While this is nowhere near the best "Gidget" film, it is entertaining in its own right. Cindy Carol(whatever happened to her?)doesn't hold a candle to Sandra Dee and Deborah Walley (both RIP), but she does have spunky personality to spare. James Darren, impeccably tanned and handsome as always, is right in his element, singing under the Roman sun. The beautiful scenery, lively colors, peaceful music and the humorous performances are enough to recommend this movie.
Gidget, enjoying her last summer before college, manages to convince her folks to let her go to Rome for the summer with her friends and a chaperone. She and Moondoggie arrive in the Eternal city, hand in hand, only to again fall into problems when Jeff becomes infatuated with their beautiful guide, Daniela (the lovely Danielle de Metz). Gidget then begins seeing an older man, Paolo Cellini (Cesare Danova), thinking of it as romance, unaware that he is actually and army buddy of her dad's, whom he had asked to watch over the Gidge. Many misadventures, misunderstandings, and girl midget fantasies abound!!! Trudy Ames, as Gidget's friend Libby, is hilarious, ("They have to help the poor girl because she's so top heavy!"), and she has a perfect foil in Noreen Corcoran, as Lucy, ("Yes, that's probably what made her ankles so thick."). Joby Baker, back as Judge, nearly steals the show with his goofy and appealing portrayal. Jessie Royce Landis is priceless and Judge's aunt Albertina, serving as the group's chaperone, who has no idea which side of Judge's family she's related to. Oh, and I liked her wigs and her cute little dogs, Howard and Ethel too. Cesare Danova, suave and sensitive, is everyone's idea of a Roman, and Lisa Gastoni is wonderful as his understanding wife. I rather liked Don Porter as Gidget's dad, and it was nice to see Jeff Donnell back as her mom.
Am I the only one who notices that every movie, Gidget gets a new house, new parents, new set of female friends, and a complete makeover? And she doesn't seem to age much past seventeen? Lucky girl. The bottom line: this movie is harmless fun. But if you watched it for the scenery alone, you still wouldn't be disappointed!
Gidget, enjoying her last summer before college, manages to convince her folks to let her go to Rome for the summer with her friends and a chaperone. She and Moondoggie arrive in the Eternal city, hand in hand, only to again fall into problems when Jeff becomes infatuated with their beautiful guide, Daniela (the lovely Danielle de Metz). Gidget then begins seeing an older man, Paolo Cellini (Cesare Danova), thinking of it as romance, unaware that he is actually and army buddy of her dad's, whom he had asked to watch over the Gidge. Many misadventures, misunderstandings, and girl midget fantasies abound!!! Trudy Ames, as Gidget's friend Libby, is hilarious, ("They have to help the poor girl because she's so top heavy!"), and she has a perfect foil in Noreen Corcoran, as Lucy, ("Yes, that's probably what made her ankles so thick."). Joby Baker, back as Judge, nearly steals the show with his goofy and appealing portrayal. Jessie Royce Landis is priceless and Judge's aunt Albertina, serving as the group's chaperone, who has no idea which side of Judge's family she's related to. Oh, and I liked her wigs and her cute little dogs, Howard and Ethel too. Cesare Danova, suave and sensitive, is everyone's idea of a Roman, and Lisa Gastoni is wonderful as his understanding wife. I rather liked Don Porter as Gidget's dad, and it was nice to see Jeff Donnell back as her mom.
Am I the only one who notices that every movie, Gidget gets a new house, new parents, new set of female friends, and a complete makeover? And she doesn't seem to age much past seventeen? Lucky girl. The bottom line: this movie is harmless fun. But if you watched it for the scenery alone, you still wouldn't be disappointed!