Dr. Michael Rossi arrives by train in the New England village of Peyton Place, Massachusetts. He is met by young Rodney Harrington, whose Aunt Laura was married to Dr. Donald Brooks, Peyton Place's recently deceased GP. Rodney and his girlfriend Betty Anderson drive Rossi to the inn. Later, Rod stops by the office of his father Leslie, who manages the Peyton Mill. Rod discovers his father locked in a passionate embrace with secretary Julie Anderson, Betty's mother. Leslie attempts to explain the situation, but Rodney leaves in silence. Leslie assures Julie he will make his son understand, but she's skeptical. Rod's unwillingness to comment on his sudden aloofness angers Betty. He takes her home then drives wildly into the night, almost hitting virginal Allison MacKenzie. Rod offers Allison a lift home. Her innocence touches him, and he impulsively kisses her. She withdraws, stating flatly that he can tell everyone she's frigid. Rod says she can tell everyone that he's dumb, prompting A

Leslie Harrington and Julie Anderson's affair is having an effect on several others: Julie's daughter Betty has come to the realization that Rodney, Leslie's son, is avoiding her---and Leslie's wife, Catherine Peyton, suggests that Julie give up her job as Leslie's secretary now that her husband, George, has gainful employment. Mike Rossi has a flicker of recognition when he encounters Constance MacKenzie at her book shop, sending Connie into a panic. She confesses to Matthew Swain, family friend and editor of the local newspaper, that Rossi was an orderly at the NYC hospital where daughter Allison was born. Matthew advises her to be truthful with Rossi about her questionable pregnancy. Laura Harrington Brooks offers to assist Rossi with the management of his practice.

Betty tells Dr. Rossi she believes that she may be pregnant.

After a visit to Dr. Rossi, Betty realizes she must face a decision that could affect many of the residents of Peyton Place.

Dr. Rossi makes an emergency visit to the Anderson home after Julie's ""fall down the stairs."" While there he runs into the Anderson's daughter Betty, the same girl who had come to his office earlier with her pregnancy situation. The following day, George Anderson takes his wife to Rossi's office for a follow up visit. While Rossi probes Julie about conflicts in the Anderson home, and extends his assistance, George runs into Catherine Harrington at the book store. Catherine is unconcerned about the fact that her son, Rodney, has severed his relationship wtih George's daughter, Betty. At the Peyton manion, Norman Harrington learns about his father's affair with Julie Anderson when he overhears a heated conversation between Leslie and Rod. George pays a call to the mansion, informing Les that he wants to take his wife with him on his next business trip---but Leslie insists that he requires Julie's secretarial skills at the office. George makes it clear to Leslie that he is the one who

With Allison out of the house on a date with Rodney, Matthew Swain urges Constance to tell Allison the truth about her father so they both can get on with their lives. Dr. Rossi has dinner with Laura Brooks, widow of the doctor he has replaced at Doctor's Hospital and Leslie Harrington's sister. At the local teen spot, the Shoreline, Betty makes a spectacle of herself in order to get Rodney's attention. Norman, Rod's younger brother, keeps Allison company in the Shoreline while Rod is outside with a persistent Betty, who insists she must talk with him.

As Betty is insisting there is something she must tell him (her pregnancy), Rod spies Allison and leaves Betty to be with his date. Upset over this recent rejection, Betty accept Norman's offer of a ride home. There she commisserates with her mother over her loss of Rodney's love. Julie suggests that perhaps it is because Allison MacKenzie is the ""local good girl"", prompting Betty to make a declaration of her own individuality. Rod drives Allison out to Tucker's Pond where they engage in a kiss. After parting company with Laura Brooks, who is attracted to the doctor, Rossi meets Constance MacKenzie in the town square and walks her home.

Rossi is invited into the Mackenzie home, where he observes the photo of ""Mr. Mackenzie"" on the mantel. Allison returns to find Constance with Rossi and appears pleased by her mother's new friendship. The following day, the beginning of Founder's Festival in Peyton Place, Laura Brooks invites Dr. Rossi to Sunday brunch at the Peyton mansion. Rossi meets Catherine Peyton Harrington, hostess of the event, and Dr. Paul Morton, chief of staff at General Hospital. Dr. Morton is from the ""old school"" and appears less-than-impressed with Rossi. Allison accompanies Rodney to the brunch, where he declares his love for her. Her pregnancy now confirmed by Rossi, Betty confides in her mother, who accepts part of the blame for the break-up and insists that Betty must tell Rodney.

Catherine Peyton Harrington takes ill at Sunday brunch and retires to her room, where she is attended to by Dr. Morton. Norman, Catherine's favored son, sits with her. At her mother's insistence, Betty telephones Rodney at the Peyton mansion. He doesn't wish to speak with her. Matthew Swain, grand marshal of Founder's Day, fires the cannon to commence festivities. Constance has a flare of envy when she observes Laura putting an affectionate arm around Rossi; and George Anderson appears livid when Leslie Harrington, atop a float in the parade, waves to Julie. Betty spies Rodney with Allison in the crowd and advances upon them.

Rossi intercepts Betty before she gets to Rodney and questions her intentions. Although she wants to be Rod's girl, Betty expresses reluctance in entrapping him. Later, Betty presses Leslie Harrington for the reason his son rejected her. Unwittingly, Leslie reveals that Betty's mother, Julie, was in the office with him when Rod came in on that fateful night. George Anderson speaks with Dr. Rossi about his medication. Rossi, more concerned with George's violence toward his wife, suggests psychiatric therapy. Leslie confesses his slip of tongue with Betty to Julie, who decides to resign from her position at the mill. Unhappy in his own marriage, Leslie is not yet ready to give up on Julie. Watching Rod and Allison dancing in the bandstand, Betty determines to make him aware of her pregnancy.

Constance and Matthew are invited by Dr. Rossi to join himself and Laura Brooks at the Colonial Post Inn, where Laura can't help but make some jealous barbs toward Connie. Jealous George tells Julie he saw her with Leslie Harrington, prompting Julie to reveal that she has quit her job as Les' secretary. George further tells her that Dr. Rossi recommended him to a Boston psychiatrist. Allison doesn't like Rodney referring to her as a ""fair lady"" and wonders if he used the title on Betty. Later, George rescues Allison from some annoying motorcycle bikers and takes the opportunity to question her about Rodney. Prompted by Betty, Rod finally agrees to speak with her in private and they go off in his car for a drive. She reveals to him that she knows about the relationship between her mother and his father---and confesses her pregnancy. Stunned, Rod agrees to marry her but doesn't want to hear her admissions of love. In his agitated state, he drives directly in front of an oncoming tr

Rodney and a badly hemorrhaging Betty are rushed to Doctor's Hospital, where Rossi attends to the patients. Rodney, uninjured in the accident, confesses to his father that Betty is pregnant with his child. Likewise, Julie Anderson apprises her husband of their daughter's predicament. George visits his daughter's bedside and tries to reassure her. Leslie Harrington insists that he will pay all hospital bills; George is concerned about the broken vows of love Rod made toward Betty. ""Uncle"" Matt Swain reports Rod and Betty's condition to Allison, who expresses little interest in the ravages of maturity and later commiserates with Norman, Rod's younger brother, as Founder's Festival winds down.

