GIDGET (1959) The original surfer girl/beach bum movie, adapted from the novel by Frederick Kohner, Gidget (1959) stars Sandra Dee as determined little Frances Lawrence, who falls in love both with surfing and with the characters who populate the local Southern California beach hangout. Of particular interest are the young Moondoggie (James Darren) and the more mature Big Kahuna (Cliff Robertson), a Korean War vet who is the idol of every surfer on the coast for his life of apparently unfettered freedom.
GIDGET GOES HAWAIIAN (1961) In this sequel to the hit 1959 film Gidget, Francie Gidget Lawrence (Deborah Walley) is once again involved with her boyfriend, Jeff Moondoggie Matthews (James Darren). However, they have a lovers' spat, and Gidget goes to sulk in Hawaii with her parents. In the islands, she meets TV dancer Eddie Horner (Michael Callan). Seeing how miserable she's become, Gidget's wise dad (Carl Reiner) sends for Moondoggie, and the couple reunite just as Gidget gets romantic with Eddie.
GIDGET GOES TO ROME (1963) Gidget, in Rome for a holiday, misinterprets attention she receives from a famous journalist. Discovering he is chaperoning her at Dad's request she resumes interest in her boyfriend. Based upon characters created by Frederick Kohner.
BONUS TELEVISION MOVIE: GIDGET GETS MARRIED (1972) presented in High Definition. Newly married Gidget makes waves in her husband's company by taking a stand against the social caste system.