Gidget (1959)

50% of critics liked it
(8 reviews)
82% of users liked it
(6,488 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, Mary LaRoche) that boys… 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

Rating, Runtime: Unrated, 1 hr. 35 min.
Directed By: Paul Wendkos
Written By: Gabrielle Upton
Genres: Romance, Classics, Comedy

In Theaters: Jan 1, 1959 Wide
On DVD: Aug 3, 2004

Critic Reviews

Dennis Schwartz, Ozus' World Movie Reviews
A sincere and perceptive coming-of-age teen film.
Steve Crum, Kansas City Kansan
Look her, she's Sandra Dee! Innocent enough '50s romantic comedy doings.
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.
Nell Minow, Movie Mom at Yahoo! Movies
A must-see artifact and lots of fun.

Critic ratings and reviews powered by RottenTomatoes.com

Fresh (60% or more critics rated the movie positively)

Rotten (59% or fewer critics rated the movie positively)

Featured Audience Ratings

AJ V

This movie was the beginning of the surfing movie trend of the 60s, I think, and a classic teen film. It's not a great movie, but I liked it anyway.
moon r

a real bit of you-had-to-have-been-there americana...the earnest yet perky late sandra dee (doris day, only younger), old school hunky-w/o-the-steroids james darren, and cliff robertson as the big kahuna (yep, this is where that expression enters the american lexicon, baby!), together… More
a real bit of you-had-to-have-been-there americana...the earnest yet perky late sandra dee (doris day, only younger), old school hunky-w/o-the-steroids james darren, and cliff robertson as the big kahuna (yep, this is where that expression enters the american lexicon, baby!), together again for the first time in the 1960's first coming of age beach story starring and starting america's dream infatuation with the girl/midget
Patrick D

Good ol' fashion presque-60s superfun. You have to love Sandra Dee, she's the absolute ultimate. It's not an amazing movie but it's a classic. Apparently it's the film the kick started the surf movie craze. What's the best part in the film is twice when… More
Good ol' fashion presque-60s superfun. You have to love Sandra Dee, she's the absolute ultimate. It's not an amazing movie but it's a classic. Apparently it's the film the kick started the surf movie craze. What's the best part in the film is twice when James Darren, or "Moondoggie", busts into the Gidget theme song, which is just the misogynist cherry stuck on the top of the 'traditional values' sunday of this movie. "She may not be king sized but her finger still ring sized/ Gidget is the one for me."