Susan Hayward was early favorite for lead role.
Susan Strasberg was initially set to play Allison. However, when she upped her salary, she was fired. For a short period, Debbie Reynolds was set to replace her. Eventually, 20 famous actresses were tested before the unknown Diane Varsi got the role.
Barbara Eden tested for the role of Selena Cross.
Some of the shots of the New England fall were actually shot for The Trouble with Harry.
The film received nine Oscar nominations, including four honouring supporting performances, which set a record for that time. It would later be matched by Tom Jones, The Last Picture Show, and The Godfather: Part II.
The film's title was later immortalized in the lyrics to Jeannie C. Riley's 1968 hit "Harper Valley P.T.A".
The real life murder of star Lana Turner's mobster boyfriend Johnny Stompanato by Turner's daughter was later fictionalized in the movie Where Love Has Gone, also scripted by "Peyton Place" writer John Michael Hayes.
Twentieth Century-Fox reportedly bought the film rights to Grace Metalious' novel for $100,000.
Twentieth Century-Fox wanted either Jane Wyman or Olivia de Havilland for the role of Constance MacKenzie.