George Anderson has pipe dreams of quitting the Peyton mill and starting up an insurance company with wife Julie as his secretary. Rodney reassures Allison that, despite whatever happens, he meant every vow of love he made to her. Betty, having lost her baby as a result of the car accident, has a series of bedside visitors. First up is mother Julie, who insists that she must tell Rod of their loss. Then Leslie Harrington, unaware of the circumstances, offers Betty money to have the baby out of town and put it up for adoption. Finally, father George urges Betty not to tell Rod the truth and marry into the Harrington family. Rodney arrives, bearing flowers, and Betty is hard-pressed to tell him of their illegitimate child's demise.

Although Julie Anderson wanted her daughter to tell Rodney about the miscarriage, Betty plays out her deception and marries Rod before a Justice of the Peace in nearby White River. The following morning, Rod's conspicuous absence at the Harrington breakfast table alerts the family to the fact that he has eloped. Catherine Harrington is appalled that Leslie would allow the marriage to take place; Norman does his best to defend Betty. Leslie heads to the Anderson home to learn that Betty, too, is absent. George rants about their new relationship and his plans for starting an insurance business. When Leslie reveals that he offered Betty a way out of her predicament, George, constantly reliving his war experiences, strikes out at Leslie. His erratic behavior disgusts both Les and Julie.

Upon the newlyweds return to Peyton Place, Betty wastes no time in breaking the news to heartbroken Allison, who commiserates with Norman. Constance, upset over Allison's disappointment, rejects Rossi's invitation. Rod and Betty break the news to the Andersons, with Betty making a secret confession to her mother that she failed to tell Rod of her miscarriage. They are later greeted at the Harrington home (the Peyton mansion) by Leslie, who toasts their future with imported champagne. Catherine remains upstairs in her sick bed, where she believes she is atoning for some secret sin committed in the past.

George Anderson informs his employer, Leslie Harrington, that he is returning to the insurance business. Leslie tries to convince George to stay on at the mill until his business is established, but George refuses. Rossi wonders if Constance was uneasy during their first date because of him or the legend of the cottage. She agrees to a second date. Allison, pleased over her mother's progressing relationship, uses her savings to buy an expensive coat for Constance, who had earlier settled on a more practical purchase. Suspicious of Betty's pregnancy, Catherine conspires with old friend Dr. Morton. Uncovering the truth about Betty's miscarriage, Morton confronts Rossi, who threatens to take the matter to the medical board if Morton reveals privileged information. Morton reminds the younger doctor that he has been practicing medicine in Peyton Place for many years---and that Rossi is the outsider.

Eli Carson receives a special delivery letter and rushes to Dr. Rossi's office. He reveals that his son, who has been imprisoned for murdering his wife eighteen years ago, may soon be paroled. Elliot Carson has maintained his innocence all these years and is determined to prove it. Eli is concerned that Elliot may want to take possession of his old beach cottage which was recently rented to Rossi. Upon hearing of Elliot's imminent release, Constance confesses to Rossi that the photograph of Allison's father on the mantle is a fake; there never was a Mr. MacKenzie. Before going out of town, Dr. Morton pays a call to the Harrington home. While he doesn't reveal his knowledge to Catherine, he makes it obvious to Betty that he is aware of her deception. During his absence, Catherine takes a turn for the worse and Laura Brooks summons Dr. Rossi to the house.

Newlyweds Rod and Betty dine at the Inn with her parents, unaware of the drama being enacted at the Harrington home. With Dr. Morton away in Boston, Rossi attends to the ailing Catherine (Peyton) Harrington. A ruptured ulcer is his initial diagnosis, but Rossi takes her to the hospital for further tests. Morton calls Rossi at the hospital and insists the junior doctor await his return---since Catherine is his patient. As Catherine's condition worsens, and without any other available doctors to confirm his diagnosis, Rossi feels he must operate immediately. Leslie Harrington wavers over granting consent, prefering to wait for Morton.

Returning to the Harrington home following dinner with Betty's parents, Rodney learns that his mother has been rushed to the hospital. Betty, who has just had an argument with Rod, presses him to go without her. She packs a bag and heads for the bus station, but is ultimately dissuaded from leaving town by Allison MacKenzie. Believing Catherine can't wait for Morton's arrival at the hospital, Rossi once again pressures Leslie for permission to operate. Leslie reluctantly agrees. Midway through surgery, Morton arrives and causes commotion in the operating room by insisting he take over. Despite Rossi's efforts, Catherine Harrington expires. Learning of his wife's death, Leslie admits he should have waited for Morton, who denies Rossi's request for an autopsy and vows to run the younger doctor out of town.

Old Eli Carson suffers an angina attack in the town square and is attended to by Dr. Rossi, who instructs Laura to have Catherine Harrington's autopsy rescheduled. Chief of Staff Dr. Morton pulls rank and proceeds with the autopsy. Underage Norman Harrington is refused liquor at Ada's Tavern and proceeds to get into fisticuffs with some ""wharf rats"". Discovered by Rossi and the MacKenzie women, he accuses Rossi of allowing his mother to die. Allison comforts Norman and brings him to the Harrington home. Betty is unusually cordial towards Allison, thanking her for preventing her from leaving town and wondering if they could become friends. Driving Allison home, Rodney professes that his feelings toward her haven't changed; Allison later confesses the same emotions to her mother. When he returns home, Betty finally makes a full admission to an incredulous Rod regarding her deception about their baby.

Despite suffering a backlash of patient cancellations, Dr. Rossi remains convinced that Catherine Harrington's autopsy will confirm his diagnosis. Leslie Harrington appears somewhat suspicious when Dr. Morton urges him to be present at the ensuing inquest where, to Rossi's shock, the pathologist's report fails to back up his diagnosis. Rodney shares the news of Betty's deception with his father, who insists on an immediate divorce and later accuses Dr. Rossi of aiding and abetting the pregnancy lie. Betty goes off on a Boston shopping spree and returns to inform the Harringtons that she has seen a lawyer and there will be no forthcoming divorce. Allison wants to graduate from writing teen columns in the ""Clarion"" to something more adult.

Desperate for his son's sham of a marriage to be ended, Leslie Harrington inquires into Betty's divorce ""price"", but she stubbornly clings to her desire to remain Rodney's wife. Harrington then pleads his case to the Andersons. Observing an interchange between his wife and her former lover, George reminds Julie that while Leslie might be free she is not. Dr. Morton informs Rossi that the review board has determined Catherine Harrington's surgery unnecessary and, accordingly, Rossi's hospital privileges have been suspended. Rossi determines to uncover the truth and clear his medical reputation. Confident his son will soon be paroled, Eli Carson reminds Rossi that he might have to vacate the beach cottage when Elliot is released. Matthew informs a worried Constance about Elliot Carson's probable prison release.

With the encouragement of Constance and Matthew Swain, Rossi pursues vindication of the charges against him. His suspicions are further aroused when Dr. Bradley informs him tissue samples from Catherine Harrington have been destroyed and therefor unavailable for further inspection. As the Harrington family gathers for the reading of Catherine's will, Leslie is confident his deceased wife left him in control of the Peyton mill. As local attorney Theodore Dowell begins reading of the last will and testament of Catherine Harrington a telephone call arrives from Boston attorney William Kennerling who, unknown to the others, holds a codicil to the will. He requests they postpone the reading until his arrival.

