Dr. Michael Rossi arrives by train in the small New England town of Peyton Place. He is greeted at the station by teenager Rodney Harrington and his girlfriend, Betty Anderson, who drive him to the local inn. Rodney catches his father, Leslie Harrington, wealthy head of the Peyton Place Mills, kissing his secretary Julie Anderson, Betty's mother. Betty is confused by the sudden change in Rodney's demeanor and his conflicted silence. They break off in anger and Rodney drives away. He encounters virginal Allison MacKenzie, a special friend of his shy younger brother, Norman Harrington. Allison and Rodney are seen kissing by Constance MacKenzie, Allison's over-protective mother. Dr. Rossi befriends Matthew Swain, editor of the "Peyton Place Clarion".

Norman learns that Rodney is after Allison. Leslie urges Rodney to forget what he saw last night. Dr. Rossi gets settled and meets Constance, whom he's sure that he knows, which worries her.

Dr. Rossi tells Betty she may be pregnant. Laura decides to stay on as Rossi's secretary. Matthew urges Connie to tell Allison the truth about her birth. Betty tries to talk to Rodney. Dr. Rossi remembers Connie and the circumstances of her pregnancy.

Lesley Harrington tells July Anderson he loves here. July says she cannot leave George, because she still loves George, despite things he does and despite she is afraid of him. Constance visits Mike Rossi to tell the truth, about the birth of Allison After breaking up with Betty, Rodney has a date with Allison. He puts all his charms on her to make her feel special, Betty is desperate because Rodney left her, she tells her mother she thinks she is pregnant. George comes home angry and beats his wife.

After George beats up Julie, he asks for help with doctor Rossi, to whom he tells she fell off the stairs. Later, he tells to his daughter she is too good for Rodney. Michael confronts Constance with the fact she is shutting him out of her life. Meanwhile, Leslie asks Rod why he broke up with Betty. Leslie's affair with Julie comes up, which Norman hears. They are interrupted with George, who visits the Harrington house, tells Leslie about Julie's situation.

When Andrea Nichols asks Norman out for a date, he blames Rod for setting them up. Rod did this so he can go out with Allison. When Betty finds out Rodney went out on a date with Allison, she is shocked. Meanwhile, George feels guilty about hitting his wife and tries to make up with her. Matthew visits Constance and urges her to tell the truth about her father. Meanwhile, at the party, Betty steals the attention from Rodney, which does not please Allison. She ends up dumping Rodney, after she sees Betty flirting with him.

Rodney makes up with Allison and they end up almost kissing, before they are interrupted. Meanwhile, George wants to make up with Julie and she purposes to go in therapy, which makes George angry.

Constance comes back from her night out with doctor Rossi and invites him in. Rodney thinks Allison is not interested in him. She ends up going home crying and blames her mother for her being afraid to love someone. The next day, doctor Rossi tells a shocked Betty she is pregnant. She next is afraid to tell her father. Julie forces her to tell Rod about the pregnancy. Meanwhile, Rodney invites Allison over for brunch. Michael is introduced to doctor Robert Morton. Norman is sad when he sees Rod and Allison together.

It's the yearly Peyton Place Founders Festival. Allison is at the Harrington house for a family brunch. Leslie finds out Catherine isn't feeling well. Rod tells Allison he loves her and they kiss. Meanwhile, Julie forces Betty to tell Rod about her pregnancy, but he doesn't want to talk to her. Catherine becomes suspicious of Leslie's long working hours and thinks he has an affair with Julie. They admit to each other they are unhappy. At the festival, Connie becomes jealous when she sees Michael with Laura. So is Betty, when she sees Rod with Allison.

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.

While the fireworks of the festival are shot in the air, Rodney and Allison kiss. They are interrupted by Betty, who says she wants to talk to Rod. Meanwhile, Constance joins Michael and Laura for dinner. While Rod is talking to Betty, Allison is being harassed by biker Jimmy. She is rescued by George, who then finds out she's dating with Rodney. When he gets home, Julie tells him she has quited her job. Back in the car, Betty asks Rod what his feelings for Allison are. She tells him she knows about the affair of Leslie and Julie and confronts him with her pregnancy. Rodney is shocked and decides to drive back to Peyton Place. On their way, they are hit by a truck. Rod struggles to get out of the car and Betty is unconscious.

Matthew tells to Allison and Constance, Rodney and Betty were involved in a car accident. He says Betty is badly injured and is in surgery in the hospital. When George finds out, he is enraged and takes out on Leslie, blaming his son Rodney for the cause. When Leslie confronts Rodney about the accidents, Rodney admits he planned to run away town with Allison, but can't anymore now because of Betty. Later, doctor Rossi doesn't want George around the recovering Betty. He leaves and demands Leslie to force Rodney to get back with Betty. Meanwhile, Matthew asks Allison not to call him uncle Matt anymore.

Doctor Rossi informs Julie and George that Betty had a miscarriage because of the car accident. Julie later visits her daughter and tells her George knows about the former pregnancy. Rodney tells Allison he has to be with Betty. Meanwhile, Leslie visits Betty and she gives him a hard time. She comes to his point and says he wants her to leave town and put the baby - he doesn't know about the miscarriage - up for adoption. She later tells to her dad about her conversation with Leslie and he swears revenge. Rodney drops in and suggests for them to marry. She knows he only does it because of the pregnancy. She accepts and doesn't tell him about her miscarriage.

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.

Betty tells Allison she and Rodney are married. When she tells Constance, she is mad and wants to do something, but is stopped by Michael. Constance becomes mad at her. Before Rod and Betty go to the Harrington house to inform them about their marriage, they stop by the Andersons. Julie confronts her daughter with not telling about her miscarriage. Meanwhile, Catherine again confronts Leslie about his contacts with Julie. When Rodney and Betty arrive, Leslie welcomes Betty in their family. When Rodney is out to get some champagne, Leslie tells her he only married her because of the pregnancy.

Betty attempts niceties with her new mother-in-law, but Catherine is perfectly cold toward her. Norman uses his mother's illness as an excuse for her rude behavior. Betty pays a call on Dr. Rossi, who urges her to tell Rod the truth about the baby while, later, her father reassures her on her course of action. Having already made plans with Constance, Rossi declines a country club date with Laura Brooks, who observes them driving away. Constance is visibly upset when Rossi takes her to the old Carson cottage, which he has rented from Eli Carson, a bronchitis patient. Constance reveals that a woman was murdered in the cottage around the time of the war.

Leslie tells Betty he accepts her as a Harrington member. Next, doctor Morton comes over to check on the sick Catherine. She asks him to spy on Betty, whenever she visits the hospital. Meanwhile, George visits Leslie at work to come up and get Julie's stuff. He apologizes to Leslie about hitting him. He also tells him he is going to open his own agency. Leslie doesn't want to lose him as a salesman, but George declines. Michael asks Connie out on a date again and she accepts. Allison is being gossiped about by classmates. Robert runs into Matthew and tells him he has his doubts about doctor Rossi. He next goes to Michael and asks about Betty. Michael doesn't let go any information and threatens doctor Morton with his job when Robert says he thinks Betty is manipulative.

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.

After Mike talks to Connie, he returns to his office where Laura informs him a patient has backed out because of Catherine's death. Doctor Morton talks trash about Michael to Leslie, who sticks up for doctor Rossi. Meanwhile, Rodney tells his father Betty won't get a baby. He offers him to divorce her, but he responds it's more complicated. Betty interrupts them and tells Leslie she has hired a lawyer. At the same moment, Allison tells Matthew she doesn't want to write teen columns for him anymore and he responds she isn't allowed to miss another deadline anymore. Doctor Morton has arranged a meeting against doctor Rossi and when he walks in, Robert confronts him he should never have operated Catherine. Michael defends himself.

Leslie tells Betty to not make a big deal out of her future divorce with Rodney, but she tells him she isn't planning on divorcing his son. He then goes to her parents George and Julie to talk about the divorce, but he is annoyed with George, who thinks there is nothing Leslie can do. Meanwhile, Laura flirts with Mike, but he tells her that there is no future with the two of them together. At the same moment, Allison and Constance discuss about Mike being a suspect of Catherine's death. Robert talks to doctor Morton and he tells him the boarder has decided the operation was unnecessary and doctor Rossi will be fired. Doctor Rossi next gets mad at doctor Morton. When Constance talks to Matt, he tells her that Elliot Carson might be coming to Peyton Place because he is on parole.

Betty is still being looked down on by Leslie and now Rod also doesn't talk to her anymore. She has had enough and says she is to move back in with her parents again. He offers her money to leave town, but she rejects it. After he is convinced by Constance and Matthew, Rossi - who has recently lost his privileges at the hospital - pursues vindication of the charges against him. Meanwhile, the Harringtons are gathered when the will of Catherine is revealed. When attorney Theodore Dowell starts to read her will, he is called by William Kennerling, who has a codicil to the will.

William Kennedy comes to visit Leslie Harrington, while the will of Catherine is being read out loud. There are problems when it appears Martin Peyton, Catherine's father, is included in the will as well. George decides to also go the reading of the will. Meanwhile, Betty tells Julie Rodney has offered to pay her if she leaves town. She accuses Julie for not loving George, but Julie tells her she does love him. At the book store, Matt tells Constance he is to visit Elliot and that Elliot most likely will come to Peyton Place. Allison asks her about Elliot and Constance admits she doesn't want to see him again. Later, Constance is at Michael's place and he tells her he probably has to move if Elliot comes back, because he lives in Elliot's former house. He also makes clear he is thinking about moving back to New York City, but promises her he isn't going to leave. They kiss after wards. Meanwhile, Elliot is being annoyed by his prison mate and he threatens him.

Matt visits Elliot in prison, where Elliot makes it clear he is determined to return to Peyton Place and prove his innocence. Rodney flirts with Allison, but is embarrassed when they run into his ex-father-in-law George. George later goes to Mike after physically hurting Julie and asks for pills to prevent him of becoming violence. Meanwhile, Rodney has a fall out with Betty. Laura tells Mike Dr. Bradley was once a surgeon, after which Mike confronts him. Dr. Bradley lies to him and calls Dr. Morton.

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.

When help is looked for, Mike turns to the Anderson home. He soon worries about the domestic violence. George is taken to the Doctor's Hospital, where Mike and Dr. Morton anger each other about who is in charge. Julie temporarily stays at the MacKenzie house. Here, she is visited by her daughter Betty, who blames her for the situation. 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 he refuses to. Laura tries to help Mike out in the hospital, but he feels manipulated into spending time with her. Matthew stresses Connie when he tells her Elliot has his parole hearing tomorrow. Norman asks Allison out on a date and she accepts. Dr. Morton comes to Dr. Rossi's office and admits Michael was right and he was wrong and promises him he will reinstate him at the hospital and 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.

It's now winter and Allison tells her mother she doesn't think Elliot Carson has murdered his wife. When Betty visits Julie at the MacKenzie house, Julie tells her she is going to leave George. Later, Betty goes to her drunk father and he calls her Julie. Connie reveals to Mike that Elliot is Allison's biological father. Betty talks to Rodney and finally realizes that there is no love between them. Rodney offers her the divorce. She decides to leave town, but is stopped by Allison. She is not able to change Betty's minds and promises her she won't tell anyone about seeing her there.

