Accidental Icon: The Real Gidget Story

CSI's Jorja Fox narrates this search for the real Gidget—the quintessential surfer girl—but instead of offering a conventional profile, director Brian Gillogly concentrates more on the surrounding context, tapping into archival and contemporary footage of the surfing scene. Several actresses, including the late Sandra Dee, played Gidget on the big screen, while Sally Field took on the role for the TV series, but both were predated by screenwriter Frederick Kohner's 1957 book, which was inspired by the diary written by his daughter, Kathy Kohner Zuckerman, who appears here. Professional surfer Lance Carson talks about Malibu's Surfrider Beach, where Kathy liked to catch the waves in the 1950s, while the real-life inspirations behind the characters Moondoggie and Kahuna—Billy Al Bengston and Terry “Tubesteak” Tracy—also add their thoughts about surfing as a way of life. Kathy wasn't the only woman on a board, but she was certainly one of the more active participants. Unfortunately, the surfers weren't particularly enthusiastic about the 1959 film, because it changed their passion into a trend and a commodity. Several female pros, including Layne Beachley and Ashley Lloyd, testify to Gidget's impact, while other speakers include Field, Gidget director Paul Wendkos, and actors James Darren (Moondoggie) and Cliff Robertson (Kahuna). DVD extras include an extended ending and an outtake. Recommended. Aud: C, P. (K. Fennessy)