Summertainment: Gidget (1965)

 Cable networks are missing out by not including this next item on their summer schedules.

Gidget introduced America to future Oscar winner Sally Field in 1965. ABC thought viewers would want to see a series clearly set in summertime conditions year round. Viewers, however, thought otherwise.

Field became the 4th actress to essay the role of Frances "Gidget" Lawrence after 3 feature films with as many leads. We've discussed this series over at The Land of Whatever, so we won't rehash a lot of detail. After the series, ABC brought Gidget back in a pair of TV movies, the first of which had Karen Valentine (Room 222) as Gidget.

Gidget had no shortage of star power, with guest stars including Richard Dreyfuss, before he hit it big, Paul Lynde (Bewitched), and, in this offering, Martin Milner (ex-Route 66).

Edit, 6/6/24: Had to change the video. Here's the intro:

Rating: B.