Everyone is worried with Betty's sudden disappearance. Leslie and Rod hire a private detective, who claims to have seen her in a hotel called Quincy. While Rodney feels guilty and is sad, Leslie is delighted because he thinks a divorce can be final because of her "desertion". Mike and Connie grow more to each other. Laura tells Leslie that she thinks the family is no good. George visits Julie at the MacKenzie house. She tells him Betty has been gone for a while. Meanwhile, Allison admits to Rodney she saw Betty leave by bus. They are interrupted by George, who threatens to kill Rodney if Betty doesn't show up anytime soon. In the ending, a free Elliot Carson enters Peyton Place.

Elliot arrives in Peyton Place and first visits his father. Betty phones her mother to insure her that she is safe in New York. Allison prepares to sign up for Peyton College. Later, she meets up with Rodney and tells him Betty is in New York, but doesn't want to be found. Rod is annoyed by his feelings, because he is in love with his wife, but now also finds himself attracted to Allison. Afterwards, Allison has a polite talk with Elliot Carson. George later has a confrontation with Leslie, when he turns to the Mill and thinks he still works there for Leslie. When he arrives at his current job, his boss Mr. King demands his rent. George doesn't have the money and promises to give it to him later. After Mr. King leaves, George locks himself up in his office and pulls out a loaded gun.

It is midnight and George is still in his office with his gun. Julie and Connie are informed by Mr. King. Meanwhile, Elliot and Mike meet each other for the first time. Later, Mike and Julie arrive at George's office. When they hear a gunshot, it is Elliot who talks himself in the office. He hits George in the head and takes away his gun. He finally gives himself in to Mike and apologizes to Julie for his behavior. Mike tells Julie George is manic-depressive. Afterwards, Elliot meets Connie in her book store and asks her not to be afraid of him. She also tells him she doesn't want to tell the truth to Allison.

Elliot bonds with Allison when they talk about their love for writing. Later, Leslie offers Elliot a job at the mill, but he responses in-politely and refuses. Meanwhile, Laura resigns as Mike's secretary. Norman brags to Rodney that he has a date with Allison. Laura says to Mike she intends to make a world trip with his money. Allison asks Matt if she can use his archive to find information on Elliott. Elliot and Eli meet up with boarding house landlady Mrs. Hewitt. Elliott feels accused by her of his supposed murder on his wife. She apologizes and promises to make up with him. When she leaves, Elliott finds out his father thinks he actually did kill Elizabeth.

In New York, Betty applies at an employment agency, but refuses to tell where she is from. She is suggested to go back to Peyton Place. She is emotional and runs into Sharon Purcell, who offers Betty a helping hand. Back in Peyton Place, Laura is about to leave Peyton Place and gets drunk. Elliot goes to the Ada's Tavern, where Ada suggests him to leave the past behind after he asks her who Elizabeth's secret lover was. Elliott tells her he can't rest until he finds out who really killed Elizabeth. When Rodney tries to talk with Allison, she brushes him off. Connie sees this and asks him to leave Allison alone. At the library, Allison runs into Elliott. They talk about their love for poetry.

Connie and Allison are disappointed when Julie tells them she is ready to go to her own house. George is in therapy by Dr. Kessler. Mike asks Julie if she wants to be his secretary, since his latest secretary Laura has left for Europe. Julie agrees to consider his offer. Allison enrolls in Peyton College. When Rodney runs into Allison, he admits Connie has asked him not to hang out with her anymore. Meanwhile, Betty has befriended Sharon and they go out to shop for expensive clothes. When Elliot tries to refill the prescription of his father Eli, he is customized by Calvin Hanley, Elizabeth's father. He swears he didn't kill his daughter. At the moment Julie is leaving for dinner with Leslie, she gets a phone call from Betty. However, she has just left when the phone rings.

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.

After talking to Paul, Allison goes to the pharmacy, where Calvin tells her make-up will make her look cheap. Matt walks in and Calvin tells him he is certain Elliot has killed Elizabeth. When Betty and Sharon are catching up, Betty tells she won't return to Peyton Place. Michael tells Connie he isn't glad with Elliot in town. When Allison arrives at home, she tells about her hanging out with Paul. Connie tells her she wants her to see more people of her own age. Meanwhile, Elliot visits his father at the hospital. He tells him he is going to be operated. In New York, Sharon admits she sometimes feels empty inside when her married lover leaves for his family. They are phoned by him and he asks Betty out on a date. She reacts with hesitation, but accepts.

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.

Paul drives Allison home. Elliot is just walking away from the MacKenzie home and gets a lift from Paul. Elliot thinks he is persuading her and reminds him Allison is only 18. Paul confronts him with his past, which makes Elliot angry. The next day, Betty runs into Allison in Calvin's shop. Betty admits she's ending her marriage with Rod. When they leave, Paul bumps into them and is introduced to Betty. He walks into the shop and confronts his father with giving him the idea Elliot has killed Elizabeth. Meanwhile, doctor Rossi advices Elliot for Eli to move to a warmer climate to improve his health. Elliot reminds him he doesn't have any money for his father to move. At Peyton Mills, Leslie is visited by Matt. Matt is the executor of Catherine's will and reminds him Catherine wanted the mill to be owned by her father Martin Peyton. They are interrupted by doctor Wainwright, who has information about Catherine knowing he was unfaithful to his wife.

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.

Rod tries to tell Norman about Catherine, but he is unable to. Allison tells Mike she will return home. Mike responds he was at the hospital when Connie gave birth to her. Connie is delighted when she returns home and assures her she loves her since the moment she was born. Meanwhile, Claire reveals to her mother she is married to a man named Dr. Markham. A newspaper is released with an article that clears Leslie from the accusation of murdering Elizabeth. Paul is mad and Norman confronts his brother, who reveals Catherine was the murderer. Norman is shocked and can't believe him.

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.

After Steven and Theodore clash over a business thing, Steven meets Julie and Betty, who are there to discuss George. Theodore announces he is nowhere near recovering and wants him to be transferred to another institution. Julie tells Theodore she wants a divorce from him, but he responds she'll probably won't be allowed to, because insanity is not a ground. At the hospital, Claire admits she hasn't told her father yet about her marriage to Dr. Vincent Markham and Michael urges her to do. Allison tells her mother she hasn't had two minutes alone with her since she married Elliot. Doris visits David at his office and confronts him with him condemning her. David later goes to the Anderson house, wanting to talk to Julie.

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.

Rita is being harassed by her old friends Joe and Earl. Allison witnesses this and helps Rita out. She later tells Allison she wants to finish high school, but doesn't know how. Norman walks in and after Rita leaves, Allison gets mad at him for treating Rita like dirt. Later that evening, Rodney picks Allison up for a date at the Schusters. Allison is having trouble with a rebellious Kim, but is able to discipline her. When she is about to leave, David offers her a permanent job as Kim's babysitter and she accepts.

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.

Rod and Norman receive a letter from Leslie, who announces he is traveling to Switzerland. Norman refuses to respond and visits Rita, who admits being bothered frequently by Joe. Doris and Kim visit Dr. Rossi to let Kim be examined. He states Kim is only faking to be in pain and wonders what is really troubling Kim. Doris denies anything to go wrong and leaves. Meanwhile, Julie persuades David not to fire a man named Gus Chernak. Rodney interrupts them and apologizes to David for him kissing Allison while she was ought to babysit on Kim. When he leaves, he runs into Joe and is told to Rita is in trouble. Joe warns Rod for his brother leaving Rita alone.

Norman catches Rita talking to Joe and threatens him to leave Rita alone with killing him if he won't. Betty walks in on them and tells Rita she thinks it is a marvelous idea for her going to a night school. Doris visits David and he thinks she's spying on him and his new secretary Julie. Steven interrupts them and the conversation leads to Doris inviting him for dinner. David is annoyed with Doris and her social climbing. Later that day, a storm reaches Peyton Place and Rita is being harassed by Joe.

Joe tries to force Rita into his car, but Elliot saves her. She later begs Elliot not to call the police. He later takes her to Ada Jacks' Tavern, where Ada and Norman are. Rita pretends nothing has happened, while Elliot describes the incident to Ada. Meanwhile, Connie discovers here phone is dead because of the storm. David stops by and talks about Allison with praise. Allison herself is trapped at the ice salon with Doris and Kim because of the storm. Doris assures Allison she loves Kim very much and is afraid Kim herself doesn't know it.

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.

Rita turns home after being molested by Joe and Ada senses something is wrong. However, Rita lies she's fine. Dr. Rossi admits to Claire her husband is suffering from polycyclemia, but that he insists on going back to Peru. He warns her Vincent will probably die if he will go back. He next confronts Vincent with the same facts. Meanwhile, Julie encourages her daughter to keep on dating Reverend Bedford, but Betty is more interested in Steven. Just when Steven is about to pick Betty up for a date, Julie makes clear she disapproves him. Joe wants to borrow some money from his mother to leave Peyton Place. Norman picks Rita up for the prom and notices she looks beautiful.

Rita is still acting weird because of her incident with Joe and people start to notice it. She is also being looked down on by other graduates and decides to leave the party. Norman receives a phone call from Leslie, who asks him to come over to Europe for the summer. Norman declines and makes his father promise he did not kill Elizabeth. Meanwhile, Betty is at her date with Steven and questions him why he came to Peyton Place. He reveals his intentions in taking over the former Harrington house. Rita admits to Norman she thinks she isn't good enough for him, but he assures her she is the best thing that ever happened to him. Rodney invites Allison over to his apartment after the prom and she accepts.

Claire admits she doesn't want to go through with the divorce, because Vincent will die if he'll go back to Peru. Rita arrives home delusional. Allison and Rod are cooking dinner at Rod's apartment and kiss each other. Julie questions Betty about her interferences with both Steven and Reverend Bedford. Kim awakes out of her sleep with a scream. David is worried and decides to call her old teacher from New York City, but Doris stops him. Meanwhile, Kim falls down the stairs.

Dr. Rossi comes over to the Schusters to look what happened to Kim and states she is perfectly fine and was faking to be in pain. Doris asks David to permit her to be her mother and thus keep Allison away from her. Meanwhile, Rita apologizes to Norman for her behavior last night. Joe interrupts them with a phone call and announces he is going away for a while. Rita pretends he is a customer to don't worry Norman, but Norman sees through her.

Michael denies inviting Kenneth over. Kenneth also states he came because of Vincent's illness. Norman visits Mrs. Chernak to ask where Joe is. Mrs. Chernak announces he left town. Allison comes over to the Schuster home, but Doris makes clear she doesn't want Allison to spend time with Kim anymore, so Doris herself can bond with her daughter. Kim gets upset and holds on to Allison. Allison turns home and admits to her mother Doris told her she and Kim didn't need her anymore. Meanwhile, Rod confronts Steven with hanging out with Betty all the time.

Kenneth admits to Michael he thinks Vincent can be persuaded to stay in Peyton Place by supporting him financially. He later meets his sister-in-law Claire for the first time. Julie questions David why he compares himself to Leslie all the time. Rod interrupts them, accepting a summer job at the office. Meanwhile, Norman demands to know what really happened to Rita when he brought her home, but Elliot responds Norman is imagining things. While Connie proposes to talk to Rita about her incident, Elliot catches David talking to Allison and is not pleased. Allison admits to David she is hurt for not being allowed to babysit on Kim anymore by Doris.