Failing to heed Kennerling's request, Leslie insists they get on with the reading of the will. As he predicted, Leslie is bequeathed all stocks in the Peyton Mill, while Dr. Morton receives 15% of any dividends accrued to be used for the hospital. Her sons, Rodney and Norman, equally share cash assets upon reaching their twenty-fifth birthday and Laura Brooks is given all of Catherine's clothing---minus jewelry and furs, of course. Laura declines Catherine's token gift. Leslie's victory, however, is short-lived: William Kennerling, Peyton's Boston attorney, arrives to inform Harrington of a codicil to the will wherein all stocks revert to Martin Peyton, in effect disinheriting Leslie! George Anderson suffers a minor crisis when he loses a client; and daughter Betty seeks her mother's advice about accepting Rodney's inheritance in exchange for ending their marriage. Although Constance and Dr. Rossi's relationship continues to blossom, she fears that Elliot Carson will return to town u

Matthew Swain journeys to the Massachusetts State Prison to visit inmate Elliot Carson (played by Tim O'Connor), who declares his innocence and the belief that his wife's murderer is still at large in Peyton Place. Disturbed when observing his daughter's husband in the company of young Allison MacKenzie, George takes out his frustration on his wife, who suggests he see Dr. Rossi. Rossi recommends psychiatric therapy. Rossi becomes suspicious of Dr. Bradley, who performed the autopsy on Catherine Peyton Harrington, and questions Laura Brooks about the former surgeon turned pathologist. Confronted by Rossi, Bradley claims he switched specialties because of rheumatoid arthritis and resents any implication of wrong-doing in the Harrington autopsy. Troubled by Rossi's interrogation, Bradley telephones Dr. Morton, disconnects the call, and then attempts to locate Laura Brooks.

Laura accepts a luncheon date with Dr. Joe Bradley. Laura's deceased husband, Donald Brooks, and Dr. Bob Morton assisted Bradley in his final surgery some five years ago. Her curiosity aroused by Bradley's inquiries regarding anything Donald may have told her about the surgery on Matthew Swain, Laura relays the conversation to Rossi. Rossi immediately questions Matthew, who reports that Morton attended to him after Bradley suffered some sort of illness. Excited that his son may be home for the holidays, Eli shares the news with Constance---who is guardedly enthusiastic. Losing another client sets George Anderson on a drinking binge, prompting Julie to go to the Mill to persuade Leslie to reinstate her husband. When she returns home George, who had followed his wife to the Mill, physically attacks Julie. In the act of defending herself, Julie knocks George unconscious.

Rossi is summoned to the Anderson home and quickly sums up the domestic situation. George is taken to Doctor's Hospital where, when ordering x-rays for his patient, Rossi is reminded that his privileges are suspended. Dr. Morton arrives at the hospital to loudly reiterate the fact. At Rossi's suggestion, Julie goes to stay at the MacKenzie home. Betty pays a call on her mother, seemingly holding Julie responsible for the problems in the Anderson marriage. Recalling the kiss Rodney witnessed between Julie and his father, Betty wonders how many other times the two were intimate. Rossi barges in on Dr. Joe Bradley, who becomes visibly nervous when confronted with the inconsistencies in his last surgery five years before. Shaken, Bradley seeks out Morton and reveals that he lied about the Harrington autopsy out of a sense of obligation to Morton for having saved his career after the Swain surgery. Morton sends Bradley into ""hiding"".

Norman overhears Leslie urging Dr. Morton to proclaim Catherine incompetent when she ordered the codicil to her will, but Dr. Morton declines Leslie's request. Laura visits Rossi at his cottage and insists she will arrange his reinstatement of all hospital privileges. Rossi warns her to stop manipulating his life. Eli reveals to a distressed Connie that Elliot's parole hearing is tomorrow. Connie appears visibly shaken at the thought that Elliot might return to Peyton Place. Dr. Morton shows Rossi Dr. Bradley's signed statement clearing Rossi of malpractice in Catherine Peyton's death. Dr. Morton admits that Rossi is a fine doctor, and he intends to make a public apology.

Rossi tells George that Julie is temporarily staying with Connie Mackenzie, while Julie reveals to Leslie that she is leaving George. Leslie offers Julie her old job back at the mill, but she refuses, stating that it won't solve anything. Later, George informs Julie that he will not give her a divorce. Allison asks Connie about the town in Scotland where her ""father"" was born. Connie wants Allison to attend college away from Peyton Place, but Allison reminds her that it's too late to enroll anywhere else for the winter semester. Eli meets Elliot at the state prison as the parole hearing begins.

Allison admits to Connie that she doesn't believe that Elliot Carson murdered his wife, prompting Connie to remark that Allison is becoming obsessed with Carson's case. Betty visits Julie at the Mackenzie home. Julie tells her that she intends to rent a room somewhere and let George have the house. Later, Betty encounters a drunken George who mistreats her with same anger he uses to humiliate Julie. Connie reveals to Rossi that Elliot Carson is Allison's biological father. Betty talks to Rodney about their marriage and realizes that there is no love between them. Allison spots Betty, suitcase in hand, boarding a bus. Betty begs Allison to keep quiet about seeing her leave, adding that no one really cares about her -not her parents or her husband. Allison watches sadly as Betty leaves Peyton Place.

Elliot is paroled from the state prison and released. Leslie meets with Mr. Blaine, a private detective, who informs him that he has tracked down Betty to a hotel in Boston. Rodney doesn't answer Leslie's question when asked if he wants to divorce Betty. George finds Rodney at the Mackenzie house, and Rodney admits that he received a postcard from Betty. When George spots Rodney talking with Allison, he threatens to kill him if anything happens to Betty. Allison rejects Rodney's advances, reminding him that he's a married man who didn't care enough about his wife to see how despondent she was. A drunken Laura, still celebrating New Year's, reminds Leslie that they make their own trouble. She agrees to be a ""good witness"" in his fight to overturn Catherine's codicil. Dr. Rossi assures Connie that Elliot's return might help her bury the past. Elliot gets off the bus in Peyton Place and wanders the deserted streets.

Betty phones Julie to inform her mother that she's safe in New York City. Allison prepares to register for classes at Peyton College. Later, Allison tells Rodney that Betty is in New York, but she doesn't want to be ""found"". Rodney expresses concern for his wife's welfare, though he loves Allison. Allison encounters Elliot on the street, and they exchange smiles. George visits Leslie at the mill and mistakenly believes that he is still employed. Elliot and George meet one another at the bandstand, where George is hallucinating. They reminisce about their experiences together in World War II. At George's office in the Peyton Place Professional Building, the manager Mr. King reminds George he owes rent. George promises to pay him later with a certified check. After Mr. King leaves, George locks the office door and loads an automatic pistol.

