Watch Gidget

Gidget is a delightful coming-of-age movie from 1959, based on the novel of the same name by Frederick Kohner. The film stars Sandra Dee as the titular character, a spirited and carefree California teenager who is determined to learn how to surf. Gidget, whose real name is Frances Lawrence, lives in the beach community of Malibu with her parents, who are more concerned with their own social lives than with spending time with their daughter. Gidget spends most of her time hanging out with her friends and dreaming of the day when she will be able to ride the waves with the boys.

At the beginning of the film, Gidget is still considered a child by her male peers, who mock her attempts to surf and call her "girl midget" (hence the nickname Gidget). But after she is rescued from a dangerous rip current by a handsome surfer named Moondoggie (James Darren), she becomes determined to prove herself as a surfer and win his admiration.

Gidget convinces Moondoggie and his friends to teach her how to surf, but she quickly discovers that it's not as easy as it looks. She struggles to balance on the board and falls off repeatedly, but she refuses to give up. With the help of her friends, Gidget gradually improves her surfing skills and gains the respect of the male surfers at the beach.

Along the way, Gidget also finds herself caught in a love triangle between Moondoggie, who is initially interested in her as a friend but eventually realizes that he has romantic feelings for her, and a wealthy older businessman named Kahoona (Cliff Robertson), who is more interested in showing Gidget a good time than in developing a serious relationship with her.

Despite the attention from these two men, Gidget remains focused on her goal of becoming a skilled surfer. She enters a surfing competition and shocks everyone by winning first prize, proving that she is just as capable as the boys.

Gidget is a charming and lighthearted film that captures the spirit of the surfing subculture of the 1950s. Sandra Dee gives a delightful performance as the spunky and determined Gidget, and James Darren and Cliff Robertson are both excellent as the two men vying for her attention.

The film is also notable for its portrayal of female empowerment at a time when women's roles in society were beginning to change. Gidget is a strong and assertive character who refuses to be held back by gender stereotypes, and her determination to succeed in a male-dominated sport is an inspiring message for young girls.

Overall, Gidget is a fun and engaging film that is sure to put a smile on your face. Its catchy theme song, memorable characters, and colorful depiction of beach life make it a classic of the era and a must-watch for anyone interested in the history of surfing or teenage coming-of-age stories.

Gidget is a 1959 comedy with a runtime of 1 hour and 35 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 6.6.