David is mad at Doris for firing Allison, but she doesn't want to talk about it. Elliot tells Allison he doesn't like the way David looks at her. Allison admits she thinks David likes her as well. Kenneth mentions to Vincent he has met Claire. Ada confronts Rita with her emotional behavior last night. When Leslie calls Rodney, Rod admits he can't come over for the summer because he took a job at the Peyton Mills. Leslie asks to talk to Norman, but Rod lies he isn't home. That next day, Rod starts his job at the mill. Meanwhile, Elliot shares his plans with Matt to take actions against David and demands a town meeting. Matt responds he needs proof if he is going to attack David. He also offers to take over the newspaper when Matt leaves.

Kenneth gives Vincent money for medical care, but Vincent thinks it's a trap and declines it. Steven admits to David he and Theodore aren't good partners. Ada tells Dr. Rossi she is worried about Rita. Connie tries to talk to Rita about her incident with Joe and she admits Joe kissed her against her will. Connie encourages her not to let this interfere her relationship with Norman.

Vincent urges Betty to marry Steven, but she states they are only friends. Michael tells Vincent he won't go with him to Peru. Steven invites Betty for dinner at the former Harrington house. Matt tells Allison he is going to leave Peyton Place as soon as he finds a replacement for the newspaper. Back at home, Elliot admits he was asked to be Matt's replacement. He tells he will probably be confronted with his past as an ex-convict when he has such an important job. Meanwhile, Rita feels a lot better since her talk with Connie and Ada feels jealous about it, not her being the one who was able to cheer up her daughter.

Rita tells Norman she doesn't want to break up with him. Eli is shocked when he finds out Elliot will take over the newspaper, afraid his son will get hurt. Mike admits to Claire it is the wrong time to divorce Vincent, now that he might die. He next urges Kenneth to try harder to persuade Vincent to not go back to Peru. Meanwhile, Stella Chernak has arrived in town and meets up with her brother. Norman admits to Rita he wants to go to college and Rita responds she loves him.

Elliot's newspaper article in which he criticizes David is published. Allison tells it's a horrible letter, stating it is a personal attack. Elliot gets mad at her when she blames him for only writing the letter because of David's interferences with Allison. Mike asks Connie why Ada would be worried about Rita. Julie interrupts them, being mad at Connie for the letter Elliot wrote about David. Meanwhile, Vincent changes his mind and accepts Kenneth's money. Kenneth asks Vincent not to kill himself and stay in Peyton Place. Doris talks to David about Elliot's letter and David remembers her she was the one who fired Allison.

Elliot sees Allison talking to David. David confronts him with the newspaper article. Kenneth announces to Mike Vincent will return to Peru, but that he will help him financially. Before leaving, Kenneth donates $10,000 to the Doctors Hospital. Vincent says goodbye to Claire before returning to Peru and admits he came back to Peyton Place because of the letter of Claire asking for a divorce. Claire forgives him and they almost kiss. Meanwhile, Norman has found a job at the wharf. This turns out to be the same job Joe was after. Joe decides to annoy him and implies he kissed her at the prom night. Norman attacks him, but Joe is stronger and beats Norman up.

Rita is waiting for Norman to pick her up. Eli has no trust in his son being able to run The Clarion, the local newspaper. Allison and Rod are looking for Norman and Rita for their double date, but Norman is nowhere to fight since his fight with Joe. Betty is also on a date with Steven. Dr. Rossi visits the Chernak home to look after the ill Gus Chernak. Stella mentions she hadn't been in Peyton Place for over 7 years, before she invites him to stay for dinner.

Rod and Allison have a pick nick at the beach, while waiting for Norman and Rita to arrive. They kiss each other. Joe's mother demands to know how he got his scratch on his head and Joe loses his temper. Eli states Matthew is going away because he is afraid of something. David suggests Doris to invite Elliot over for dinner. Elliot accepts, despite the fact Connie doesn't want to. Meanwhile, Rita admits to Norman Joe has kissed her. He is mad and pushes her. Rita asks him to believe her nothing is going on between Joe and her. Allison admits she may not be able to love someone.

Norman and Rita make up, but when they kiss, Rita notices he still isn't over the fact she and Joe once dated. She admits she kissed him back when he forced himself upon her at the prom night. In his apartment, Rod sees Norman's scratched face and demands to know who did that, but Norman refuses to answer. Meanwhile, Claire announces she is going back to Peru with Vincent. Doris hires a woman named Sheri as the temporary babysitter. David fires her when she reacts weird about Kim being deaf. He next urges Doris to ask Allison as her replacement, but she refuses to. Norman admits to Rod Joe was the one who beat him up and that he is now able to kill him.

Connie and Doris first meet. Doris begs Allison to babysit after Kim tonight. Elliot is talking to Matt about how to take over The Clarion. Dr. Rossi hands over Kenneth's $10,000 check to Dr. Morton. David visits Martin Peyton, but ends up in a conversation with Hannah Cord, stating he can't see Mr. Peyton. Steven asks Julie if she disapproves of him. Rod wonders where the Chernaks live.

Rod asks Stella where Joe is and admits Joe beat up Norman. Dr. Rossi tries medicate Gus, but Stella responds he is away. Jerry encounters Betty and questions her about Steven, but she is very distant to him. Connie wants to arrange a farewell party for Matt, but he discourages the idea. He later tells Allison goodbye. Meanwhile, Joe forces himself up into Rita's place and asks her to be his girl again, but she refuses to. He next grabs and kisses her. Allison invites Norman to spend the evening with her at the Schuster home. Leslie phones the Carsons from Rome and asks Connie about Rod and Allison's relationship and wonders how Norman is doing. Elliot announces to him he will be the new editor.

Stella informs Joe Rod stopped by to see him. Joe begs her to leave Peyton Place with him. She next meets up with Ada, who tells her she should convince Joe his relationship with Rita is over. David talks to Doris about his meeting with Hannah, when Allison interrupts them to babysit on Kim. She visits the library with her, where they run into Norman. Norman asks Kim not to stare at her. He next announces he will leave Peyton Place to live in Canada and Allison is shocked. While Allison persuades him to stay, Kim runs away. Rod finds Joe at the wharf and he pushes Rod. Rod fights back and Kim witnesses it. Joe falls and hits his head. Rod offers to help him, but Joe responds with spitting at him, so Rod walks away. Joe follows him, but collapses.

Kim watches Joe die and runs away. Rod calls the hospital. Betty answers and notices it's Rod on the line. Two fishermen find Joe's body and notice he is dead. Allison and Norman look for Kim and find her shaky and crying. Connie and Elliot have dinner at the Schuster home. When an ambulance arrives to pick up a dead Joe, Rita notices him and becomes worried. Ada tells Stella her brother is dead and she runs to his body. Ada helps in her tavern and forces her to talk about Joe. She tells her brother was a rotten kid, a loser and a trouble maker. Ada demands Rita to call Dr. Rossi to look after Stella.

Betty is at David and Doris' dinner party, but is with her mind at Rodney's phone call to the hospital. Allison admits to Doris and David Kim ran away. They are worried, because Kim can't stop crying. Sgt. Edward Goddard questions Rita about Joe's death. Dr. Rossi arrives at the tavern for Stella, but she refuses his help. She admits Joe wanted to go with her to California and now blames herself for his death. When Goddard is gone, Rita admits to her mother Joe was there that day, before she sneaks away. Meanwhile, Betty asks Allison if she has seen Rod. Steven suggests to Theodore and David to break down the mill. Dr. Rossi and Stella arrive at the Schuster house and inform Mrs. Chernak her son is dead. When she collapses, all the guests notice it. Rod stops by the Clarion to talk to Mr. Swain, but Eli tells him Matt has left Peyton Place.

Doris announces to the people at her dinner party Joe is dead. Rita informs Norman as well and is afraid the police will find out Joe has fought with Norman and so Norman will be a suspect. When he confronts Rita with thinking he killed Joe, Rita denies and tells him she believes him. Ada interrupts them, being mad at Rita for sneaking out. Sgt. Goddard visits the Chernak home, questioning them about Joe. However, Mrs. Chernak is still in shock. Stella suggests him to investigate Rodney, because he came over a few hours before Joe's death, asking about him.

Betty visits Rod on a late hour because of his phone call. Rodney states he didn't kill him, that it was an accident. She suggests him to call the police and tells him she wants to help. Rod later admits what happened to Norman. Norman tells him to run away and offers to take the blame for him. Sgt. Goddard interrupts them. Betty leaves and runs into Steven outside. He is mad for her being at the Harringtons on a late hour. They notice Rod stepping with Sgt. Goddard in his police car. Steven informs Mr. Dowell with Rod being at the police station. Meanwhile, Elliot asks Stella for a picture of Joe for the newspaper. Stella refuses, but Mrs. Chernak invites him in. Elliot wants a story, but Stella suggest him to ask Rod. Allison discusses Joe's death with her mother and reminds Kim could've seen Joe die. A phone call from Elliot interrupts them and they are soon informed Rod is a suspect. Allison leaves soon for the police station.

Rodney turns to the police to make a statement about Joe's death. He is assisted by his attorney Theodore Dowell and attorney John Fowler. He admits he didn't call the police immediately because he panicked. Dr. Rossi reveals to Gus his son has died. Mr. Dowell urges Rodney not to sign the statement, stating it could be used against him. Allison visits Rodney at the police station. Elliot talks to John Fowler, the son of the judge who convicted Elliot 18 years ago. Stella is mad at her mother for her not wanting to realize her son wasn't a good kid. She herself blames Gus for Joe having been the way he was.

Rod confronts Norman with him still thinking Rod killed Joe. Ada suggests Rita not to get involved with the murder case. Sgt. Goddard visits the Anderson home to question Betty about Joe's death. Betty tells Rod said to her it was an accident. Theodore surprises Steven when he informs him Rod has signed a statement. Steven mentions Fowler might have an axe to grind.

Rodney brings his condolences to the Chernak family. Stella tells him he shouldn't be there and tells him she will never forgive him. Elliot tells Norman his father called him because he is worried about Norman. Mr. Dowell suggests Rod not to talk to anyone about the murder case. Rita admits she saw Joe a few hours before his death and that he forced himself up to her. Allison visits the Schuster home and tells David she thinks Kim witnessed the death of Joe. David confronts Kim, but she is terrified and seeks comfort with her mom. Allison questions Kim, who admits Rodney made Joe fall to his death. Allison refuses to believe it.

Allison apologizes to David and Doris for making Kim talk about Joe's death. David tells he must tell the police about what Kim said. Doris however doesn't want to tell the police, stating the police will question Kim a lot. Meanwhile, Gus blames Rodney for Joe's death. Stella is mad everybody sympathizes for Joe now that he is dead, saying they never cared about him when he was alive. Gus assures his daughter Rod will pay for what he has done. Sgt. Goddard and John Fowler interrupt them, wanting information about Joe. Stella states Rod hated Joe and said he was going to kill Joe. When back at the police station, Sgt. Goddard and John meet David, who tells them Kim's story. Allison also tells Rod about Kim. Sgt. Goddard approaches Rod and tells him he has to arrest him.

Rod is in trial. John Fowler wants his bail to be denied. Theodore Dowell tries to defend him without success. Leslie, back from Europe, interrupts them in court. Allison admits she thought for a moment Rod was guilty. Connie responds with saying she doubted Elliot when he was charged with murder. Meanwhile, Stella removes all the stuff that reminds her of Joe. Dr. Rossi offers her to be his assistant. Steven asks Betty if she still loves Rodney, but Betty tells him she doesn't think she is. Leslie asks Judge Webber why he denied Rod's bail.

