the controversy, Metalious insisted that Peyton Place was a work of fiction. When John Michael Hayes, the screenwriter for the film adaptation, asked her if the novel was her autobiography, Metalious told him to repeat the question and then spilled her drink on him. Metalious wrote very accurately about New Englanders and many in her hometown still remember the scandal caused by the book. She was almost barred from being buried in the church cemetery, but the church and townsfolk in Gilmanton finally relented.