Gidget à Hawaï

Two years after the original comes this sequel, with Deborah Walley replacing Sandra Dee in the titular role of Francie Lawrence/Gidget. Like the first film, this one is nothing highbrow: just some teen-based comedy and drama revolving around the exploits and misadventures of Gidget.

Gidget and family go to Honolulu for vacation, an excellent excuse for plenty of shots of Hawaiian culture, wrapped around the usual surf and sand center.

The best parts of this film are the Hawaiiana, the dance sequences (surprisingly), and the presence of some adult actors known more for their TV work: like Peggy Cass (who had previously acted in "Auntie Mame") and Carl Reiner (known best, perhaps, for the "Dick Van Dyke Show").

Watch for Vickie Trickett---whose film career spanned only two years---in her thankless role as Abby Stewart, Gidget's main rival and a passive-aggressive gossip.

As the film goes on, it gets better, but it never rises above the level of mildly amusing.

In my honest opinion,Deborah Walley was the definitive gidget.I also believe this was the best of the movies.

The supporting cast is really terrific,and although it may seem a little dated and corny,if you watch it with an open mind, it is definitely entertaining.

Peggy Cass gives the film's true standout performance as the mother of Gidget's nemesis.

That's what I basically did during the second half of the film.James Darren's songs are the only ones that are even halfway interesting (and they aren't that good!) Deborah Walley is a TERRIBLE actress and her voice is sooo annoying.Sandra Dee should have really considered doing the sequel (and a Better one!!)

The first "Gidget" (1959) hit the sand running, with sweet 'n' sexy Sandra Dee in the title role and James Darren (as Jeff "Moondoggie" Matthews) making as many groins throb. In that outing, Ms. Dee seemed too Holly-worldly for the part, which results in the opposite sort of problem as "Gidget Goes Hawaiian". Herein, cute 'n' perky Deborah Walley (as Frances "Gidget" Lawrence) takes the lead, in a script that appears to have been written with Dee in mind - she would have been more likely than Ms. Walley in attracting every hunk on the beach. Also, Dee would have been more believable as a rival for beautiful dark-haired Vicki Trickett (as Abby Stewart), who should have attracted more attention. No wallflower, Ms. Trickett's legs go on forever...

Conversely, Walley would have done better with the original film's script. Yet, on balance, this picture is a little bit more fun, with its appealing young cast, and older veterans like Carl Reiner and Peggy Cass lending some shtick. The plot is that "Gidget Goes Hawaiian" and is mistaken for a tramp. The story suggests a young woman having sexual intercourse faces a battle more daunting than drug addiction. The main men vying for Walley's attention, Mr. Darren and Michael Callan (as Eddie Horner), handsomely hold the camera's spotlight, with dreamy singing and dancing numbers. Both men were named "Stars of Tomorrow" by Quigley Publications, in 1960 and 1962, due to "Gidget" films. And, Walley received a "Photoplay" newcomer of 1961 award.

***** Gidget Goes Hawaiian (6/2/61) Paul Wendkos ~ Deborah Walley, James Darren, Michael Callan, Carl Reiner

RELEASED IN 1961 and directed by Paul Wendkos, "Gidget goes Hawaiian" chronicles events when Gidget (Deborah Walley) breaks up with Moondoggie (James Darren) and goes to Hawaii with her parents. By the time Moondoggie eventually shows up, Gidget is making time with a celebrity singer/dancer (Michael Callan) and soon has a rep as an "easy" girl.

Walley has better curves than Sandra Dee in the original 1959 movie and she's generally fine as the new Gidget, but her annoying facial expressions paint a (seemingly) weaker, whinier protagonist. Dee was underdeveloped at 16 when "Gidget" was shot, but there was something precious, dynamic and strong about her version of Gidget; moreover, the way the surf dudes cherished her was heartwarming.

This sequel comes up with its own group of five guys and five girls in Hawaii. The first half is entertaining as a fun early 60's beach drama, but the second half devolves into zany "mistaken situation" shenanigans (think Three's Company). Thankfully, this is made up by a commentary on the destructiveness of low-life gossip/slander.

Miscellaneous observations: The beautiful Vicki Trickett is a highlight as Abby, which is contrasted by her two-faced, ignoble character. Trickett was 22 during shooting while Walley was 19. Callan has a remarkable song & dance sequence with a couple of masked females. The guy who plays Gidget's dad (Carl Reiner) is reminiscent of Nicolas Cage. There's an amusing bit on the Hawaiian moo moo dress, which is actually spelled muumuu or mu'umu'u.

THE MOVIE RUNS 1 hour, 41 minutes and was shot in Malibu, California; Honolulu, O'ahu, Hawaii; and 90 Mile Beach, Northland, New Zealand. WRITERS: Ruth Brooks Flippen & Frederick Kohner.

GRADE: B-