Mr. Dowell suggests Leslie to keep a low profile. Norman wants to introduce Rita to his father, but Rita suggests him to wait. Dr. Rossi wants to buy a research laboratory with Kenneth's money. Steven tells Mr. Dowell he wants to help him help Rodney. Gus asks Stella to stay in Peyton Place for good.

Rodney is in jail. Norman tells Steven Joe was mad at him for dating Rita. Connie tells Elliot he can't afford to have personal feeling when he wants to be a newspaper editor. Elliot visits Rodney in jail to give him advice to survive in jail.

Leslie wants to make up with Elliot, but Elliot doesn't want to bury the past. Doris tries to teach Kim how to talk normally. David tells Doris Mr. Fowler wants Kim to come to the station for a statement, but Doris doesn't want her to. Allison visits Rodney in jail.

Gus tells Julie Leslie is responsible for him losing his job. Norman welcomes his father, who is apologizing to him for all the trouble he caused. Steven asks Ada about all the people who came in the night Joe Chernak was murdered. Mike has been granted the money for his research project. He offers Stella a job in the hospital, but she hasn't decided whether she is going to stay or not. A phone call from John Fowler interrupts them, demanding for Stella to come to the police station for an official statement.

Stella gives her official statement and tells Rod was boiling when he was looking for Joe. Rita tells Norman her mother is thinking of leaving Peyton Place for a while, because she is scared of the Joe Chernak case. Norman tells her it's probably the right thing and she should go as well. Julie makes clear to Leslie it was a bad thing from him returning to Peyton Place. While having a conversation with Dr. Morton, Dr. Rossi is interrupted with an emergency. It turns out Allison has been hit by a car.

Allison is in treatment for her car accident. Connie is informed and doesn't take it well. Mr. Dowell calls Steven to inform him Peyton blames him for Leslie returning. Sgt. Goddard tells Elliot he doesn't know who hit Allison. Ada announces she and Rita will leave tomorrow, but Rita refuses to go. Ada becomes mad and orders her not to stay for a Harrington boy, but Rita responds by reminding her mother she has never been there for her before. They are interrupted by a phone call from John Fowler, who tells her he is coming over tomorrow to ask some questions. Meanwhile, Steven and Betty kiss. Dr. Rossi informs Connie her daughter is in a coma, but there is hope.

Allison is under an oxygen tent in intensive care. John comes to Ada's tavern to ask Rita some questions about her past with Joe. He is surprised when Rita tells him Elliot was present at the night. After the conversation, John is able to predict what happened that night and thinks Rod is responsible. Leslie is afraid Rod will be sent to jail only because he is his son. When he is informed Allison is in jail, he prohibits everyone from telling Rod, fearing he won't think of himself anymore. Meanwhile, Norman walks in on Elliot mentioning Allison was hit by a car. He wants to tell Rodney about it, but Elliot stops him.

Leslie tells Rod he is thinking of relocating the trial to somewhere outside Peyton Place, so they will have a fair trial. Theodore Dowell discourages the idea, stating it will only work in their negative. Rod finally decides he wants the trial in Peyton Place. Meanwhile, John Fowler is questioning Kim about the death of Joe Chernak. She tells him she saw Rod making Joe fall. Rita tells Steven she thinks she made Rod look bad when she talked to Fowler. Betty visits Rod in jail and tells him about Allison's situation.

Betty tells Stella Joe's death was an accident, but she refuses to believe her. Kim demands on seeing Allison, but Doris and David are afraid of telling her about her situation. In the pharmacy, Norman questions Kim about the night Joe was murdered, but David becomes angry at him for asking. Rod is mad at his father for not telling him about the car accident. Dr. Rossi informs Elliot Allison's chances of survival are big, but she will probably be in a coma for a long time.

Leslie approaches Gus to tell him Rodney didn't kill Joe, but Gus threatens to kill him if he will be anywhere near him. When Leslie is back at home, Gus breaks in and pushes Leslie against the wall. Meanwhile, Elliot demands to know who hit Allison. Betty feels guilty about telling Rodney about the car accident. Stella starts her first day at the hospital as Dr. Rossi's assistant and impresses him. Norman stops at Steven's office. He tells Steven that though he won't lie to Fowler, he will try to avoid telling him the whole truth. Steven has Norman sit down and asks him the questions that Fowler will likely ask. Norman loses his temper and storms out.

Steven visits Rod in jail as his attorney and questions him about what really happened the night Joe died. Gus is about to get drunk in Ada's Tavern, but Stella stops him. Connie is afraid Allison will die. Elliot visits Timothy Banks, the man who discovered Allison's body after she had been hit. He suspects him of being the one who hit Allison and questions him what he was doing there.

Leslie travels to Boston to see Mr. Peyton, asking to help him with getting Rodney out of jail. Mr. Peyton responds with saying he detests Leslie and should have never let his daughter marry him, before he sends him away. Meanwhile, David tells Doris he is thinking of reorganizing the Peyton Mill. He says he requested something at Theodore Dowell and if he rejects him, the Schuster family will be leaving Peyton Place. John Fowler's wife Marian is seen with her car severely damaged, hinting she was the one who hit Allison.

Marian Fowler deliberately rams her car into a garage post to cover up the damage done when she hit Allison. Leslie admits to Rod he went to Mr. Peyton to ask for help. Betty and Stella make clear they dislike each other. Marian comes to the hospital to nurse and is asked by Dr. Morton to keep Constance company. She introduces Connie to the physical therapist Dr. Russ Gehring. Mr. Peyton calls Steven to inform him he is donating him money for the case of Rodney.

Marian and John bring their damaged car to the garage. Leslie and Rita meet for the first time and immediately like each other. Rodney is bailed out of jail and immediately goes to the hospital. Stella takes her personnel file folder out to the Information Desk.

Rodney visits Allison in the hospital. Russ demands on talking to Marian, but she avoids him. Theodore suggests Rodney not to testify in court, but Rodney wants to tell the truth. Russ suspects Marian of having hit Allison with her car. He confronts her and she admits the truth. She tells him she was speeding from his house and accidentally hit her. He asks her if she has told her husband, but she responds she couldn't, stating she could never explain what she was doing there.

Rodney heads to court. Marian wonders if John ever feels guilty about sending people to jail. Stella begs for Gus not to come to court. Dr. Rossi informs Dr. Morton Allison has developed paralysis in her left side of the head and is afraid of telling the Carsons. Elliot is still frustrated with not knowing who hit Allison.

The Rodney Harrington murder hearing begins. David is granted to proceed his plans at the Peyton Mill. Martin announces he is going to spend some time with the family. Norman is interrogated at the hearing. Gus is at the hearing as well and suggests for Stella to be interrogated, despite Stella's efforts to shut him up.

Kim is asked to the stand. She tells John Fowler Rodney and Joe were fighting and Rod made him fall by throwing a hook at him. Rodney's attorney Steven Cord tries to convince the judge Kim's memories of the night are vague. He tries to prove Rodney was actually throwing the hook away, and not at Joe. Kim admits she doesn't know what they were saying. Meanwhile, Dr. Rossi informs Dr. Gehring he is thinking of setting up a therapy program. After the interrogation of Kim, Stella is called to the stand.

Stella tells in court Rodney told her he was going to kill Joe. Rodney is shocked, stating she is lying. Steven proves there were no witnesses who could hear their conversation. Judge Webber announces after the hearing Rodney will be sent to a superior court. Kim has lost her sense because of court. Doris doesn't know what to do with her and suggests she should be brought back to the New York Institute.

Mike is mad at Stella for what she said in court. Steven brings Rodney to the crime scene, where Rod tells him in details what happened. Ada fears her daughter will be called to stand in trial, but Rita refuses to flee. Steven fears for Rodney's trial, because he left out some important facts in his statement.

Martin Peyton is unsatisfied with Rodney's trial, blaming Steven he wasn't prepared enough and demanding him to destroy Stella. Elliot is struggling with writing a news article about Rodney's trial. Later at home, Connie reveals she is pregnant.

Elliot thinks reading to Allison will make her wake up. John asks Connie about Norman and Rita's relationship. Martin tells Leslie he wants Mr. Dowell off the case, being replaced by Steven. Theodore resigns as Rodney's attorney, explaining he isn't good enough for this kind of trial. Steven questions Ada about Stella.

Rod decides to confront Stella, but walks away when he sees her. Theodore announces to Leslie he resigned as Rodney's attorney. Steven tells Michael he thinks it's odd Stella didn't came to him when Rodney supposedly threatened to kill her brother. When Stella leaves the hospital, Rodney follows her.

Rod demands an explanation for Stella's lying. She refuses to talk to him and he tells her he never meant to hurt Joe. Steven wants to replace Mr. Dowell, but Leslie has his doubts because of his lack of experience. Rod comes in and admits he confronted Stella. Steven is shocked, stating it was a stupid thing to do. Leslie observes him giving Rod advice and allows Steven to be Rod's lawyer. Meanwhile, Allison moves her arm after being read to by Elliot, but he doesn't notice it. Steven thinks Stella feels guilty for Joe's death.

Marian admits to John she has had an affair. John is outraged, throws her out of his house and announces he is going to file for a divorce. Elliot is still determined to locate the person who hit Allison. Dr. Rossi notices there is movement in Allison's eyes, giving Connie hope she will eventually awake.

Dr. Gehring tells Dr. Rossi and Elliot Allison's hand moved. Doris and Kim leave town for the New York Institute. Elliot tells Rodney he ought to control himself. Gus demands Stella to tell Fowler Rodney was bothering her, but she refuses to. Gus threatens to go himself, so Stella gives in and promises him she will see Fowler. Rita feels emotional after Steven asks her several personal questions about her and Joe. Betty secretly goes through Mrs. Choate's file office to find information that could help Rodney.

Betty steels some files from Nurse Choate's office and is almost caught. Allison opens her eyes, but only sees a blur. Betty brings Rodney and Steven her personnel folders on Stella and Steven makes copies of it.

Nurse Choate's file is aware Stella's file is missing. Elliot doesn't want Dr. Gehring treating Allison anymore. Nurse Choate catches Betty replacing Stella's files. Despite saying she has to inform Dr. Rossi, she shows her sympathy for the first time. Meanwhile, Russ asks John where Marian is. He responds she is visiting her sister Phyllis Sloan in Boston. John decides to call her, but Phyllis tells him she isn't staying with her.

Dr. Rossi offers Betty to resign for stealing Stella's case and not put the incident into her records. Betty responds he may accept her resignation and walks away while crying. Theodore suggests Steven to help Betty find another job. Stella tells Mr. Fowler Rodney wasn't waiting for or threatening her.

Martin and Hannah arrive in Peyton Place. They run into Rodney and Norman, but ignore them. Allison is talking for the first time since being hit by a car. John questions Elliot about what really happened with Rodney and Stella at the parking lot, but he tells he didn't really see anything. Martin tells David he is planning on taking over the former Harrington and now Schuster house.

David moves out of his house into the Inn, selling the house to Martin Peyton. Steven visits his mother and Martin and is being treated badly by him. David admits to Julie he is afraid Martin will take over the Peyton Mill as well. Steven suggests Rodney to behave nicely to Martin, explaining he can be very powerful in the murder case.

Steven digs in Stella's past to find out if there's any dirt in it. Rita confronts Stella with her never being there for her brother. She later announces she is going to tell Steven she didn't see Joe the day he died. Betty tells her mother she hates to be a nurse and they fight. Connie and Allison talk for the first time. Connie tells Allison she has been in a coma for three weeks. Allison says she doesn't remember anything anymore. Connie notices she can't remember everything that happened the last year. Allison does not remember that Elliot Carson is her father, and she also doesn't remember that her mother and Elliot have gotten married.

