 |
3 sheet, theatrical movie poster for the 1959 film Gidget, which stars Sandra Dee, Cliff Robertson, and James Darren.
Movie Overview
Released on April 10, 1959, Gidget is a coming-of-age comedy that is widely credited with launching the "beach party" film genre and mainstreaming surf culture in the United States. The story follows 16-year-old Francine "Gidget" Lawrence (Sandra Dee) during a transformative summer in Malibu where she discovers a passion for surfing and experiences her first real romance.
Key Characters & Cast
The poster features the film's three primary stars:
Sandra Dee as Gidget: The title character, whose nickname is a combination of "girl" and "midget" because of her petite size.
James Darren as Jeffrey "Moondoggie" Matthews: A young surfer who initially treats Gidget like "one of the guys" but eventually becomes her primary love interest.
Cliff Robertson as Burt "The Big Kahuna" Vail: A Korean War veteran and "surf bum" who lives in a shack on the beach and serves as a mentor to the younger surfers.
Plot Summary
Initially uninterested in her friends' "manhunting" activities, Francine meets Moondoggie and his crew after a swimming accident. Fascinated by their lifestyle, she buys a surfboard and convinces them to teach her how to surf. While Gidget develops feelings for Moondoggie, she also forms a bond with The Big Kahuna, whose carefree, globetrotting lifestyle fascinates her. The film concludes with the revelation that Moondoggie is actually the son of a family friend, and the two walk off together as a couple.
|
|
|
