Matthew Swain

Matthew Swain was the long time physician in the New Hampshire community of Peyton Place.

These two women proceeded to go to the nearby town of White River and consulted that community's doctor, Dr. John Bixby, who was more than willing to tell them what they wanted to hear.

He reminded Peyton Place about how everyone went to church, but didn't practice what the churches preached; their school, which most take for granted; a wonderful newspaper which most use to wrap garbage; and how young people, like Allison and Norman, would leave and donate their minds to another community because they felt stifled in their hometown.

In the television series, Matthew Swain was the editor of the town's newspaper (this time, called the Peyton Place Clarion) after the doctor became Michael Rossi, the former high school principal.

In the television series, the character of Matthew Swain left Peyton Place midway through the first season.