Elliot is upset Allison doesn't recognize him as her father. Rodney visits Martin, but they can't get along. Mike tries to figure out how big Allison's memory loss is.

Martin accuses Rodney of never visiting his mother's grave. Leslie tells Norman he loved Catherine, but they were never on the same level. Dr. Gehring tries to help Allison recover, but she is still very weak. Rodney visits Allison and realizes she doesn't remember anything about their relationship and the murder case. John and Phyllis try to figure out where Marian is. He thinks Russ has something to do with it.

Rita tells Steven she is going to have to testify. Allison is too weak to walk and is pushed around in a wheelchair. Steven picks Betty up to meet his mother. Connie explains to Russ about Elliot's past. Dr. Rossi confirms Allison doesn't have brain damage, but suggests them to meet psychiatrist Dr. Quist.

Betty meets Martin and Hannah. Martin thanks Betty for helping Rodney by stealing Stella's file, but is shocked by her outspokenness. Meanwhile, Mike and Stella get to know each other better. Stella later accuses Steven of sending Betty to steal her records.

Allison doesn't remember having dated Rod and thinks she is still very close with Norman, which results into Rita being jealous. Dr. Rossi thinks Allison will be confuses too much if Elliot keeps on visiting her and discourages him from seeing her. Julie doesn't want Betty to go and work for Martin Peyton. Steven is ready for the trial, but Hannah warns him he shouldn't be arrogant. Meanwhile, Rod is very nervous for the trial.

Gus confronts Martin with what has family has done to him, but he ignores him. Steven wants Elliot to help him with Rodney's trial, but he doesn't want to help out. David tells Martin the Peyton Mill needs to be modernized, but Martin refuses to give permission. Meanwhile, Allison is angry at Dr. Rossi for assigning her to psychiatrist Dr. Quist and tells him she will never trust him again. Connie tries to calm her down, but Dr. Rossi tells her she should be treated roughly if they don't want to lose control over her.

Steven suggests for Martin not to go to trial. Betty visits Peyton's house for Martin's job offer. She and Hannah fight, before Martin arrives and tells her she has the job. Julie and David get into a fight as well, but soon make up. Meanwhile, Allison isn't mad at Dr. Rossi anymore. She meets Stella, who shocks her with the information Joe is dead. Leslie, Rodney and Steven meet Judge Jessup, the judge at Rodney's trial.

Martin arranges a meeting with Steven and Leslie. Rodney's trial brings up memories for Elliot about his own trial. Allison is troubled with frightening nightmares about her car accident. Martin wants to make peace with Leslie, because Rodney has a bigger chance in being released from jail if they work together.

Betty decides to not visit Rodney's trial, because she doesn't want to remind people about his history with her. She spends her time with Peyton, who isn't at the trial for the exact same reason. He tells her the odds are strongly against Rodney. They are interrupted by a visit from Dr. Rossi. Martin tries to convince him Stella lied about Rodney, but Mike refuses to take a side. Meanwhile, Eli offers Rita to work for him. At trial, three of the jurors are excused for being prejudiced or acquainted with Rodney, including Nurse Choate.

As the trial progresses, more jurors are excused. Norman tells Rita Steven is trying to get more women on the jury, because women are more suspicious of other women, so they will be suspicious of Stella. Fowler, meanwhile, is trying to get more men on the jury for the opposite reason. Stella thinks she is going to get fired and starts an outburst at Dr. Rossi, after which he assures her she won't get fired. Connie starts to think she should tell Allison the truth about Rodney's trial, but Mike convinces her to wait a few days. At the trial, Rodney fears one of the jurors will be prejudiced because of his history background.

Peyton and Hannah prepare for dinner with Norman. Hannah doesn't hide the fact she dislikes Norman and tells Peyton she thinks he was spoiled and disrespectful as a child. Leslie visits Julie and they almost kiss. As Norman arrives at the Peyton mansion, Martin is very impressed with him. He talks trash about Leslie, but Norman stands up for him. Meanwhile, Allison calls Dr. Gehring at night because she wants company. He is too busy, however, and reminds her she is acting as a spoiled child. Sgt. Goddard brings Mr. Fowler a visit to tell him about Dr. Gehring's reports. Fowler thinks his wife gave Russ a romantic visit in the past and immediately calls his phone on the hospital, only to be suspicious to find out he isn't in.

Rodney visits Allison and she tells him about her nightmares, which are about him. Mike and Stella go out on a date and they are spotted by Betty and Steven. Steven suggests her to forget Mike, but she tells him she can't. Back at his cottage, she tries to kiss him, but he rejects her, saying they could never be together.

Juror Clarence Healy is called to the stand. He performed autopsy on Joe Chernak after he died. Connie makes her first suggestions to Allison she and Elliot are a couple. Stella offers Mike for her to resign, to avoid social difficulties. Betty admits to Mike she doesn't think they are friends anymore and confronts him with his date with Stella. Meanwhile, Sgt. Goddard is called to stand and tells Rodney was accompanied by Betty and Norman at the night of the murder. The next one called to stand is Betty.

Betty testifies in court. After the hearing, Julie worries Elliot will print articles in the newspaper which portray her in a negative way, but Connie assures her that will not happen. Allison is making her treatment with Dr. Gehring as hard as possible for him. After she leaves, he is visited by John Fowler. John asks him if he knows where Marian is, after which Russ confronts him with the affair. He tells him Marian needed a real man and then offers John to hit him, but he leaves.

Rita has trouble when she starts to collect memories from Joe. She is nervous for having to testify in court the next day. Steven is mad at Betty for saying the wrong things in court. Betty later goes to the pharmacy, where she has a quarrel with Stella. Meanwhile, Norman is trying to locate Rita, who can't be find anywhere. When he finds her, she is afraid she will hurt her relationship with him because of the trial. He tries to assure her they won't change and they eventually kiss.

Allison is making progress, as she can move her formerly paralyzed hand again. Dr. Rossi is mad at Stella for talking to Allison. He next has a difficult therapy session, after which he concludes she still thinks her father is the now deceased man on the photo. At the end of the session, she panics because she can't move her arm anymore. Meanwhile, Rita has to testify in court.

At the stand in court, Rita is confronted with the lies she told the police about Joe. She explains she didn't want to be involved. Steven wants to get into details about Joe and Rita's relationship and requests for Norman to be escorted out of court. She becomes emotional when she admits back in the past she belonged to Joe. Gus gets enraged when she tells Steven about Joe's violent behavior and he is immediately thrown out of court. After a while, Judge Jessup demands Steven to not any longer torment Rita with very personal questions. After the hearing, Norman is mad at Steven for embarrassing Rita.

Steven is frustrated over the trial. Gus goes to Ada's Tavern and demands to see Rita. She tries to send him away, but he refuses to and they get into a fight. Stella stops her father as she walks in. Meanwhile, Elliot is upset to hear Allison still doesn't know who her real father is. Stella tells her father they are frauds and admits she wants to tell the truth in court about her false testimony. Gus is furious and hits her. Later that night, Norman proposes to Rita and offers her to get married immediately, without a whole ceremony. Rita accepts the proposal and they kiss, before leaving with the car.

Norman and Rita drive to Owens Ridge to get married. The chapel owner, Dr. Brown, tries to discourage them, without any luck. Not much later, they are married. David catches Gus ruining the Peyton Mill. They get into a fight and Gus suddenly collapses. Meanwhile, Mike and Rodney meet in a bar, where Rod gets mad because Mike suggests he thinks Rod is the one who is lying, not Stella. Norman and Rita spend their night at a motel.

The day after Norman and Rita eloped, it starts snowing in Peyton Place. Ada is delighted when she hears the news and welcomes Norman into the family. Dr. Rossi tells Gus he has advanced cirrhosis of the liver, which means drinking alcohol any longer could be fatal. David tells Peyton he fired Gus and informs him he will not allow Steven or Fowler to use Kim at the trial. When Rod hears the news about his brother's marriage, he immediately moves out of the apartment so Rita can live there with Norman. Leslie is less glad to find out, because he fears Fowler might use this to influence the trial.

Allison secretly listens to Stella's radio and is shocked to hear Rodney is accused of murder. When Dr. Rossi finds out, he is mad at Stella for exposing Allison to the news. Steven is frustrated to find out Norman and Rita married, because it changes the trial entirely, according to him. Fowler receives a visit from Marian's sister Phyllis, who demands to know where Marian is. Norman has to testify in court. Fowler tries to manipulate him into him saying he asked Rod to silence Joe, but Steven proves Norman, because of his pride, would never ask his brother for help.

Rodney visits Allison and tells them about their history. When she reacts confused, he feels she wants to run from him. He announces he will not visit her any longer, despite later admitting he still is in love with her. Meanwhile, Rita moves in with Norman and immediately feels the urge to clean up the apartment. Stella apologizes to Mike. Fowler asks Allison if she can remember which car hit her, but she isn't sure. Gus finds out he got fired and secretly leaves the hospital at night.

Gus seeks revenge against Martin Peyton and breaks into his mansion. He drinks a lot of alcohol and confronts him. Peyton is enraged, but helpless. Just before Gus tries to hit him with his cane, he collapses. Meanwhile, Mike and Stella are enjoying a date. Rod reminds his father, who is in denial, that he might go to jail soon. Later that night, Mike and Stella receive a phone call he has been in an accident at the Peyton house.

Gus' health is in critical condition. Dr. Rossi tries to help him, but can't do a lot because Gus is in shock. Just before he dies, he demands Stella to promise him she'll make Joe's killer pay. Peyton tells the police Gus tried to kill him. Stella calls him a liar and tells him her father only wanted his job back, as it was the only thing he had left. Peyton reacts by saying she is twisting the truth and that Gus belongs in jail. Later that night, Mike takes Stella home and talks about her father's dad. She tells him she should have never trusted him. Meanwhile, Steven worries the death of Gus might cause sympathy at the jury, thus considering Rodney to be guilty. Leslie tries to contact Rodney to tell the news, but he is nowhere to be found.

Norman tries to find Rodney, who just broke up with Allison. Rod, who turned 21 years old today, is at Ada's Tavern. There he meets an attractive young woman, Karen. They hit it off and dance, before being interrupted by Norman and Rita. Meanwhile, Connie is delighted to find out her daughter is finally able to walk again. Allison tells her mothers she wants to get out of the hospital and go back home. Elliot has trouble not being allowed to act as her father. Allison later admits to Dr. Rossi she can't stand to be around Elliot. When he hears this, he reveals Elliot is her father and that he is married to Connie. She refuses to believe him.

Dr. Rossi makes Allison realize she has forgotten all the things that caused her pain. She is enraged and tells him she doesn't want to see Elliot nor Connie ever again. Meanwhile, Marian calls the police, asking if the already caught the person who hit her. Sgt. Goddard locates the call and tells her the then unknown person is in San Francisco. Peyton and Fowler get into a quarrel over the trial. Steven is leaving for Los Angeles to meet Dr. Lawrence for information. Later that day, Connie and Elliot visit Allison. She at first ignores them, but later treats them with disrespect. This angers Elliot, who calls her spoiled and selfish. She confronts her mother with lying about her all her life about her real father and then sends them away.

