Movies:
Gidget
- Rating:
- Genre: Comedy
- Movie Type: Romantic Comedy, Beach Film
- Director: Paul Wendkos
- Main Cast: Sandra Dee, Cliff Robertson, James Darren, Arthur O'Connell, Joby Baker, Mary Laroche
- Release Year: 1959
- Country: US
- Run Time: 95 minutes
Plot
Teenager Francie Lawrence (Sandra Dee) is known to her surfing friends as "Gidget" or a "girl midget" (she is kinda on the short side). Unable to compete with the curvaceous bikinied lasses at the local beach, Gidget is assured by her understanding parents (Arthur O'Connell, Mary LaRoche) that boys will eventually pay attention to her. Turns out that Mom's right on the money, as surfers Moondoggie (James Darren) and Kahoona (Cliff Robertson) vie for Gidge's attention during the summer of her 16th birthday. Based on the novel by Frederick Kohner (who based the title character on his own daughter), Gidget was one of the surprise hits of 1959. The film spawned a host of theatrical and TV-movie sequels, not to mention the 1966 TV series starring Sally Field -- and the 1987 sitcom starring Caryn Richman. In addition, Gidget boosted the careers of several stars-to-be, including Yvonne Craig, Doug McClure and Tom Laughlin. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie GuideReview
Although the very title prompts snorts of derision from many, Gidget is actually not a bad little teenaged flick from the '50s. Great art it definitely isn't, but as frivolous, lighthearted entertainment, it more than fits the bill. Those who know it only by reputation will probably be surprised to find that it does attempt to deal with the problems of life as seen by a teenager -- and that, while some of those attempts are silly, many of them come off quite well. It also paints a very convincing picture of the beach-bum lifestyle, much more so than the Frankie Avalon-Annette Funicello beach party movies. Yes, there's plenty to laugh at (including some surf sequences that barely attempt to hide the fact that rear projections are being used), and the character of Gidget herself is likely to seem a bit too dated for many modern viewers, but for the most part, the film is pleasant and fun. And if Sandra Dee sometimes comes across as too cute and perky, that's really due more to the way the part is written than the way in which it is played. Approached with the right attitude, Gidget is actually a lot of fun. ~ Craig Butler, All Movie GuideCast
- Sandra Dee - Gidget (Frances Lawrence)
- Cliff Robertson - The Big Kahuna
- James Darren - Moondoggie
- Arthur O'Connell - Russell Lawrence
- Joby Baker - Stinky
- Mary Laroche - Dorothy Lawrence
Yvonne Craig - Nan; Jo Morrow - Mary Lou; Tom Laughlin - Lover Boy; Sue George - B.L.; Robert Ellis - Hot Shot; Patti Kane - Patty; Burt Metcalfe - Lord Byron; Richard Newton - Cop No. 1; Ed Hinton - Cop; The Four Preps - Themselves; Doug McClure - Waikiki
