Watch Gidget Grows Up

Gidget Grows Up, released in 1969, is a romantic comedy-drama film directed by James Sheldon, starring Karen Valentine in the titular role of Gidget. The film is a sequel to the 1959 hit film Gidget, which was based on the novel by Frederick Kohner. The movie follows the story of a teenage girl's coming of age and the challenges she faces as she transitions into adulthood.

The story picks up where the first film left off, with Gidget returning home after her summer adventures. The film opens with her graduation from high school and her dilemma of choosing between two different worlds - one of the carefree beach and the other of the stuffy, academic world. Her friends, who are mostly surfers, are supportive of her decision to attend college, but they worry that she will lose her identity in the academic environment.

Gidget's love interests from the first film, Moondoggie (played by James Darren) and Jeff (played by Michael Callan), have both moved on and are pursuing their own dreams. Gidget, however, feels lost and unsure of what she wants from life. She meets a handsome and wealthy older man named John (played by Edward Mulhare), who takes her under his wing and helps her navigate the world of academia.

As Gidget begins to adjust to her new life, she also begins to question her relationship with John. She realizes that she values her independence more than his financial stability and social status. Gidget meets a struggling writer named Pete (played by Paul Petersen), who shares her love for the beach lifestyle and is not afraid to live on his own terms. However, their relationship is not without its challenges as Pete struggles to make ends meet and Gidget struggles with her own desires and societal pressures.

The film explores Gidget's journey of self-discovery and her struggles with the expectations placed on her by society. She navigates through various social circles and learns that true happiness lies within herself and not in the people or things around her. She must choose between her love of surfing and beach culture and her desire for academic and financial success.

The film is a delightful mix of comedy, drama, and romance with great music and beach scenes. The performances by the lead cast are exceptional, with Karen Valentine delivering a standout performance as Gidget. The supporting cast includes familiar faces like Don Porter, as her father, and Joby Baker, as her uncle.

Overall, Gidget Grows Up is an entertaining and heartwarming film about a young woman's journey of self-discovery and her struggles to find her place in the world. It is a must-watch for fans of the original film and those who love beach culture and coming-of-age stories.