Rodney and Betty talk about their past as a couple and they end up kissing each other. He later receives a check of $1000 from his grandfather to celebrate his birthday. Fowler talks to Stella about her testimony. Eli announces he plans on opening a general store. Dr. Rossi warns Peyton he isn't taking good care of his health. They are interrupted by Leslie, who is mad at Peyton for giving Rodney the money.

Steven learns from Dr. Lawrence that Stella had someone arrested before in her past. Leslie can't forget about catching Betty and Rodney together and discusses it with Julie. Betty visits Allison in the hospital. Allison asks her about Elliot and tells her she wished her father had died. Betty demands her to not bother Rodney, as he is going through enough right now. Meanwhile, Steven learns from shop owner Mr. Scott Stella bought and canceled very expensive men's luggage for Richard Jensen. Rodney is surprised with a party arranged by his family.

Gus Chernak is buried. Stella and her mother stir up attention when they show up at Rodney's trial right after the burial. Steven fears the sympathy they are getting will have a huge influence on the opinion of the jury. Meanwhile, Allison is still acting spoiled and refuses to get out of the wheelchair. When Russ forces her to, she reacts by cutting off her hair. At the trial, Stella is being testified. She tells everybody Rodney came to her house and told her he was going to kill her brother on the night he died.

Michael has to testify in court. He says that Rodney wasn't really angry, which means Stella was lying, as she told he was. After his testimony, Stella is recalled to the stand. She admits that, by the time, she was too confused to think straight. Meanwhile, Marian has returned to Peyton Place. John tells her he wants to forget about her affair with Russ. She responds by saying she never really had an affair, but they just exchanged thoughts. She also tells him about having hit Allison with the car and didn't stop after the accident. John urges her to tell the police and she says she is ready to do that.

Marian goes to the police to tell them about the accident she caused. Russ goes the police as well and is there knocked down by John. Steven convinces David to let him use Kim for the trial. Later that day, Steven tells Betty he thinks there is something intimate going on between she and Rodney and threatens to lose the case deliberately. Norman finds a job as Eli's personal assistant. Allison still refuses to talk to her parents. Dr. Rossi thinks that's because she is still too depressed. Marian is determined to visit Allison and admits to Connie and Elliot she was the one who ran over her. Elliot suspects John knew about it all along and is furious about it.

Eli tries to convince Elliot and Connie it might be possible John didn't know what Marian did. Steven is not sure if the confession of Marian could influence the trial, but Rodney, frustrated over how long the trial is lasting, tells him and Leslie it's not relevant. Allison is confused to hear Marian hit her and realizes Russ Gehring knew all along. Elliot overhears the conversation and confronts Russ with ignoring the law by hiding the truth. Eli offers to loan Norman money to finish college, so he can have a better future than working as his assistant, but Norman refuses.

The jury visits the wharf, where Joe died. Steven becomes jealous when he spots Betty and Rodney together on the street, talking. Allison is mad Dr. Gehring is no longer allowed to take care of her. She is visited by Marian and forgives her. Dr. Rossi overhears the conversation and asks her why she can forgive Marian, but not her parents. She later talks to her mother and admits she doesn't think they'll be ever close again. Soon after Connie reveals she is pregnant, she suggests her real problem is being illegitimate.

Peyton decides to go to court, because Rodney will be called to the witness stand today. However, Betty discourages him to do so. Meanwhile, Elliot suggests Connie to send Allison to a more professional doctor in Boston, so she will eventually recognize her parents. Connie is reluctant to do so. At the hospital, Allison tells Eli she wants to live with him as soon as she gets out of the hospital, but he responds she is ought to live with her parents. When she hears Rodney has to testify, she decides to go to trial. Judge Jessup blames Steven for bringing Allison to influence the jury.

Rita tells Stella she probably would never had married Joe if he asked her. Fowler is mad at Elliot for allowing Allison to go to court. After Rodney's testimony, Allison agrees to visit Norman and Rita. Steven and Betty try to distract Rodney from the case for a moment so he can relax.

Steven tells Rod he made a good impression on the jury, until he didn't tell the judge Joe's death was an accident. Betty admits to her mother she still is in love with Rodney. Allison starts to finally treat Elliot with respect, but tells him she is planning on leaving town when she is well. He reacts by saying he and Connie will do everything to keep her in Peyton Place. Meanwhile, Doris and Kim have returned to Peyton Place for Kim's testimony. Soon, David and Doris realize they are still and love and end up kissing each other. While testifying, Kim tells the court she can't remember the fight between Rodney and Joe very well. Steven upsets the judge and jury by making Kim cry because of forcing her to tell about the night of Joe's death.

Stella asks Fowler how long the trial will take, because she wants to leave town as soon as possible. Gehring has quit has job and plans on moving back to Boston. Allison comes to say goodbye and when Elliot sees them talking, who becomes angry and hits Russ. Meanwhile, the jurors have to reach a decision about whether Rodney is guilty or not. Fowler and Steven give a final speech.

The jurors discuss everything that has been said in the trial to reach a verdict. Norman is scared, explaining it could've been him who was charged. Marian tries to make John realize that there is a possibility Rodney is innocent. Mike tries to convince Stella to go to the jury to tell she lied. She becomes mad, saying he was on Rodney's side all along. Allison is back at home and tries to help her parents with the preparation of the baby so she can leave when it's born. Martin wants Rodney to live in the Peyton house and offers Leslie to trade him for the Peyton Mill. He admits wanting to learn to know his grandson. Leslie at first thinks it's ridiculous, but eventually takes it into consideration.

Betty thinks Martin Peyton is Steven's father and he admits he suspects that same thing as well, but that he is too afraid to ask. Allison tells her mother she should have been put up for adoption as a baby. Leslie admits to Rodney he has to make a decision about him, but doesn't want to say what it is about. Stella looks suspicious when she sees Mike walking with Norman and Rita. She is at a phone booth calling the court house, but is too afraid to tell the truth and hangs up. Meanwhile, Steven announces the jury has reached a verdict.

Rodney is found guilty of second-degree murder. Betty blames Stella and confronts her. Peyton is disappointed in Steven for losing, but Hannah shows pride. Elliot blames Fowler and they get into a fight. Rita tries to comfort Norman, who is devastated over the verdict. Stella is telling Mike goodbye, before leaving Peyton Place. When Allison hears the news, she is sad and is convinced he isn't guilty. Peyton is determined to destroy Stella and get Rodney free, whatever the cost is.

Steven is frustrated over losing the case and is determined to go into higher appeal. He receives a phone call from Lawrence, announcing Richard Jensen, a person from Stella's past, is on his way. Meanwhile, Rita tells Eli she thinks Norman blames her for the trial and only married her out of pity. Norman visits Rodney and tells him he would give up Rita if that means Rodney will be released, but Rod wants him to be happy and not blame himself. Rod next receives a visit from Allison, who tells him she still cares for him. Hannah is mad at Peyton for blaming Steven and threatens him not to write him out of his life. After talking to Leslie, Steven meets Richard, who immediately wants to speak to Stella.

Stella becomes terrified when she receives a visit from Richard Jensen. He blames her for having went to jail for two years. He demands her to break into the storage room of the hospital and steal the morphine and other pills. She refuses to, but he threatens to tell the police about her past. Meanwhile, Rod admits to Betty he doesn't know sure Joe's death was an accident and suggests her to marry Steven. At Ada's tavern, Richard lies to Steven Stella acted cool towards him. Connie suggests Allison not to wait for Rodney. Stella tries to flee town, but Richard broke her car so there is nowhere to go for her.

Steven refuses to give up Rodney's case when Peyton asks him to. Betty tells Rita not to be intimidated by Martin Peyton. Allison finds a scrapbook about her life Elliot hold while in prison. Richard visits the hospital and demands Stella to steal the key to the storage room before the day is over. She later has the chance to take Dr. Rossi's keys, but doesn't take the opportunity.

Steven is frustrated Richard isn't taking actions. Norman forces Rita to accompany him to dinner with Peyton tonight. Martin Peyton visits Rodney in jail and Leslie later threatens him to stay away from him. Elliot is glad Allison starts to open up to him. Allison has written a book and wants the help of Michael to finish it. Stella is threatened by Richard and is forced to steal the keys.

Stella brings Richard a bag full with stolen narcotics. However, Dr. Rossi, thinking Richard has medical problems, runs into him first and questions him. He later runs into Stella and she admits she stole his keys to steal morphine. Meanwhile, Elliot is impressed with Allison's manuscript. Stella tells Michael she is scum and admits she lied about Rodney. She is willing to let Michael turn her in, saying she will tell the truth. Richard and Steven interrupt them and Richard immediately realizes the truth is out. He tries to talk himself out of it and eventually runs away, only to be stopped at the exit of the hospital. He is later arrested. Right after, Stella calls Fowler and admits she lied, before being driven to the police station.

Stella is willing to make a formal confession of perjury. Fowler is convinced he still can win the case. Rodney can't believe he could be free soon. Michael bails Stella out of jail. Elliot thinks Fowler knew all along Stella was lying and tries to force him to resign. Steven suggests Peyton not to torture Stella, because her regret is enormous and confronts Betty with her caring too much about Rodney. Connie tries to convince Elliot not to destroy Fowler, but he is too stubborn to listen. Stella leaves Peyton Place for good.

Betty tells Norman and Rita their dinner with Peyton is canceled. Eli is mad at Elliot for using the newspaper to blackmail Fowler. Betty admits to her mother she doesn't love Steven because she still is in love with Rodney. However, when Steven picks her up for a date, she kisses him. He tells her he loves her and she responds she envies him. Meanwhile, Peyton yet again offers Leslie to trade the mill for Rodney. This time, Leslie agrees, but only if Rodney has to opportunity to make his own decision. At the ending, Steven proposes to Betty.

Steven fears Elliot blistering John via the newspaper will be an obstacle in Rodney's trial. Eli is outraged Elliot published a personal attack. Rodney is finally a free man. Norman and Rita invite him to move in with them, but Leslie discourages the idea because of his agreement with Martin Peyton. He later admits to Rodney he is broke because of the trial and tells him about Peyton's offer. Rodney is confused and feels betrayed, but agrees to live with his grandfather.

Martin Peyton tells Rodney he wants him to live with him so he can expose him to everything he stands for. He agrees to live with him, but only if he doesn't have to go to college and can get a job instead. Meanwhile, David expects to be fired and tells Julie he plans on moving back to New York to live with his family. He later runs into Rodney and tries to convince him to go with him to New York to run away from a completely planned future. At the Clarion, Fowler tells Elliot he doesn't feel threatened. Allison reveals Marian's trial was today and she was found guilty. Betty tells her mother she is going to accept Steven's proposal.

The winter is over. Steven and Betty are about to get married. Julie suspects Betty doesn't love him. Hannah blames Martin for using Betty as Catherine's replacement. Before the ceremony, Hannah reveals to Steven she bought a house for him and Betty. Martin Peyton tells him he is welcome to replace Theodore Dowell as his lawyer, having to deal with all the legal business of the Peyton Mill.

Betty and Steven are married. Theodore has been replaced by Steven and announces his retirement. After the ceremony, the newlywed move into their new house. Allison and Rodney go to the wharf and bond.

Allison and Rodney make a boat trip, where they reunite and kiss. Julie feels bad George couldn't be at the ceremony. Ada feels bad she couldn't give her daughter a real ceremony. Rodney tells Martin Peyton he wants to own a garage, but Peyton has no trust he will succeed. Ann comes to Peyton Place and takes a secret look at Michael.

