Gidget Goes to Rome (1963): Dir: Paul Wendkos / Cast: Cindy Carol, James Darren, Cesare Danova, Jessie Royce Landis, Don Porter: This time the innocence of Gidget disturbs Rome where she travels to with friends while her parents secretly have someone watching out for her. Third film in the series is simple, slow and only really comes to life in the third act when it is uncertain the destiny of two key players. Paul Wendkos directs again with great imagery of Rome. Had it not been for the dedication of Wendkos then perhaps this series of beach films might have deteriorated with too many points of views of other filmmakers. Cindy Carol is perky as the 18 year old Gidget who is constantly in trouble. She is the third actress to portray Gidget, and her constant arrivals at the police station keep things humorous when the story grinds slow. James Darren returns as her boyfriend for the third time. He joins the director in his constant loyalty to the series. We know the character but his dealings with troubled Gidget provide great charm. Cesare Danova plays an older gentleman who sweeps Gidget off her feet. Jessie Royce Landis steals scenes as an aunt who is just out of plain sight of the real issues at hand. Don Porter plays Gidget's father who will likely never understand his ditsy blonde daughter. Weaker and less ambitious than previous films yet sustains a certain level of charm. Score: 6 / 10
Review of Gidget Goes to Rome
