WARNING: SPOILERS
Stella's final appearance on Peyton Place! She leaves under a cloud; is there any hope? There is dramatic symbolism in this farewell episode; it brings closure to what we know of Stella Chernak (played by actress Lee Grant).
Steven Cord takes Stella to the Prosecutor's office, but first they stop to reminisce in the Town Square. Stella talks of the first boy who kissed her, when she was in Grammar School. "He was so ugly that I pushed him down and ran away!" This symbolizes that Stella despised and rejected "Peyton Place" from her youth. And she did run away - to California - when she came of age. When Stella says, "I wish the Chester family hadn't moved out of Peyton Place", she is referring, of course, to herself.
Then there is Stella's farewell to State Attorney / Prosecutor Fowler. Stella's confession of perjury (that she lied on the witness stand during the trial of Rodney Harrington) has humiliated Fowler. It may ruin his chances for re-election. Stella reaches out to shake his hand, he refuses. The symbolism? Stella herself will be on trial soon, this time as the defendant. She can expect no cooperation,no mercy, no plea bargain from the Prosecutor.
Stella then gets a bittersweet "goodbye" from Dr. Michael Rossi, who has posted her bail. He is the only decent man she was ever close to. Rossi is at first hesitant to embrace Stella, but then he comforts her. This symbolizes hope, it shows a second chance, it shows that Stella is still loved by someone. But when she turns down Rossi's offer of a ride ("No thanks, I will walk), it ends any chance of a rekindled romance between them.
Next is the scene with Martin Peyton reading the confession in the living room. Peyton wants revenge, but Attorney Cord advises against it, and Peyton seems to acquiesce. This is a symbolic end to any more conflict between Stella Chernak and the Peyton Family.
The grand finale is Stella's closing scene. Walking through the Town Square, she passes "The Pillory". The symbolism is that Stella could have faced public shaming and utter contempt in the eyes of the citizens of Peyton Place. But by walking past The Pillory, we realize that she will carry her shame in private. She will not be held up to public scorn.
There is a future and a hope for Stella Chernak!
Stella's final appearance on Peyton Place! She leaves under a cloud; is there any hope? There is dramatic symbolism in this farewell episode; it brings closure to what we know of Stella Chernak (played by actress Lee Grant).
Steven Cord takes Stella to the Prosecutor's office, but first they stop to reminisce in the Town Square. Stella talks of the first boy who kissed her, when she was in Grammar School. "He was so ugly that I pushed him down and ran away!" This symbolizes that Stella despised and rejected "Peyton Place" from her youth. And she did run away - to California - when she came of age. When Stella says, "I wish the Chester family hadn't moved out of Peyton Place", she is referring, of course, to herself.
Then there is Stella's farewell to State Attorney / Prosecutor Fowler. Stella's confession of perjury (that she lied on the witness stand during the trial of Rodney Harrington) has humiliated Fowler. It may ruin his chances for re-election. Stella reaches out to shake his hand, he refuses. The symbolism? Stella herself will be on trial soon, this time as the defendant. She can expect no cooperation,no mercy, no plea bargain from the Prosecutor.
Stella then gets a bittersweet "goodbye" from Dr. Michael Rossi, who has posted her bail. He is the only decent man she was ever close to. Rossi is at first hesitant to embrace Stella, but then he comforts her. This symbolizes hope, it shows a second chance, it shows that Stella is still loved by someone. But when she turns down Rossi's offer of a ride ("No thanks, I will walk), it ends any chance of a rekindled romance between them.
Next is the scene with Martin Peyton reading the confession in the living room. Peyton wants revenge, but Attorney Cord advises against it, and Peyton seems to acquiesce. This is a symbolic end to any more conflict between Stella Chernak and the Peyton Family.
The grand finale is Stella's closing scene. Walking through the Town Square, she passes "The Pillory". The symbolism is that Stella could have faced public shaming and utter contempt in the eyes of the citizens of Peyton Place. But by walking past The Pillory, we realize that she will carry her shame in private. She will not be held up to public scorn.
There is a future and a hope for Stella Chernak!