At their honeymoon, Steven demands Betty not to work for Martin Peyton anymore. Eli encourages Rita to push Norman to go to college. Rodney shows Allison his garage and introduces her to his mechanic Lee. Ann starts her work as a therapist in the hospital. Dr. Rossi tells her he saw her last night at his cottage, but she denies being there.

Ann looks up all the papers of summer 1949 in the archive of the Clarion and as shocked to read an article about a tragedy in which a boy fell to the Shoreline rocks. Steven and Betty return from their honeymoon. Leslie doesn't want Steven constantly checking up on him regarding his business at the Mill. Julie doesn't want Leslie to pay her divorce from George and explains it isn't legal. He responds by saying he intends to marry her. Meanwhile, Lee gives Rodney advice on how to run a garage. Rodney doesn't like his tactics and they get into a quarrel. Lee tells him his little brother saw Catherine killing Elizabeth.

Hannah suspects there is still something going on between Betty and Rod. Connie is worried about Rod and Allison's relationship. Michael tries to become more acquaint anted with Ann. Leslie wants Eli to suggest Norman to go to college. Ann admits to Steven she was the girl who was accused to have blinded Lee's little brother Chris. She tells she came back to Peyton Place because she feels she wasn't responsible and wants to find out what really happened. She asks for his help finding out, but he responds she should hire a real investigator.

Michael and Ann meet up at the bar. Allison isn't sure what to do with her relationship with Rod. Later that day, Rodney, Allison, Norman and Rita go to a party. There, Rodney dances with Sandy, a girl who turns out to be Lee's wife. When Lee sees them dancing, he becomes mad and slaps her. Meanwhile, Michael and Ann are at his cottage. She tells him about the night of the accident, where she was blindfolded by kids and, trying to find her way, supposedly pushed Chris off a cliff onto the rocks.

Michael suggests Ann to tell people about her past, instead of keeping it a secret. Allison tells her mother her relationship with Rodney was a mistake. Hannah admits to her she doesn't think Betty should keep on working. Rodney goes for coffee at the Cider Barrel, where Sandy occasionally works as a waitress. Steven agrees to help Ann, but warns her he won't hide it if it turns out she was really the one responsible for Chris' fall.

Ann is afraid to see all the records about the incident. Norman reveals he is enrolled in college. Ann remembers she took the blindfold off an instant before Chris fell. Allison notices Rodney's interest in Sandy and makes clear to her she is not pleased. Steven asks Hannah if she knows Ann's father and she responds she doesn't. She later expresses her worries about Ann's presence in town to Peyton.

Martin Peyton and Hannah wonder why Ann came back to Peyton Place. Steven feels guilty because he was one of the kids shouting at Ann that she pushed Chris when they were kids. Rita reveals to her mother she is pregnant, but worries she and Norman can't afford to have a baby. Ada offers to support them financially, but Rita thinks Norman won't accept it. She thinks it is the wrong time to have a baby and fears it will eventually be the end of her marriage. Meanwhile, Ann gives Elliot permission to write an article about her return.

Hannah worries Betty and Ann will become friends and wants Peyton to force her to leave, but he rejects the idea. Michael encourages Ann to tell the hospital staff about her past. Rita passes out in the pharmacy and after lying about the cause, admits to Norman she is pregnant. He responds by saying he won't go to college, because he doesn't want to miss a moment of their baby's childhood. Meanwhile, Hannah secretly drops off a letter at the Clarion. Allison offers Rodney to get married, but he tells her they don't have enough money. Elliot reads Hannah's anonymous letter, which is a complaint about Anne Colby, the girl who pushed Chris off the cliff. He brings it to Michael and assures him he won't print it. They wonder who wrote the letter.

After being aware of the threat letter, Ann realizes she has to tell the truth. Dr. Morton admits he wouldn't have hired her if he had known about her past. Norman is hiding the truth of Rita's pregnancy for his father. Steven questions Lee about the accident, but he tells him he doesn't remember much of it. When Sandy begs Lee to visit Chris, he becomes mad and tries to hit her, only to be stopped by Rodney.

Ann blames Michael for Dr. Morton wanting to speak to her. She next goes into Morton's office and begs him not to fire her and he responds she is now on probation. Meanwhile, Elliot is worried about Allison's future with Rod. Norman wants to work for Rodney after working at Eli's shop, which leads to Rodney suspecting him to have money trouble. Ann tells Steven an anonymous person wants her out of town. He tells her he is making progress. Martin is angry at Hannah for writing the letters and asks her if she is afraid to face Ann's father. She responds by saying she is afraid to face Steven and mentions Ann is his sister.

Dr. Rossi tells Rita she is not pregnant, but not sleeping and eating enough. Martin Peyton wants a new will and is determined to contact Ann's father. Steven and Betty prepare for a plan against Martin Peyton. Betty offers to be his spy.

Lee thinks Sandy is seeing Rodney behind her back and notices Ann. Peyton tells Rodney he has rewritten his will, but Rodney doesn't want to know about the contents. Dr. Rossi has a therapy session with Allison and isn't convinced she is happy. Later on, she offers Ann to work for her at the children's therapy department. After Allison leaves, Ann has a confronting meeting with Lee.

Lee doesn't want Ann to dig up the past and assures her Chris has forgiven her. Allison is unsure about what to do with her future. Hannah tells Betty she should not have married Steven, but Betty responds she shouldn't live with all the secrets. Rita admits to Allison she did want a baby. Betty tells Steven she thinks Hannah does want to say the truth about his father and family, but is too afraid to do so.

Lee apologizes to Ann for his behavior. Sandy thinks he still has bad intentions towards Ann. Dr. Rossi worries about Rita's health and admits to Ada he thinks she has rheumatic fever. Allison tells her mother she thinks she isn't really close to Rodney. Julie reveals to Betty Leslie proposed to her. Sandy tells Rodney she is afraid Lee will hurt Ann. The moment she admits she married him because she was afraid of him, Lee enters the room.

Michael calls Ann naive for buying a car from Lee. Sandy tells Lee Chris will visit them in Peyton Place, but he responds he doesn't want him to. Julie feels guilty about divorcing George to marry Leslie. Peyton tells Elliot he doesn't think Allison is suitable as Rodney's bride. He later finds out Ryan Colby has disappeared and might come to Peyton Place.

Michael takes Ann to the cliff to make her remember that night and they end up kissing. Allison feels bad about what Peyton said. Leslie announces to Rodney he plans on marrying Julie and he doesn't take the news well. Peyton offers Norman his financial help, but he refuses and gets angry. When Rod tries to calm Norman down it leads to a fight.

Rod tells Peyton Norman needs only thing one of him he never got: love. Ada reveals to Rita that when she was pregnant, she considered giving her up for adoption. Steven contacts Arthur Crain, a man who witnessed Chris' accident. He tells him he saw Ann pushing Chris off the cliff. Norman tells Rita he got into a fight with Peyton. Leslie thinks Rodney telling Norman about his deal with Peyton will destroy the family.

Rodney tries to apologize, but they end up fighting. Rodney tells Norman he thinks he is spoiled and finally blames him for having been on trial. Sandy tells Rita how lucky she is with Norman. Connie expresses her disapproval of Allison hanging out with Ann. Rodney is starting to question if he is the right person for Allison. Lee demands Sandy not to hang out with Chris. Ann is disappointed to find out Arthur Crain told Steven he saw her pushing Chris off the cliff. When she leaves his office, she notices Chris arriving in Peyton Place.

Lee softens up as Chris arrives in town. Ann is worried about having seen Chris. Rodney and Allison admit they are too different from each other to be in a relationship. Rita tells Leslie Norman doesn't want to have anything to do with Rodney and him anymore, but he convinces Norman to talk to him. Ann is invited to the Peyton house and she is surprised Hannah knows her maiden name.

Ann tells Mike she is in love with him. She later bumps into Chris and becomes acquainted to him, without telling who she is. Hannah wants the painting of Catherine to be removed, explaining it could help Ann realize who her parents are. Ann tells Steven she is noticing an atmosphere of hate from Hannah, but Steven responds she shouldn't suppose things. Betty suggests Rita not to desire the acceptance of the Harringtons and Peytons. Lee warns Chris Steven is going to pay him a visit regarding the accident.

Chris reveals to Ann he knows who she is. She tries to explain everything to him, but he walks away and wonders why she isn't sure if she pushed him. Connie gives Rodney advice about relationship problems. Elliot tells Mike Ann is too fragile to face the trouble she is getting herself into. Steven is aware of Ann's confrontation with Chris and visits him at a bar where he is performing with his band called 'The Wharf Rats'.

Steven wants Chris to try and remember the night of the accident, but Lee tries to prevent Steven from talking to him and hits him. Norman thinks Rita is only pretending to be happy with him. Mike wants Ann to leave the past behind her and work on a future with him. Betty and Sandy start a dance competition, which is stopped by Lee, much to the dismay of everyone.

Chris wants Lee to stop constantly bothering him. Allison notices her relationship with Rodney isn't working anymore. While confronting him, she proposes to him, but he refuses. Upon arriving home, she tells her parents she wants to move from town. Meanwhile, Steven tells Betty he thinks she was being vulgar at the club and blames her for trying to seduce Rodney. Ann is glad to hear Chris doesn't know who pushed him. Sandy takes Chris to the cliff he fell off. He starts describing the night, explaining he can't understand why someone would push him deliberately.

Rodney is fed up with Sandy's constant flirting and calls her cheap. They initially fight, but end up kissing. Chris and Allison get acquainted and he tells her she is beautiful. Hannah is considering telling Steven the truth about his past. Ann tells Mike about her marriage to Jack Howard. Steven admits to Betty he thought Hannah was going to tell him Martin is his real father. He also tells her he now thinks Martin isn't his father, but that Ann has got something to do with it. He finally swears he intends on finding out what Hannah and Martin are hiding from him. At the Peyton mansion, Hannah tears up Catherine's painting with a knife.

Hannah tries to make the torn painting look like the act of Ann, telling Martin she broke into their house. However, Peyton doesn't believe her. Sandy is upset Chris is choosing Allison over her to read to him and starts to feel hatred for her. Meanwhile, Lee forces Ann to demand Steven to stop the investigation. Betty is suspicious about Hannah and Martin and doesn't believe their story that the painting has been taken away for cleaning. She starts sneaking in the house and is shocked to find the painting being cut in the basement. While looking at it, she is interrupted by someone suddenly grabbing her hand.

After Rodney catches Betty with Catherine's paintings, she tells him about her suspicions regarding Ann and the Peytons. Michael demands Lee to stay away from Ann. Allison is shocked to hear Ann is probably the one who pushed Chris of the cliff. Steven wants to contact Ann's father for information, but she doesn't want him to. Rodney overhears Hannah saying Steven is Ann's brother.

Steven tells Betty he thinks Hannah knows something about Ann's father. Betty tells him someone smashed Catherine's painting and that she was later lied to about it by Hannah. Meanwhile, Allison tells her parents she ended her relationship with Rodney and will have a date with Chris. Lee doesn't want Chris to see Allison. Sandy expresses her disapproval of Allison towards Rita. Rodney tells Leslie Steven and Ann are brother and sister. Julie is informed George's health is getting better and that the doctors need her help to cure him. She isn't sure what to do, but Leslie advices her to see him, after which she announces she will no longer be his secretary. Meanwhile, Ann tells Steven her father left the hospital in Maine and is since then missing.

