Gidget: The Complete Series

I have never saw before but ordered for the nice scenary and stylish 60s surf scene - people, clothing and scenery. The acting is OK, good in a TV sitcom sort of way. The sitcom is a bit preachy at times. The writing can be corny but not too groaningly so. Why I ultimately bought the series is the pretty California surf scene and bright colors and not because of outstanding acting, writing, or directing to be clear at a very cheap price per minute ($6.99 with free shipping).So, it was canceled after one season but there where and are far worse series television that ran a lot more seasons. Since my ROKU MDL Stick has made available free old television series that I've never seen before I'm enjoying seeing which I like and which I don't. Gidget was one I like. Car 54 is one I like. It also allows me to review old TV series I had seen a few of in reruns again and decide it I like enough to buy the DVDs. eg The Addams Family, The Munsters, Bewitched, I Dream of Jeannie, That Girl and the truth is those are holding up better than I remember as good sitcoms too.So Gidget kind of fits into these 50+ year old television series that I'm exploring for the 1st time or again via ROKU free channels on my TV.

Gidget, Moon dogy, surfing and hot dogs. A fun and fabulous trip down memory lane. After all, even Gidget has tough choices to make!!

In 1957, Czech-German immigrant Frederick Kohner(1905-1986) wrote the novel Gidget: The Little Girl With Big Ideas and Columbia Pictures made three big budget Gidget feature films from the book. Kohner's daughter Kathy was the inspiration for the Frances Lawrence/Gidget character. Gidget Goes to Rome(1963) underperformed and the producers played it safe by making a Gidget TV show. It doesn't offer any exotic locations, but it has plenty of plot and character depth. The Gidget TV show got high ratings, but the network still cancelled it after one season! It only lasted 30 something episodes. A young Sally Field took the Gidget role(played by Sandra Dee, Deborah Walley, and Cindy Carol) and made it her own. Gidget is a portmanteau for "girl" and "midget" as the first Gidget movie tells us. Don Porter portrays Gidget's father. We are introduced to Gidget's shy, ugly duckling friend Larue(Lynette Winter). In this TV show, Gidget has a sister Anne(Betty Conner) and a brother-in-law played by the late Peter Duel. Today's TV shows put an emphasis on gritty, ugly reality! Gidget(1965-1966) has a wholesome brand of fun as censorship was stronger in those days. Even in the 1960's, Gidget had to conform to a paternal, male-dominated society. In one episode, she had trouble blending in with mechanics. My favorite episode is where Gidget tries to comfort Larue after a vain beach bunny picks on her. Another good episode is where Gidget has a crush on a photographer and she's disillusioned to find out that he already has a fiancee. Sony Pictures did a superb job restoring the audio and video quality on these Gidget episodes. They're crystal clear! The unrestored episodes look like a muddy 8mm home movie. Gidget(1965) was shown in syndication in 1986. Although, the distributors had to produced The New Gidget(1986-1988) so they would have enough episodes to show. Gidget(1965-1966) is a nostalgic gem that deserves to be watched again.

Another TV series, this was made for the teenagers of the sixtys, but all generations should enjoy them. The can be funny , sad, wacky, & silly. Sally Field was just starting out today she is a Hollywood Ledge who has stared in at least 3 TV series, and acted in hundreds of movies winning many awards. She is one of the few still making good entertainment today.

Great series. I watched every week growing up. Enjoyed watching again. Came fast in perfect condition

I've always liked Sally Field (as Gidget) and this really shows off her talents as an actress. I was pleasantly surprised what a really well done show this was. And as I was watching it, I was thinking, "Why did this series only last one season?" There is a commentary by Sally explaining that it was in the top ten but somebody in the network made a mistake and cancelled the program without realizing that it had made the top ten. Obviously they must not have actually watched the show!! Executives!!!I also absolutely loved the actor that played Gidgets father, Don Porter. They really have a wonderful on-screen chemistry. He is a sweetheart to her but it isn't sappy. Peter Duel, who was in the TV series Alias Smith and Jones, plays Gidgets brother-in-law. He is very funny as a psychology student always attempting to analyze Gidget and her father.The acting is very good in this show and I'm watching them all for the third time. There are some episodes where Gidget is crying and it still makes me cry even though I've seen these scenes before. There is a hilarious episode with Paul Lynde playing a very negative father to one of Gidgets friends. There is another very funny episode with Richard Dreyfuss playing a nerd who develops a huge ego due to Gidgets "trying to help" him.Sally Field is just adorable in this very touching, funny, and sweet show. I recommend it for anyone who likes a heartwarming funny show but doesn't like sappy stuff. Great for kids or adults!!Plus it's great fun to see the bikinis, hairdos, cars and other retro stuff from the mid 1960's.

One thing I loved is how colourful in the print came out on the DVD. The only problem with this case was: it had a very small piece of Packaging missing from it. I would totally recommend it!!!!!!!!!

Wonderful nastalgic series. Must watch to see what the relationship between a parent and child should be.

Good quality DVD of 1960's sitcom. This was a gift for someone who recently became a fan of this programme which we are not sure was ever broadcast in the UK.

Gave to my in-laws as they love the sixties. They really enjoyed this TV series on DVD.

Took longer than usual to arrive but this did not detract from the quality of the dvd

I bought this DVD for my 10 year old girls because I loved watching growing up at that age. They too are enjoying it so much. I'd recommend it and the quality is great.

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