Dr. Rossi finds Elliot lurking outside his cottage and invites him in for a drink. Elliott states that he isn't sure he wants the cottage back. Mr. King returns to George's office and finds him barricaded inside with a gun. Mr. King phones Julie at Connie's house to inform of her the situation with George. Julie leaves for the professional building, instructing Connie to call Dr. Rossi. Rossi and Julie converge at George's office and hear a gunshot, but Rossi restrains Julie from going in. Elliot arrives as townspeople gather outside. He persuades George to let him in. Elliot distracts George with old war stories, managing to grab the gun and subdue him. Dr. Rossi tells Julie that George is a manic-depressive and will require extensive treatment in a sanitarium. Elliot visits Connie at the Book Gallery and begs her not to be afraid of him. She replies that her only concern is Allison, who knows nothing about her true parentage. Elliot reassures her that he wouldn't do anything to hurt

Elliot meets Allison at the Book Gallery, where they discuss their mutual love for writing. Leslie spots Elliot talking to Connie and offers him a job at the mill, but Elliot is surly and refuses. Leslie declares that Elliot is his own worst enemy. Laura resigns as Dr. Rossi's office secretary, and Leslie suggests that she give up on trying to ""break"" Dr. Rossi. Norman brags to Rodney that he has a date with Allison, prompting a snowball fight between brothers. Laura reveals to Dr. Rossi that she intends to use the money he paid for Dr. Brooks' practice to enjoy a trip around the world, admitting that she is defeated where Rossi is concerned. At the boarding house, landlady Mrs. Hewitt tells Elliot that one resident has already moved out rather than live under the same roof as him [a ""murderer""]. However, Mrs. Hewitt states that some people think that Elizabeth ""got what she deserved.""

In New York, Betty applies at an employment agency, but she refuses to give hometown references. The employment counselor realizes Betty is in over head and suggests she go back to Peyton Place. Betty leaves in tears and meets a beautiful young woman named Sharon Purcell in the corridor. Sharon invites Betty for coffee, correctly surmising that the small-town girl could use a friend. At the Harrington mansion, Leslie is anxious to see Laura leave. She gets drunk on brandy and laments how quickly life passes. Laura urges Norman to accept the fact that his mother is gone, then advises Rodney to make a decision about his marriage and his life. Laura exits, stating that she's leaving Peyton Place with a lot of luggage and a hopeful heart. Elliot has a ginger ale at Ada's Tavern. He and Ada discuss the past, which Ada suggests he forget. Elliot guesses that Ada knows who Elizabeth was having an affair with when she was killed and demands that Ada tell him since that man is probably the real

Allison and Connie are disappointed when Julie reveals that it's time she moves back home. Later, Dr. Rossi visits Julie and offers her a job as his secretary, replacing Laura who has left for Europe. Julie counters that she doesn't have any medical experience, but Rossi assures her that he isn't making the offer out of pity. He needs a good adminstrative assistant to handle his books and schedule patients. Julie agrees to consider the offer. Rodney runs into Allison at Peyton College, where she is meeting with her advisor. Rodney admits that Connie has discouraged their friendship. In New York, Betty meets Sharon at an exclusive boutique where Sharon urges her to try on an expensive fur coat. Sharon tells Betty that the fur suits her, and she would be wise to ""get smart"" [become a kept woman]. Elliot attempts to refill Eli's prescription at the pharmacy and receives a frosty reception from Calvin Hanley who reminds him that he visits his daughter's grave every Sunday. Elliot reiterate

Elliot runs into Elizabeth's younger brother Paul Hanley on the streets of Peyton Place. Having studied in Cambridge, Paul has returned to teach at Peyton College. They discuss Elizabeth's death. Paul assures Elliot that his testimony alone did not convict Elliot of murder and repeats his claim that he heard Elliot arguing with Elizabeth right before the murder. Julie is cross with Rodney for his treatment of her absent daughter. In New York, Sharon reveals that her roommate Libby is sailing around the Greek isles and probably won't return for some time. Sharon asks Betty to stay in her apartment while Libby is gone. Betty makes herself at home in the luxurious surroundings. Allison meets Paul at the Book Gallery and notes that he is one of her professors for the spring semester. Afterward, Elliot arrives, and then Dr. Rossi comes in with news that Eli is in need of a gall bladder operation.

Allison buys a new shade of lipstick at the pharmacy, but a pious Calvin Hanley tells her that it makes her look cheap. Matt overhears the conversation and suggests that Calvin is projecting his feelings about his late daughter Elizabeth onto Allison. Dr. Rossi asks Connie if Eli knows the truth about Allison's parentage; she tells him that he doesn't know Allison is his granddaughter as she has to protect her. Allison talks about the Elizabeth Carson murder with Connie and states that Paul Hanley was just a small boy when he testified against Elliot.Elliot tells Eli that he needs a gall bladder operation. In New York, Sharon sets Betty up on a blind date with Roy Roberts, an associate of Sharon's married lover Phil. Betty tries on pearls and one of Libby's fur coats. Gazing at herself in the mirror, Betty declares herself a ""New York Cinderella"".

After he appears bearing the gift of a sweater for Allison, Connie reminds Elliot that Allison never wanted for anything as a child. Later, Connie and Rossi's nice evening is ruined when they argue about Connie's possessiveness toward Allison. Leslie receives a note to call private detective Blaine in New York. At Sharon's apartment, Betty meets Sharon's married lover Phil and Phil's friend Roy Roberts, who has flown in from Amsterdam. Roy flirts with Betty who pretends to enjoy martinis straight-up. When they return to the apartment alone later that night, Roy thinks a coy Betty is playing ""hard to get"", and he pursues her very aggressively. A terrified Betty screams in terror. Suddenly understanding that she really isn't a sophisticated woman, Roy tenderly allays her fears. As he leaves the apartment, Roy urges Betty to return to Peyton Place and gives her money for bus fare home, unaware that the elevator operator has witnessed the transaction.

Betty answers the phone in Sharon's apartment and speaks to Sharon's mother. Betty realizes that Sharon isn't much different from herself, a small-town girl with very humble origins. Betty phones Julie, who reveals that George has suffered a nervous breakdown and is confined to Greenvale Sanitarium. Sharon comes home to find Betty packing a suitcase. Sharon begs Betty not to leave as she has grown very fond of her, but Betty insists she has to return to Peyton Place. Paul and Calvin Hanley have an awkward father/son moment. Calvin reassures Paul that he did the right thing by testifying against Elliot in the murder trial. Connie gives Allison the sweater Elliot bought for her. Elliot encounters Norman, Allison, and Paul skating at Baker's Pond. Julie phones Rodney with news that Betty is coming home, but Leslie warns him that Blaine has information about Betty's escapades in New York.

Rodney visits Betty at the Anderson home and offers to help her anyway he can. Connie drives Elliot to the hospital where Eli is having gallbladder surgery. Connie confesses to Elliot that she met Dr. Rossi when he interned at the New York hospital where she gave birth to Allison. Matt regrets not seeing Eli before the surgery, and admits to Connie that too many of his friends have died. They later learn that Eli has survived the surgery. Rossi takes Betty to see George at the sanitarium, but George is unresponsive to Betty's presence. On the drive back to Peyton Place, Betty relates her experiences in New York to Rossi, telling him that Roy gave her bus fare home. Rossi drops Betty off at the Peyton Mills, where Leslie watches her ruefully from the window.

Betty meets Leslie at the Mill and offers to annul her marriage to Rodney in exchange for Leslie's promise to pay George's medical fees. Leslie agrees to the deal. After Betty leaves, Detective Blaine brings his report about Betty's friendship with Sharon Purcell. Leslie locks the report in his desk without reading the details. Allison receives a portrait of herself sent by a secret admirer. Betty drops by the Harrington mansion to retreive her belongings. She and Rodney have a pleasant meeting that ends with Rodney kissing her. Allison meets Paul at a Peyton College art exhibit and realizes that he was responsible for her portrait. Rodney spars with Paul, obviously jealous that Paul seems interested in Allison. Elliot demands that Connie face the past and asks how she feels about him now. They argue, and Elliot breaks the photo of the fake ""Mr. Mackenzie"" that sits on the fireplace mantel.

