Gidget Goes Hawaiian

Director: Paul Wendkos Paul Wendkos

Overview

This second film in the "Gidget" series stars Deborah Walley as Francie Lawrence, better known as Gidget. After being disappointed in love by surfin' dude Moondoggie (James Darren), Gidge joins her parents (Carl Reiner, Jeff Donnell) on a Hawaiian vacation. Complications ensue when Moondoggie likewise arrives in the islands, only to find Gidget "that way" about local beach stud Eddie Horner (Michael Callan). In general, Gidget Goes Hawaiian isn't up to the standards of the original Gidget, though there are a few bright moments, including a satiric dream sequence. Once more, the film proved successful at the box office, spawning even more sequels and no fewer than two weekly TV series.

Product Details

Release Date:	09/06/2011
UPC:	0043396387652
Original Release:	1961
Rating:	NR
Source:	ALLIED VAUGHN
Language:	English
Sales rank:	22,245

Cast & Crew

Performance Credits

Deborah Walley	Gidget
James Darren	Jeff Mather
Michael Callan	Eddie Horner
Carl Reiner	Russ Lawrence
Peggy Cass	Mitzie Stewart
Eddie Foy Jr.	Monty Stewart
Jeff Donnell	Dorothy Lawrence
Vicki Trickett	Abby Stewart
Joby Baker	Judge Hamilton
Don Edmonds	Larry Neal
Bart Patton	Wally Hodges
Jan Conaway	Barbara Jo
Robin Lory	Dee Dee
Arnold Merritt	Clay Anderson
Vivian Marshall	Lucy
Jeraldo de Cordovier	Waiter
Johnny Gilbert	Johnny Spring,Johnny Spring
Terry Huntingdon	Stewardess
Jerado de Cordovier	Waiter
Guy Lee	Bellboy
Yankee Chang	Mr. Matsu

Technical Credits

Frederick Kohner

Jerry Bresler	Producer
Paul Wendkos	Director
Frederick Kohner	Screenwriter

Editorial Reviews

A lot of people are very fond of Gidget Goes Hawaiian, but even its biggest fans would be hard pressed to call it a very good film. Sure, it's light and fizzy and got in on the ground floor of 1960s Hawaii movies, and when you're in the mood to just sit back and let a movie roll over you, Hawaiian is just the kind of flick you want. But it's pretty poor as drama, with a screenplay that's too concerned with inventing silly reasons for Gidget to be a bit vexed, with the result that the leading character comes across as a little too peevish. And while Deborah Walley is cute and energetic in the lead, one does miss the little something extra that Sandra Dee brought to the part. Also, for a movie that promotes its location to such an extent, there's too little actual on-location lensing. Still, Hawaiian does have a few things going for it, from a strange but diverting dream sequence to a couple of good James Darren numbers to some very impressive dancing from Michael Callan. There's also Carl Reiner, Peggy Cass and Eddie Foy, Jr., not given enough to do but doing it quite well. Fans of Gidget will have a fine time, and those that aren't such fans can tune in whenever the adults are on screen.

All Movie Guide - Craig Butler