Is Gidget Grows Up Worth Watching? Honest Movie Review & Audience Verdict (1969)

📖 The Core Premise

Gidget Grows Up stands as a 1969 entry that attempts to leave its mark on the Comedy, TV Movie landscape. At its heart, the film explores complex themes wrapped in a compelling storyline. As the plot unfolds, we see characters navigating a world where stakes are high. "After spending the last two years in Europe as an exchange student, Gidget returns home to California only to discover that things have changed. The letters she had been writing to her beloved "Moondoggie" to try to make him jealous have had the wrong effect. Disillusioned with love, and after hearing a speech on television, she decides to make a real difference in the world by going to New York to become a youth worker at the United Nations. While there she has a proposal of marriage from an extremely wealthy Arabian sheik, but instead she falls for a handsome but older Australian diplomat."

🎬 Performance & Direction

A movie's success often hinges on its execution. Karen Valentine does well with the material given, though the script occasionally limits their range. The direction aims to balance pacing with character development, a hallmark of good Comedy. While there are moments of brilliance, the pacing occasionally dips.

🤔 Why You Should Watch (or Skip)

Is Gidget Grows Up worth your time? If you appreciate Comedy, TV Movie films that take risks, this is likely a decent one-time watch. However, if you are looking for a flawless masterpiece, you might find some plot points predictable.

🏆 Final Verdict

Ultimately, Gidget Grows Up is a mixed bag with some redeeming qualities. With a runtime of 75 minutes, it asks for a significant time investment, but for the right audience, it pays off.

Our recommendation: Watch on OTT.