Leslie wants information about the slashed painting. Norman worries about his fight with Rodney and goes to Eli for advice. Allison apologizes to Ann for her reaction when she told her about her past and tells her she is causing people pain by coming back to Peyton Place. A phone call interrupts them, informing Ann her father is in critic condition. Hannah wants Peyton to tell Steven the truth about his past after he meets Brian Colby. However, Peyton tells her Brian will never tell Steven he is his father. They get into a quarrel, during which she slaps Peyton. She announces she will tell Steven the truth before Brian has the opportunity and doesn't listen to Peyton's objections. She backs out, however, when she learns Brian is dying.

Hannah is upset because she thinks she is going to lose Steven. Chris is fed up with Lee's over-protectiveness. The hostility between Mike and Lee grows bigger. Connie explains to Chris Allison isn't like any other girl. Sandy tells Lee she wants to move to a bigger city, but he doesn't want to. Rodney reveals to Betty that Steven and Ann are related. Steven and Ann travel to Boston to visit Brian in the hospital. Upon arriving, they find out he is dead. Betty tells Rodney she isn't going to tell Steven the truth about Ann, but plans on demanding to know the entire truth from Hannah.

A doctor tells Ann Brian was planning on going to Peyton Place and asked for both Ann and Steven before he died. Norman demands to know why Allison broke up with Rodney. Lee forces Allison to talk Chris into leaving town. Betty notices how Steven comes closer to finding out the truth about his father and tries to stop him. Leslie tells Hannah he wants to speak to Peyton about Ann and the slashed painting.

Brian Colby's burial is held. Hannah expresses her hate towards Brian and Catherine. Betty tells Rodney that Brian was an artist and that drawings of Catherine have been found in his suitcase. Connie is doubting if Peyton Place will be the right environment for her child. Rita convinces Norman to make up with Rodney. They meet at the hospital and discuss Peyton. After the funeral, Hannah secretly visits Brian's grave and tells him to burn in hell.

Ann announces she plans on staying in Peyton Place. Peyton wants to invite Steven to visit him in the hospital and later lies to Ann about Brian's drawing of Catherine, claiming he never met him. Leslie admits he wants to know everything about Ann's connection to Peyton to use it for his own advantage. Sandy tells Chris Lee only behaves that way because he loves him very much. Steven confronts Hannah with her connection to Brian, but she denies every one of his accusations. She changes the subject to Betty, admitting she doesn't want her to live in the Peyton mansion. She also tells him Rodney met with Betty in her house when he was in Boston. Steven leaves in an angry temper.

Ann talks to Chris about the accident, which upsets him. He tries to walk away, but falls off the wharf into a boat and is unconscious. After the ambulance takes him away, Lee demands her to stay away from Chris forever. Meanwhile, Elliot questions Allison if she is using Chris to get over Rodney. Ann feels guilty about Chris' injuries, but Eli advices her not to worry and bring him a visit in the hospital. Dr. Rossi announces Chris will have to stay in the hospital for observation.

Sandy tries to stop Ann from visiting Chris. Dr. Rossi announces Peyton will soon be released from the hospital. Allison is mad at Elliot for his different opinion about the accident involving Chris. Steven asks Betty what Rodney was doing there on the night he went to Boston. She admits he was there when he called her and he accuses her of cheating on him. Ann is unable to reach Chris in the hospital. When Dr. Rossi notices her, he demands she stay away from Chris, claiming she is causing negativity for everyone in town.

Connie worries about her pregnancy. Dr. Morton instructs Ann to stay away from Chris. Chris doesn't blame Ann for the accident and tells Lee he doesn't think she pushed him off the cliff anymore. After Peyton's arrival back home, Rodney confronts him with their poor relationship. Rod assures him he doesn't live with him because of his money and Peyton responds he wants Rod to have faith in him. Meanwhile, Betty confronts Hannah with telling Steven about Rodney's visit. Hannah tells Betty she doesn't belong in the mansion and Betty reveals she knows Steven and Ann are brother and sister. At the hospital, Ann is shocked to hear Chris doesn't blame her for the fall on the boat. Ann visits him and he forgives her. When she starts asking questions, he gets mad and sends her away. Dr. Morton overhears their conversation and fires her for not following his order.

After being fired, Ann plans on leaving Peyton Place, but Mike convinces her to stay. Chris is shocked to hear Ann was fired because of their conversation, but doesn't want to do anything about it. Lee finally agrees with Sandy's wishes to leave Peyton Place. Chris tells Lee they both know Ann didn't pushed her off the bluff, suggesting Lee was the guilty one. Norman asks Betty why he isn't involved with the Harrington/Peyton family anymore. Leslie offers to help Ann get a job, but Steven soon notices it's just a way to get information from her. Ann announces to Lee she isn't going anywhere, after which Lee almost runs her down with his motorcycle.

Peyton admits to Betty that Brian Colby, actually named Brian Cord, is Steven's father, but that he held it a secret to protect everyone. She is mad, but agrees to keep it a secret from Steven. Meanwhile, Mike asks Connie to give Ann a job, but she responds she doesn't think Ann is suitable. Chris announces he will soon go back to Boston and asks Allison to come and say goodbye when he does. Sandy admits to Rodney Lee is drinking too much and that she is scared. Norman and Rita visit Catherine's grave. Steven tells Betty he can't get Brian Colby out of his mind and expresses his suspicion the man has got something to do with his past. Betty has trouble holding information from him, and Steven thinks her weird behavior has got something to do with Rodney.

Steven threatens to take legal actions against Lee if he keeps on harassing Ann. Rodney interrupts them and gets Lee to admit he was talking trash about him to Steven. When Rod fires him, they end up fighting, with Rodney winning the fight. Meanwhile, Connie offers Ann a job at the book store. She accepts, but is afraid her bad reputation will cause Connie to have less customers. Sandy is afraid of Lee and goes to Rita for support. Leslie wants to cooperate with Steven to destroy Peyton. Betty tells Peyton she doesn't want to keep the secret any longer, but Peyton forces her to stay quiet.

Norman questions Rodney's friendship with Betty. Rodney's fight with Lee reminds him of the night Joe died. Peyton wants to place a memorial ad in the paper of Catherine. Rita tries to make Rodney give Lee his job back, but he doesn't want to. Steven confronts Betty with all the gossip about her hanging out with Rod and he ends up storming out of the house. Sandy wants to work out her relationship with Lee, but he tells her she means nothing to him. In a drunk mood, he storms out and goes to Ann's apartment. Sandy tries to stop him, but he pushes her away.

Connie wants Allison to admit that she has feeling for Chris. Sandy barges in on Chris's visit to the Mackenzies, expressing her worries of Lee's behavior. She tells the Carsons that Lee's after Rod. Elliot joins her to look for Rod. After they leave, Chris tells Connie that it's Ann that Lee's after and Connie calls Ann to warn her. Ann wonders why Lee feels stronger about the accident than Chris. She figures out that he knows she wasn't guilty, but Lee is himself. Meanwhile, Rodney is informed of the possibility that Lee would go after him. Peyton tells him that he shouldn't use violence to solve problems. Chris reveals to Allison that he knows Ann didn't push her, but demands that she doesn't tell Ann. Steven receives a visit from Lee, who demands that he arrange a job for him. After sending him away, he confronts Betty yet again with her so-called affair with Rodney. In tears, she begs him to believe there's nothing between her and Rodney.

Betty walks out on her marriage with Steven and turns to her mother. He tries to contact her, but she doesn't want to talk to him. Chris makes Lee promise not to bother Ann ever again. Connie admits to Ann she initially didn't want her to hang out with Allison, but explains she misjudged her. Steven looks up Betty at the Peyton mansion and apologizes to her, but she wants some extra time before coming back to him.

Lee is worried about Chris' sudden disappearance. Rodney begs Betty to tell Steven the truth, but she explains she'd rather have him thinking she's having an affair. Steven is frustrated over his marriage and takes it out on Ann. Allison trusts Elliot with the information that Chris knows Ann is not guilty, but doesn't want to tell her. They figure out he is protecting someone and guess it must be Lee. Elliot later demands Lee stay away from Allison. He next goes to Steven to pressure Lee and tells him Lee was the one who pushed Chris. Meanwhile, Chris is at the bluff he fell off when he was a child. When Lee finds him, Chris tells him he will leave Peyton Place, but won't return to Boston. Lee tries to stop him, after which Chris responds by telling him he was the one who pushed him. He then changes his mind about leaving, wanting to make Lee suffer.

Ann receives her father's inheritance. Lee wants a job from Leslie, but he doesn't want to help him and Lee threatens not to leave it with that. Steven asks Allison for permission to use the information Chris told her in confidence. He next questions Chris, but he pretends he doesn't remember anything and tells him Allison misinterpreted what he said. After his conversation with Lee, Leslie is misinformed with Rodney's so-called relationship with Betty and confronts him with it. Hannah goes to Steven to tell him not to treat Betty so hard, but he is mad at her and sends her away.

Betty receives a letter from Steven, in which he asks for a divorce. Julie tries to convince her to fight for her marriage. Allison regrets having told Chris' secret, but knows it's for the best. Steven gets into a fight with Chris over him wanting to keep silent about Ann's innocence and Chris claims Allison was lying. Steven makes him tell the truth by threatening to ruin his career future. Eventually, Chris admits Ann didn't push him.

When Ann hears the news about Chris' revealing she's innocent, she announces she finally can have a future. Steven barges into Ada's tavern, demanding a drink, and later tells her Betty has left him. Michael is happy to hear Ann is now officially innocent and they get engaged. Lee offers Chris to move away from Peyton Place with him, but he responds by saying he told Steven that Ann wasn't guilty. Lee is outraged and beats him up. He immediately apologizes, but Chris is full with anger.

Ann finds out her father's real last name was Cord. Betty tells Rodney that Steven is divorcing her. She wonders if it is a punishment, for not having loved Steven when she married him. Meanwhile, Steven questions Elliot about Betty and Rodney, and he responds that he hasn't noticed anything. Later, after having returned home, he receives a visit from Rodney. He tries to explain that there is nothing going on between them, but Steven is too mad to believe him. Realizing he can't solve it if he doesn't tell him the truth, Rodney admits that Ann Howard is his sister and that Brian Colby was his father. However, Steven doesn't believe him and orders Rodney to get out of his life.

When Ann shows him the letter showing her father's real name was Cord, Steven finally realizes Rodney was telling the truth. Ann thinks he knew all along and suspects that they sent her away. She can't believe Hannah lied to her face all along and says she won't be able to forgive her. Steven asks her not to go public yet with the information, so he can find out why they were never told the truth. Meanwhile, Chris tells Lee he has got to be stopped and he responds he doesn't trust him any longer. Steven visits Betty to tell her he knows about the secret and they reunite. Julie announces that George has almost recovered and that she and him are going to move somewhere else, probably to California. At the Peyton mansion, Rodney tells Peyton and Hannah that Steven and Ann know everything. Peyton is outraged, but Rodney blames him for ruining a marriage for his own sake.

Ann visits the Peyton mansion and demands an explanation. Hannah tells her she hated them when they were born and wanted Brian out of her life. She admits Brian had an affair with Catherine Peyton, his art student, and was later paid by Martin Peyton to get out of their life. Ann, realizing how bad their parents were, thinks because of that she could've been able to push Chris and thinks Chris lied about telling her she was innocent. Meanwhile, Allison is worried about Chris. Steven tells Betty he doesn't want to have anything to do with Martin and Hannah anymore.