Gidget (1959)
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50% of critics liked it
(8 reviews) -
82% of users liked it
(6,624 ratings)
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,… More 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, Rovi
- Directed By
- Paul Wendkos
- Written By
- Gabrielle Upton
- Genres
- Romance, Classics, Comedy
- In Theaters
- Jan 1, 1959 Wide
- Studio
- Sony Pictures Entertainment
Critic Reviews
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Dennis Schwartz, Ozus' World Movie Reviews
A sincere and perceptive coming-of-age teen film.
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Steve Crum, Kansas City Kansan
Look her, she's Sandra Dee! Innocent enough '50s romantic comedy doings.
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Walter Chaw, Film Freak Central
the clueless parents provide that Golden Age anchor to the piece that rings disquieting in the face of all the real wolves their Gidget is facing alone in the pathless wood.
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Nell Minow, Movie Mom at Yahoo! Movies
A must-see artifact and lots of fun.
See more critic ratings and reviews on Rotten Tomatoes
Fresh (60% or more critics rated the movie positively)
Rotten (59% or fewer critics rated the movie positively)
Featured Audience Ratings
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Cast
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Sandra Dee
as Gidget (Frances Lawrence)
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Cliff Robertson
as The Big Kahuna
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James Darren
as Moondoggie
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Arthur O'Connell
as Russell Lawrence
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Joby Baker
as Stinky
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Mary LaRoche
as Dorothy Lawrence
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Yvonne Craig
as Nan
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Jo Morrow
as Mary Lou
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Tom Laughlin
as Lover Boy
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Sue George
as B.L.
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Robert Ellis
as Hot Shot
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Patti Kane
as Patty
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Burt Metcalfe
as Lord Byron
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Richard Newton
as Cop No. 1
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Ed Hinton
as Cop
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The Four Preps
as Themselves
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Doug McClure
as Waikiki