Connie cleans of the shards of glass from the framed photo Elliot destroyed just as Paul arrives with Allison. Elliot asks Paul to drive him to the town square. Allison suggests that Connie is interested in Elliot. Paul suggests that 18 is a ""magic number"" since Allison is 18, Elliot has served 18 years in prison, Connie has been widowed 18 years, and Paul's sister has been dead 18 years. Elliot grabs Paul and threatens him. Betty and Allison have coffee and hot chocolate at the soda fountain in Hanley's drugstore. Betty reveals that she just signed papers annulling her marriage to Rodney. Allison states that she is very glad Betty decided to return home. Paul confronts Calvin with the suggestion that he forced him to lie about believing that Elliot killed Elizabeth. Rossi suggests to Elliot that Eli should recover in a warmer climate such as Florida, but Elliot reminds him that he doesn't have any money. As executor of Catherine's will, Matt informs Leslie that the Mill is to revert b

Leslie gives Rodney a copy of Detective Blaine's report on Betty, but Rodney rips it up without reading it. Connie celebrates her birthday. Connie declines Elliot's dinner offer as she already has plans with Rossi. Rodney attempts to return a strand of pearls to Betty. When he mentions the Blaine report, she accuses him of being as manipulative as his father, prompting Rodney to slap her. Betty states that there's hope for him if he takes a comparison to Leslie as an insult. Later, while stopping to visit Julie at Rossi's office, Betty assists Rossi with an injured young patient. Allison wants to attend a New York field trip being chaperoned by Paul. Over dinner, Connie admits to Rossi that if Elliot actually killed Elizabeth; she's to blame. Allison finds a book of poetry that Elliot left as a gift for Connie. Connie refuses to grant permission for Allison's trip to New York with Paul. Allison reminds her mother that Connie went to New York when she was Allison's age.

Allison wishes Eli a bon voyage before his trip to Florida. Elliot reveals to Eli that Allison is his granddaughter, the product of his affair with Connie 18 years ago. Allison argues with Connie about the New York trip and laments to Matt that she has a right to know what happened to her mother there so many years ago. Robert Wainwright, Martin Peyton's lawyer, questions Elliot about the murder of Elizabeth and asks if Elliot knows the identity of the man Elizabeth was seeing. Elliot says he doesn't, then asks if Wainwright knows. Leslie and attorney Theodore Dowell talk about Les' relationship with Elizabeth. Later, Leslie denies to Elliot that he and Elizabeth were having an affair. Rossi finds a drunken Paul Hanley lurking outside his cottage. Paul reveals that his late sister lived there 18 years ago. When Elliot arrives, Paul nervously excuses himself and quickly leaves.

Julie is apprehensive when the sanitarium psychiatrist suggests George have a trial visit to Peyton Place. Elliot informs Dr. Rossi that he intends to take possession of the cottage again. Leslie gives Julie a copy of Blaine's report on Betty. Julie ends her relationship with Leslie. Betty and Rodney meet with the attorney to dissolve their marriage. Matt urges Constance to tell Allison the truth about her parentage. Elliot warns Allison to stay away from Paul Hanley.

Elliot tells Calvin Hanley that he knows Elizabeth was seeing Leslie when she was murdered. Later, Calvin visits Leslie, who admits that Catherine wrote a letter to Martin Peyton that detailed Leslie's affair with Elizabeth. Paul attempts to persuade Constance into granting permission for Allison to attend the New York field trip, but she refuses. Elliot warns Connie that Paul is suspicious about what happened 18 years ago. After a visit from Leslie's attorney, Calvin collapses and dies.

Betty and Rodney's marriage is annulled. Rossi suggests to Julie that Betty might consider training as a nurse's aide. Leslie and Norman argue about Leslie's intent to prove Catherine was incompetent when she added the codicil to her will. While disposing of Calvin's effects, Paul finds a trunk hidden in a closet.

Betty interviews with Nurse Choate at Doctor's Hospital, but Choate is skeptical about Betty's commitment to nursing. Allison offers Paul sympathy over his father's death, though Paul is unmoved. Rodney tells Allison that his marriage is legally over, and he wants to see her again. Paul finds a diary in Calvin's trunk and secretly leaves it in Elliot's cottage. Elliot discovers the diary wrapped in an 18 year-old newspaper announcing the murder of Elizabeth Hanley Carson.

Julie and Nurse Choate clash at the hospital. Dr. Rossi convinces Betty not to quit her job without giving it a proper chance. Rodney and Allison meet for a skiing trip, while Norman laments that he is tired of ""going downhill"". Elliot admits to Leslie's attorney that he has a copy of Elziabeth's diary and can prove she and Leslie were having an affair. Julie and Betty worry about George's trial visit.

Attorney Wainwright suggests Leslie drop the codicil fight since Elliot is in possession of evidence that implicates Leslie in Elizabeth's murder. At the Shoreline Cafe, Rita Jacks and her friend Kitch taunt Norman. Kitch spikes Norman's drink, then threatens Rita who fails to persuade Norman not to drink it. Allison and Rodney's evening at the ski lodge is interrupted by a morose Paul. Leslie warns Constance he'll expose Elliot as Allison's father if Connie doesn't persuade Elliot into not using Elizabeth's diary against him.

Leslie gives Constance one day to hand over Elizabeth's diary or he'll expose Allison's true parentage. Allison interrupts Connie, who is attempting to contact Elliot with news of Leslie's blackmail. Kitch and his gang tie a drunken Norman to the Pillory in town square. Paul finds Norman and takes him to the hospital. Dr. Rossi assures Leslie and Rodney that Norman has not suffered any injuries. Connie tells an enraged Elliot about Leslie's threats. Elliot offers Connie the diary, but when she refuses to take it, he vows to find another way to stop Leslie.

Julie and Betty nervously welcome George home from the sanitarium. Rita visits Norman in the hospital and meets a disapproving Rodney. Elliot promises Leslie he won't use Elizabeth's diary against him if Leslie agrees to stay away from Constance and Allison. Leslie admits he saw Elizabeth at the cottage the night she was killed, but he vows he was not the killer.

Dr. Morton learns that his daughter Claire is coming home to Peyton Place from Lima, Peru. Rodney assures Leslie that he will deal with the person who spiked Norman's drink at the Shoreline. Nurse Choate and Betty spar again at the hospital. Rodney fights Kitch and his pal Earl for their part in Norman's trouble. Paul demands that Elliot return Elizabeth's diary so that the guilty party -Leslie Harrington- can be punished at last.

Paul visits Leslie and accuses him of murdering Elizabeth. Dr. Morton receives a phone call from Claire, who arrives at Miami International Airport. Norman asks Rita out on a date, but she tells him that his family wouldn't approve of her. Betty reveals to Paul that her father will be home for a week, and that he and Leslie Harrington hate one another.

