Gidget Gets Married

Gidget Gets Married is a 1972 television film that continues the adventures of the beloved character Gidget, originally created by Frederick Kohner in his 1957 novel, which inspired a series of films and television adaptations. This light-hearted romantic comedy picks up with the irrepressible Gidget, now played by Monie Ellis, navigating the waters of married life with her equally charming husband, Jeff "Moondoggie" Griffin, portrayed by Michael Burns.

The film is set after the whirlwind events of young love and surfing escapades featured in previous Gidget entries. Gidget and Moondoggie, having been the quintessential beach couple, are now taking on new roles as husband and wife. The story unfolds as the pair embark on their life together, dealing with the challenges and adjustments that come along with marriage.

As the title suggests, the central focus of the film is on Gidget's marriage to Moondoggie. Having left the carefree days of Malibu beaches behind, the film explores Gidget's transformation from a spirited teen to a young bride managing the responsibilities and expectations of matrimonial life. The transition is not without its humorous bumps and hiccups, as Gidget's perpetually sunny and sometimes naïve disposition clashes with the sobering realities of adulthood.

Unlike her earlier days dominated by surf culture, Gidget now faces a new set of waves in the form of societal norms and domestic duties. Her tenacity and spunk are put to the test as she and Moondoggie navigate the joys and hurdles of building a life together. The couple's love is strong, but the question the film playfully probes is whether their bond can survive the mundanities and trials of a conventional marriage.

Comedy ensues when Gidget grapples with learning how to perform traditional wifely duties, such as cooking and hosting, tasks that are often at odds with her fun-loving nature and free spirit. Meanwhile, Moondoggie contends with the pressures of providing for his new family, proving his worthiness as a husband, and showing that he can be as responsible and reliable as he is charming and affectionate.

Part of the film's allure lies in its portrait of the early 1970s, a period when the counterculture of the previous decade began to intersect with traditional values. Gidget Gets Married examines this cultural shift through the lens of a young married couple attempting to find their own way amidst changing social expectations. The narrative juxtaposes the impetuousness of youth with the sobriety of adult life, capturing how the characters strive for balance.

Adding to the film's dynamics are the supporting characters who enrich the story with their own perspectives and personalities. Don Ameche graces the screen in the role of Otis Ramsey, Moondoggie's new boss. A traditional and somewhat stuffy businessman, Ramsey becomes a foil to Gidget's youthful exuberance and an embodiment of the societal expectations the couple must reconcile with their own values and desires.

Throughout Gidget Gets Married, the couple learns valuable life lessons and discovers more about each other and themselves. The film plays out as a series of endearing vignettes that align with the comedic roots of Gidget's story, all while showcasing the growth of the characters and their evolving relationship. While their love may not be tested in the pipeline waves of the Pacific, it must withstand the pressures of domestic life and professional ambition.

Overall, Gidget Gets Married offers a nostalgic glimpse into an iconic character's entry into the next stage of her life, delivering both warmth and laughter. Its charm lies in its blend of innocence with the unavoidable complexities of adult responsibilities. Fans of Gidget's previous outings will enjoy seeing the spunky surfer girl once again, this time as a young woman making the transition into adulthood and learning that marriage, like the ocean, comes with its own set of unpredictable tides.