PEYTON PLACE Episode 122. 09-30-65 Friction between Dr. Rossi and Stella Chernak. WA: Leslie Harrington has returned to Peyton Place. He has returned to stand by his son, Rodney, during the ordeal of arraignment and pre-trial. And possibly the trial itself on a charge of murder. The facts of Harrington's past must not be a burden to him now. For Harrington has tried to convince himself the failures are behind him. If there are any left with stones, let them throw the stones. Leslie Harrington has returned and Peyton Place must react to him. Intro: Clock striking XII. Pillory. Leslie stands up. Written by Rita Lakin and Michael Gleason. Directed by Walter Doniger. Scene 1: Leslie goes to the bank building and upstairs to see lawyer Theodore Dowell. Dowell is buzzed by his secretary. Dowell says, "Send him in." Leslie comes in to talk. Dowell tells Leslie not to throw his weight around. Leslie says that he was never afraid of a good fight. Dowell says that he hasn't practiced criminal law for some time. Dowell says not to fling the name Harrington in their faces. Dowell suggests that he hire the best criminal lawyer he can find. Leslie doesn't want to bring in strangers, outsiders. Leslie says that he wants Dowell to do it. Leslie asks if Dowell has personal reasons for not doing it. He read in the paper that Dowell is representing Martin Peyton interests. Steven barges comes in and introduces himself to Leslie Harrington. Leslie asks Steven how his mother is. Dowell explains to Leslie that Steven is his associate. Leslie leaves. Scene 2: Norman, wearing a suit, but carrying his coat, with his necktie loosened, goes into the Pharmacy to talk with Rita. Norman asks why it took the man that was in the Pharmacy so long to leave. Rita asks if he would like a cup of coffee. Norman says that they locked up Rodney. That the streets are safe now. Norman makes up the term, guilt by wishful thinking. Norman talks about the ugly business with his mother. Norman tells Rita that he wants Leslie to meet her. Scene 3: At Doctors Hospital, Dr. Rossi walks over to talk with Dr. Morton. Rossi asks if there is any chance the board will turn down his request for funds for research. Morton says that there is always a chance. Scene 4: The board meeting begins. The chairman inquires about Mrs. Wilkerson, about one of Dr. Rossi's patients. Rossi says that she is doing well. Getting down to business, the chairman says the research sounds interesting. They talk about the surgical facility. One of the board, Mr. Thackery, suggests that the research should be done in a larger hospital. He asks why they should get into research. Rossi says, because they can. Rossi promotes his project. Rossi says that he feels that he is on trial. And he says that he is concerned with human life. Morton talks about the time when Rossi came to town and that he was the first to brand him as a hot-headed young egotist. Morton recommends that the board give Rossi the funds provided by Markham. One of the board members asks if Rossi would leave if he doesn't get the grant. Rossi adroitly sidesteps the question. [Kenneth Markham had given Rossi the check for $10,000 before he returned to Pittsburgh in episode 106.] Scene 5: Steven knocks on the office door and goes in to talk with Theodore Dowell. He talks about Leslie. Steven says that Leslie has not mellowed. He says that Leslie looked dis-satisfied when he left. Dowell tells Steven that Leslie wants a local lawyer. Steven says that he would like to help defend Rodney. Dowell asks why. Steven says that he doesn't let sentiment get in the way of his career. His reason is purely selfish. Rodney is Martin Peyton's grandson. The prosecution has only one eye-witness. They need a motive. Steven says he just has a feeling. Steven asks to join in the defense of Rodney Harrington. Scene 6: Gus Chernak is walking on the wharf past Joe's Boat Repair and Ada Jacks' Tavern. He goes up to talk with Stella who is standing on the pier where Joe died. She is just standing staring at the water. Gus says that a man could starve waiting for her to come back with the groceries. Gus mentions that Stella hasn't had anything to eat all day. Gus compliments her on standing up for the truth. Gus talks about Leslie Harrington. Gus reminds her that he was a loom operator. Leslie demoted him to a night-watchman. It is inferred that his wages were cut severely. Stella tells Gus to quit selling the truth. Gus asks Stella about her job in California. He asks if she is on vacation. Gus asks her to stay with him and Anna there in Peyton Place. Gus says that he is proud of her. Gus allows that Stella could work for Dr. Rossi. Scene 7: Leslie Harrington talks with John Fowler as they walk from the Colonial Post Inn past the Pillory toward the Pharmacy. Leslie asks John to agree to release Rodney on bail. Leslie asks John about his father. John says that his father, Fowler Sr., lives in Arizona. Leslie makes veiled accusations against John. Leslie says, "You are prosecuting me, Fowler." Fowler says, "It has nothing to do with the Elliot Carson case." Fowler asserts that he has a strong case against Rodney. Preview: Constance talks with Elliot. Steven talks with Norman. Rodney talks with Elliot Carson. CM: As a newspaperman, you can't afford to have views. You have to be impartial. EC: Supposing I can't. SC: You got off on the wrong foot. We have to trust each other, now. NH: I'm busy, Mr. Cord. RH: You were tried on the facts. EC: I think that was a little different, Rodney. RH: Was it? Mr. Thackery, hospital board member. Stella had been to a grocery store but neither a grocery store nor a market was ever shown in the series. Ada was seen returning from a grocery store on foot so it must have been on or near the wharf. PREV HOME NEXT