Elliot is served with a subpoena, ordering him to produce Elizabeth's diary at Leslie's court hearing to void the codicil to Catherine's will. Matt discourages Elliot from burning the diary to protect Allison. Rita buys a book to teach herself about style and beauty. Ada approves of Rita and Norman dating. Paul and Leslie argue about Leslie's possible involvement in Elizabeth's death. George visits Leslie at the Mill, offering to pay back his medical expenses, but their conversation turns to animosity when George learns Leslie paid the bills to end Betty's marriage to Rodney. After the confrontation with Leslie, Paul offers an angry George a ride home.

Paul goads George into getting drunk at Ada's Tavern and informs him that Leslie has chased after many married women -not just Julie. Rodney tells Allison that Leslie has agreed to drop the codicil suit. Wainwright offers Leslie a settlement in exchange for his resignation from the Peyton Mill, then reveals that Martin Peyton has already interviewed applicants for Leslie's replacement. Elliot attempts to warn Leslie that an angry George is on his way to the Harrington mansion.

Paul drops George off at the Harrington mansion and tells him that Leslie killed Elizabeth Carson. Dr. Morton discovers that Claire isn't registered at the hotel where she said she'd be staying. George breaks into the mansion, wrestles a gun away from Leslie, and demands he write a confession to Elizabeth's murder. Elliot arrives at the mansion and is accidentally shot while attempting to save Leslie from being killed by George. Constance and Julie learn that George has shot Elliot.

Rossi and Dr. Morton fight to save Elliot's life. Leslie reveals to Norman and Rodney that he has decided to leave Peyton Place. Paul tells Allison about the shooting at the Harrington mansion. Rossi and Dr. Morton worry about a bullet fragment lodged in Elliot's aorta.

Rodney and Norman question why George would want to kill Leslie. Julie reports to Constance that George has been reconfined to Greenvale Sanitarium. Matt insists Eli be contacted in Florida with the news of Elliot's condition. Elliot awakens and is told that he'll survive. Claire Morton arrives at the hospital and meets Rossi. Leslie thanks Elliot for saving his life then demands to meet with Paul Hanley.

Leslie offers to pay Elliot's medical bills in gratitude, but Elliot states that he only wants his good name back. Leslie promises to clear Elliot of Elizabeth's murder. Rodney learns from Betty that George and Paul were drinking at Ada's Tavern just before George attempted to kill Leslie. After Elliot begins to hemorrhage, Constance asks to speak with Allison. Leslie meets with attorney Theodore Dowell and offers a full confession about Elizabeth's murder.

Constance tells Allison that Elliot Carson is her natural father and reveals the story of her conception. Leslie assures Julie that he isn't guilty of murdering Elizabeth. Allison turns to Paul after rejecting Connie as a liar. Claire questions Nurse Choate about Dr. Rossi's background. Betty blames Paul for George's violence. Rodney takes Allison to see Elliot, whose condition deteriorates. Before Elliot is rushed into emergency surgery, Allison tells him that she'll be waiting for him when he comes out.

Allison vows to never speak again to Constance if Elliot doesn't survive the surgery. Ada tells Paul he's still a troublemaker, just like he was as a child. Paul responds that he was always good at everything except loving. Betty and Claire meet at the hospital and develop a rapport. Allison rejects Connie and goes home with Betty. Rodney accuses Paul of goading George into attempting to kill Leslie. Claire receives a letter from Dr. Vincent Markham in Peru.

Julie calls Constance to tell her that Allison is spending the night at the Anderson home. Rossi invites Claire to go ice-skating. Connie warns Leslie that if he doesn't go to the police to clear Elliot's name, she will. Allison refuses to speak with Connie. When Rodney demands to know the truth about Elizabeth Carson's murder, Leslie finally confesses that Catherine murdered her in a jealous rage when she discovered that he and Elizabeth were lovers.

Rodney encounters Constance at Elliot's cottage and confesses that he knows who killed Elizabeth; Connie reassures him that Leslie loves him. Leslie prepares to leave for Boston, where he plans to clear Elliot's name by confessing the truth about Elizabeth's death to the Lieutenant Governor. Allison reveals to a hospitalized Elliot that she is changing her name to Carson, while Elliot asks her to forgive Connie for lying about her parentage. Claire asks for raincheck when Rossi invites her skating. Leslie reveals to Matt that he is resigning from Peyton Mill and begs Matt not sensationalize Catherine's crime since it will devastate Norman.

Claire stuns her mother Grace with the news that Dr. Vincent Markham is actually Claire's husband. After learning Rossi knew Constance as an orderly in the hospital where she was born, Allison decides to return home, then she asks Connie point-blank if Connie wanted her when she discovered she was pregnant. Connie removes her ""wedding band"" from ""Mr. MacKenzie."" Rodney is unable to tell Norman the truth about their mother. Paul is angry that Matt published a story that clears Leslie of murdering Elizabeth. Norman reads Matt's story and tells Rodney never to mention their mother's name again when Rodney insists she was mentally unbalanced.

Paul admits that he always ends up hurting the people around him, prompting Elliot to suggest he make changes in his life. Betty observes that Claire and Dr. Rossi would be a good match romantically. Claire admits to her father that she feels she never lived up to his expectations, but he assures her he only wants her happiness. Allison asks Matt why he never told her that Elliot was her father. Rodney reveals to Leslie that Norman thinks he killed Elizabeth, but Norman refuses to speak with Leslie. Elliot proposes a future with Constance. Leslie reveals that he plans to leave Peyton Place and go to Europe.

Eli returns from Florida for the wedding of Elliot and Constance. Rodney welcomes David, Doris, and Kim Schuster to the mansion after David takes over Leslie's position at Peyton Mill. Later, Doris cattily remarks that Rodney has no business being in their home. Elliot tells Eli that he is moving into the Mackenzie home. Allison helps Connie dress for the wedding. In Norman and Rodney's new apartment, Norman kisses Rita. Rossi wishes Connie and Elliot well. Rodney tells Norman that he received a letter from Leslie, who is currently residing in London. Norman doesn't care about Leslie but shows great interest in how the Schusters like the Harrington mansion. Rodney reminds Norman that must now live in the future instead of the past.

Elliot and Constance are married by Reverand Jerry Bedford, in standing room only ceremony. Reverand Bedford demonstrates an interest in Betty. The Schuster family moves into the Harrington mansion. Rossi reveals that George Anderson is unresponsive to treatment at the sanitarium, while Betty laments that she has hardly spoken to Rodney, who dances with Allison. Norman disrupts the wedding reception with a violent outburst, accusing everyone of being liars.

Connie and Elliot leave Peyton Place for their honeymoon. Allison meets Doris and Kim Schuster, who stop by the bookstore. Doris tells Allison that daughter Kim is deaf. Kim secretly steals a bell from the store. Matt interviews David Schuster for a newspaper feature. Allison makes dinner for Rodney, and they play the role of husband of wife having a quiet meal together. Dr. Morton tells Rossi that Norman always idolized his mother and is unable to accept her faults.

Rodney lectures Norman about frugality after Norman buys a car with his allowance. Rita models a new outfit for Ada and states that she wants to change image, implying it is for Norman's benefit, but Ada states flatly that it isn't right. Later, Norman tells Rita that the new dress isn't her style, which Rita takes a derogatory comment. Doris finds the bell Kim stole from Connie's bookstore. At Doctor's Hospital, young Reverand Jerry Bedford flirts with Betty. Allison meets David Schuster, who returns the bell Kim stole. Connie wonders what is wrong with a brooding Elliot. Allison receives word that Connie and Elliot are extending their honeymoon.

Attorney Theodore Dowell urges Rodney to look after Norman now that Leslie is gone. Allison decides to attend a house-warming/painting party at Rodney and Norman's new apartment. Rita arrives at the apartment having made new curtains for Norman. Allison shows up, too, and is introduced to Rita. Later, Norman acts strangely and leaves the party. At the Harrington mansion, Doris informs David that she has retained Anna Chernak to help with the household. David reveals that Kim's former New York teacher Amy Warren has refused to move to Peyton Place. Kim secretly watches her parents' conversation, reading lips, and when Doris states that they might consider sending Kim to a special school for the deaf, Kim slips out of the mansion. David discovers that Kim is missing from her room.

Having dinner with Rossi, Claire is annoyed when he questions why she refused her father's offer to place her on staff at Doctor's Hospital, but later, Claire admits to Grace she refused because she's married and likes Rossi too much. Rossi helps David search Peyton Place for a missing Kim. Rita and Allison discuss Norman at the housewarming party, and Allison leaves when Rita admits she feels intimidated. Rodney offers to help Rita feel more secure with Norman's world. Allison spies Kim hiding on the wharf, and hears Kim speak ""I hate you, Mommy"" to a doll. Norman frightens Doris after entering the Harrington mansion uninvited, prompting Doris to threaten to call the police.

Norman reveals his identity to Doris, who admits she is lonely too and invites him to return and talk anytime. Rodney and Allison phone Doris with the news that Kim has been found. Julie hints that she would like for Betty to date Reverand Jerry Bedford. A troubled Claire visits Jerry. Rodney and Allison bring Kim home to the mansion, where Kim hugs Allison, ignoring Doris. Angered, Doris snaps at Rodney about Norman ""breaking in"" to her home and states that it belongs to the Schusters now. Connie and Elliot discuss their future together under the same roof. Allison invites Rodney into her home, but he kisses her goodnight and leaves.

Norman and Rodney quarrel when Rod confronts his brother about the incident with Doris at the mansion. David and Doris argue about Kim, with David stating that it is a warning of something more serious. David stops by the Carson home the next morning to thank Allison for returning Kim. He interrogates her about what Kim said, but Allison claims she didn't understand. Claire joins the staff at Doctor's Hospital and has a spat with Rossi. Rodney apologizes to Doris for Norman's intrusion, and she accepts. Allison declines Doris' request that she babysit Kim, then Allison goes home to face Connie and Elliot, who have returned from their honeymoon.

Allison rejects Elliot's offer to take her and Connie to dinner, stating that she is babysitting Kim Schuster. Kim destroys a picture she and Doris were drawing. Theodore Dowell dines at the inn with the Schusters. At Doctor's Hospital, Betty and Rossi tend to pregnant Janet Sinclair, a young girl who used to double-date with Rodney and Betty. Martin Peyton's limousine drops off Steven Cord, who checks into the inn. Doris questions the limo driver about Martin Peyton.

Allison prevents Kim from running away again. Steven meets Doris Schuster in the Colonial Inn bar. Dining with Rossi at the inn, Norman is surly and rude to Theodore Dowell, who extends a dinner invitation to Rodney and Norm. Allison hears Kim making vague noises again and realizes the child can speak when she so desires. Claire and Betty tend to Janet Sinclair when she begins experiencing labor pains. Claire telephones Rossi to assist with the delivery, and Rossi suggests Rodney accompnay him since Rod and Janet's husband played football together in high school. Steven gives Dowell a letter from Martin Peyton that strongly suggests Dowell hire Steven to work in his law firm. Dowell tells Steven that he has always worked alone, but Steven intimates that Dowell doesn't have a choice.

After dinner with the Dowells, Doris worries that it is only a matter of time before people discover that she is David's second wife. Steven has a drink at Ada's tavern. Realizing he is Hannah Cord's son, Ada warns him not to return. Later, Ada tells curious Rita that Hannah Cord is Martin Peyton's longtime housekeeper. Claire delivers Janet's baby, then Rossi explains to Claire that Rodney and Betty were married and lost a baby. David drives Allison home from babysitting and talks to her about his childhood. She introduces Schuster to Elliot and Constance, but Elliot appears to affect an instant dislike of David.

Allison reveals to Connie and Elliot that the Schusters would like for her to care for Kim. Rodney and Norm discuss Norman's upcoming graduation. Later, at the pharmacy soda fountain, Norman greets Steven. Steven reveals that Theodore Dowell is assuming Martin Peyton's legal affairs from Wainwright. They discuss the past, and Steven assures Norman that Martin shares Norman's conviction that Catherine did not murder Elizabeth Carson. Betty and Rodney are both affected by the arrival of the Sinclair baby, lamenting everything that they could have had if things had been different.

At Dowell's law office, Julie and Betty meet Steven Cord after Cord clashes with Dowell. Dowell informs the Andersons that George will not stand trial for shooting Elliot until mentally competent. Julie requests a divorce, but Dowell informs her that insanity is not grounds for divorce under Massachusetts law. Allison invites Connie to eat with her lamenting that she and Connie haven't had any time together since Connie married Elliot. Claire invites Rossi to dinner, admitting that her father doesn't know she's married to Vincent Markham. David's plan to lay off men at Peyton Mill is not well-received. Later, David asks Julie to return to the mill as his secretary. Elliot decides to have a family heirloom made into a bracelet for Allison. Doris gossips with David about the scandal involving Elliot Carson, leading to another argument.

Julie agrees to consider David Schuster's job offer. Elliot gives Allison a bracelet inscribed with the French phrase Je veille sur ceux que je v'aime. Norman tells Rodney that Steven Cord has returned to Peyton Place, and Steven reports that their grandfather believes Catherine was innocent of murder. Rodney runs into Allison at the university and confesses that he wanted to stay with her the night she invited him home. Claire admits to Dr. Morton that she is married. Betty allows Reverand Bedford to take her home after an altercation with Miss Choate prompts Rossi to scold her for insubordination.

Allison rescues Rita from hoods Joe Chernak and his pal Earl, who tell her that Kitch is leaving town. Rita confides to Allison that she feels unworthy of Norman. Later. Allison admonishes Norm for his poor treatment of Rita. David questions Rodney about his relationship with Allison. Doris sides with Kim when Allison attempts to discipline the child, but David gives Allison permission to treat Kim as she would any other unruly youngster. The incident with Allison creates tension and subsequently quarreling between Doris and David. David offers to hire Allison part-time as Kim's nanny. Julie strongly urges Betty to accept a date with Reverand Bedford, but Betty worries about her reputation as a ""bad girl"". At dinner, Betty nervously attempts to tell Reverand Bedford about her relationship with Rodney, but he eases the tension by admitting he already knows the story, and it doesn't matter. Claire and Rossi sip champagne to celebrate her decision to divorce Vincent. Dr. Morton catches th

After meeting Steven at the inn, Rodney admits to Allison that he never liked Steven. Betty reports her date with Reverand Jerry Bedford to Julie, confessing that it was refreshing to get out their house for a while. Ada finds Rita studying a book and suggests perhaps she's doing it to impress Norman, but Rita insists she want to improve herself. Norman drops by with a gift, then they're interrupted by Rita's rowdy old ""friends"" who arrive in a honking car outside. Rossi plans to move back into Elliot's beachside cottage now that Elliot is living in the ""Mackenzie"" home. Elliot waits impatiently for Allison, who, returning home from a date, is about to be kissed by Rodney at her front door.

Elliot invites Rodney into the house for coffee and cake after his date with Allison, then tells Constance that everytime he looks at Rodney, he sees Leslie -the man who cheated with his wife and allowed him to spend 18 years in prison for a crime he didn't commit. Julie tenders her resignation to Rossi after deciding to accept David's offer to take her back as secretary at Peyton Mill. Rodney questions Steven about why he returned to Peyton Place after so many years. Matt and Eli lament being old and lonely men. Steven calls Hannah in Boston, and their conversation regarding Rodney and Norman is loaded with subtext.

Joe phones and harrasses Rita. Betty reluctantly apologizes to Miss Choate for being insubordinate, then is paid a special visit by Steven, who seems to be interested in her. Dr. Morton interrogates Rossi about his feelings for Claire. Rodney stops by the mansion while Allison is tending to Kim. The three happily play hide-and-seek. When Rodney and Kim find a hidden Allison, Rodney kisses Allison just as David comes unexpectedly and catches them. Later, Allison laments to Constance that everything in her world seems to be changing.

Norman and Rodney receive a letter from Leslie, who congratulates Norm on his upcoming graduation, but Norman refuses to write his father back. Kim is nearly hit by a car while crossing the town square with Doris. Allison invites Doris and Kim to a puppet show at the university. Norman hears Joe's car honking outside the pharmacy where Rita is working and demands to know if Joe is still harrassing her. While examining Kim, Rossi senses something is troubling Doris. At the mill, Julie persuades David not to fire Gus Chernak. Rodney arrives at the mill to apologize to David for his behavior with Allison while she was caring for Kim. David offers Rodney a job at Peyton Mill. Rodney runs into Joe Chernak on his way out of the mill. Joe tells Rodney that Rita is trouble then warns Rodney to set Norman straight about her.

Norman finds Joe annoying Rita at the soda fountain in the pharmacy and threatens him. Doris invites Steven to a dinner party at the mansion, later reminding David that Steven is their only link to Martin Peyton. David seems annoyed at Doris' social-climbing. Steven prepares to catch a bus to Boston as he has legal documents requiring Martin Peyton's signature. Matt tells Eli and Elliot that a weather bulletin indicates severe weather moving toward Peyton Place. After the puppet show at the university, Allison and Doris head to the wharf for ice cream. Joe catches Rita leaving the library at closing time and insists she come with him as the storm approaches.

Elliot rescues Rita from Joe, who tries to force her into his car. After Elliot wrestles with him, Joe flees. Rita tells Elliot not to call the police and admits that Norman has already threatened to kill him. Norman arrives at Ada's Tavern and shortly thereafter, Elliot brings Rita in. A frightened Rita dismisses Norman's fears that something has happened, while Elliot privately describes the incident to Ada. As the storm arrives, Constance discovers that her phone is dead. David drops by Connie's house and has a strange conversation with her about how fond he is of Allison. Doris and Allison are trapped at the ice-cream shop while the storm rages.

In Boston, Steven declares to Hannah that one day the House of Peyton will be theirs. Norman tries to soothe Rita, who is still shaking from the attack by Joe. Later, Ada suggests that Rita should go away to college. Rodney tells Norman about his conversation with Joe, but warns him that Joe might not leave him alone. On the bus back to Peyton Place, Steven introduces himself to a fellow passenger who turns out to be Vincent Markham, Claire's husband. Markham is rude and distant, refusing to engage in conversation with Steven. Markham leans his head against the passenger window to the rest. When the bus driver attempts to pass a slow-moving vehicle, he is forced to dodge an oncoming car, loses control of the bus on the rain-drenched highway, and crashes. Steven tries to assist a seriously injured Markham. At Doctor's Hospital, Betty and Miss Choate receive word of the crash. Betty phones the Morton home to tell Dr. Morton about the accident. Morton instructs Grace to send a missing Cla

At Doctor's Hospital, Markham collapses, and Rossi learns that the patient is Claire's husband. Betty nurses Steven's minor injuries. Coevring the accident for The Clarion, Matt thinks is a hero for pulling Vincent Markham out of the wrecked bus. Constance is relieved when Allison arrives home after the storm, but wonders what happened to Elliot, who is at the hospital donating blood for the crash victims. David and Doris quarrel about Kim being born deaf because of their past sins, with Doris reminding her husband that she broke up his happy marriage to his first wife Margaret. Doris taunts David that Allison reminds him of Margaret.

Elliot learns from Allison that last night wasn't the first time Joe Chernak harrassed Rita and ignores Connie's request that he leave it to the police. Claire and Vincent have a strained conversation at the hospital. Steven continues to pursue Betty, inviting her to lunch with him. Rodney encounters Joe again, then instructs Rita to tell him if Joe bothers her again. Norman happily prepares to graduate high school. Elliot meets with Joe and warns him to stay away from Rita.

Rodney meets Allison at the playground where Kim encounters two little girls who taunt her. Dr. Morton talks with Vincent to understand why his marriage to Claire failed. Rita models the new dress she bought for Norman's graduation and practices acting like a refined young lady. Betty learns that Vincent is Claire's husband. Vincent is anxious for a phone call from the Merriam Foundation, which he hopes will fund his practice in Peru.

Allison and Norman graduate high school. Rossi forces Vincent to remain in the hospital for further tests, while Vincent demands that Claire not see the results. The Carsons have a small party to toast the new graduates. Steven declares that Vincent is a very complicated man, then insists Betty accompany him to dinner. On her way to meet with Norman for the prom, Rita is grabbed by Joe, who forces her into a deserted warehouse, where he begins kissing her violently. She pulls away from him and screams as he approaches her menacingly.

Ada senses something is terribly wrong when Rita arrives home in disarray with the wrinkled prom dress, but Rita insists she's fine. Rossi reveals to Claire that Vincent is suffering from polycyclemia, a blood disorder. Vincent reiterates he has work to do when Rossi informs him that he will die if he returns to Peru without treatment for his disease. Claire tells Rossi that Vincent is the one who wanted a divorce because he can't allow himself to be close to anyone. Vincent receives a phone call from his brother Kenneth. Julie encourages Betty to date Reverand Jerry Bedford instead of Steven Cord, whom Julie feels is too agressive. When Norman arrives to take her to the prom, an unsteady Rita attempts to hide her attack by Joe. Joe visits his mother at the Schuster mansion, informing her that he is leaving Peyton Place for a mechanic's job in White River. Mrs. Chernak accuses Joe of lying and running away because he has probably committed a serious crime.

Still shaken from Joe's attack, Rita is uneasy and distant at the prom. Rodney invites Allison back to his apartment for a late-night breakfast. Rossi helps Vincent check into the inn and phones Kenneth Markham in Philadelphia. Leslie phones from Europe to congratulate Norman on graduating. Norman informs his father that he is dating Rita Jacks, then asks if Leslie really murdered Elizabeth Carson. Leslie swears to Norman that Catherine was Elizabeth's killer and wants to know if he can accept that truth now. Steven informs Betty that he and she are ""two-of-kind""; he grew up in the basement while she had to settle for a second-floor. He alludes very elliptically that they can have the ""whole house"".

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