How ‘Gidget’ Was Sally Field’s Big Break & Captured Sixties Surf Culture
“To paraphrase Aristotle: Life’s a gas!”
Is it really summer if you haven’t watched Sally Field’s Gidget? Sunny California beaches, shooting the curl, and adolescent misadventures are the sole reasons why Gidget remains a must-watch for these hot summer days. In the annals of television history, few shows have had the enduring impact of “Gidget.” Premiering in 1965, this beloved sitcom not only acted as a springboard for the remarkable career of Sally Field but also provided a captivating portrayal of California surf culture in the 1960s.
Sally Field: The Emergence of a Hollywood Starlet
Before her breakout role as the lovable and spirited Gidget, Sally Field was a fresh Van Nuys high school graduate with a love for acting. However, it was her portrayal of Frances “Gidget” Lawrence that truly launched her dreams for a career in the business. Field's charm, energy, and relatability endeared her to audiences, showcasing her versatility. Her breakout role came to her at the age of 18, when she defeated hundreds of other girls in the running. “The waiting room was filled with girls who looked like movie stars,” Field recalled to Oprah. “They all had professional headshots; the only pictures I had were wallet photos of me with my friends. At my screen test, I walked in and said, ‘Which one is the camera?’ The crew members were like, ‘Oh, boy.’ But the casting director said, ‘You're it.’”
Field's portrayal of Gidget, a fun-loving, tomboyish teenager navigating the vibrant and carefree world of surfing, resonated with young viewers — despite her not actually knowing how to surf. In her audition, she embellished the truth, telling casting directors that she was well-versed in the sport. After winning the lead role, Field would receive private lessons from surf champion Phil Sauers, previously known for his work on Ride the Wild Surf, to give an authentic surf appearance for the show. “I studied in December and January, and the water was very cold,” she explained to the Newspaper Enterprise Association in 1965.
Field’s “Gidget” was a witty fifteen-year-old surfer living in the California suburbs with her English professor father. Her older sister, Anne, played by Betty Conner, is married to an aloof young psychologist, played by Pete Duel, and just beginning to navigate married life. No matter the circumstances that Gidget finds herself in, whether it be joining a beatnik band or suffering from a new heartbreak, her family unit is always there to help her navigate the various vexations of adolescence. Alongside her, Gidget has her best friend Larue, played by Lynette Winter, to turn to when things get too complicated. If anything, the show itself presents an idealistic snapshot of teenage life in 1960s Cali: all-day beach trips, freedom to explore the city, and understanding parents that are quick to forgive and forget. In this way, it is a feel-good escapism that transports viewers back to the youthful joy of riding the waves. Not to mention all that catchy lingo peppered within the dialogue!
Through her natural acting prowess, Field captured the essence of Gidget's girlish innocence, her determination to break free from societal norms, and her quest for adventure. “Gidget was the kind of character I thought I’d like to be like, and I guess that showed in the auditions,” Field told the Pittsburgh Press in 1965. Even the actress, herself, was amazed that she “just walked out of high school and into this role.”
Though the show only lasted for one season, it gained success during its summer re-air in 1966 — a move that would make the show’s creators regretful. Field, however, saw this as the perfect opportunity to grow both personally and as an actress. It was this endearing portrayal that helped solidify Field's position as a talented and bankable actress, ultimately leading to more prominent roles in film and television.
Gidget: A Cultural Snapshot of California Surf Culture
In the midst of the surfing boom that was sweeping California in the 1960s, “Gidget” emerged as a hugely successful show that captured the essence of the surf culture that was taking hold. This movement wasn't merely about riding waves; it was a unique blend of it represented a lifestyle that celebrated the sun-drenched beaches, the thrill of conquering the ocean's swells, and the strong sense of community among surfers. Surfing became a symbol of personal freedom and a rejection of conventional norms, appealing to a generation eager to break away from the constraints of the past.
Set in the idyllic location of Malibu, “Gidget” provided the perfect backdrop to showcase the laid-back lifestyle and beach parties. The style, music, and language associated with surf culture became defining elements, influencing fashion trends and even mainstream media. Musical groups such as The Beach Boys and Jan & Dean, along with surf music pioneer Dick Dale ushered in the popularization of this culture.
The opening shots of the show often featured panoramic views of pristine beaches with waves crashing against the shoreline, immediately immersing the audience in the world of sun, sand, and surf. These visuals established the tone of the show and conveyed the allure of the coastal lifestyle that was gaining widespread popularity.
Even though the show was a spinoff from the well-known 1959 film starring Sandra Dee, it was able to hone in on the empowering elements that made the film such a success in the first place. Zooming further out, the 1959 movie itself, was based on Frederick Kohner’s 1957 novel Gidget, The Little Girl With Big Ideas, written about his daughter Kathy’s love for surfing. “I was a kid. I didn’t think of the business end of surfing with the contest and the clothes,” Kathy Kohner (née) Zuckerman said in a 2015 interview. “There was no surf music yet, we had ‘Rock Around the Clock’ and Elvis Presley. Surf music didn’t come until 1961.”
In addition, Field’s “Gidget” portrays her sister Anne and best friend Larue — as it reads in the book. But, unlike the film, Field reflected, “What they turned the series into was different than the film. The series turned out to be a relationship between a father and a daughter. That was really a wonderful time for me to explore something that I didn’t really feel that I ever had. Don Porter became that for me.” Through its breathtaking coastal visuals, depiction of surfing as a full-blown lifestyle, and its challenge to traditional gender norms, Field’s “Gidget” encapsulated the sun-soaked, free-spirited essence of an era that forever romanticized the California dream.
The Impact on Television
The show had far-reaching effects beyond just boosting the career of its star, Sally Field, and showcasing surf culture. In the 1960s, it had a major impact on television as a whole. It helped to change the landscape of sitcoms, breaking away from the traditional focus on family-oriented storylines and instead exploring the lives of teenagers and young adults. By following the relatable experiences of a teenage girl, "Gidget" pushed boundaries and opened up opportunities for other shows to center around young protagonists.
This shift in perspective resonated with a younger audience, providing them with a character they could identify with and aspire to be like. Gidget's independent spirit, determination, and refusal to conform to traditional gender roles challenged societal norms and also set a precedent for more empowered female characters in television. By emphasizing Gidget's pursuit of adventure and self-discovery, the show championed themes of personal growth and self-expression, which were particularly resonant in a period characterized by social change.
Moreover, the character known as “Gidget” introduced a fresh and ingenious viewpoint on female protagonists. Gidget's persona, portrayed as autonomous, audacious, and unafraid to challenge social norms, broke new ground for exhibiting a self-assured and resolute young lady. This depiction was groundbreaking for its time and acted as a source of encouragement for countless generations of viewers.
As a whole, “Gidget” not only helped launch Sally Field's acting career but also left an indelible mark on television and popular culture. Field's portrayal of Gidget resonated with audiences, cementing her status as a talented actress and opening doors to future opportunities. Simultaneously, the show's portrayal of California surf culture captivated viewers, offering a glimpse into an exciting and carefree lifestyle. By breaking away from conventional sitcom narratives and empowering its female lead, “Gidget” contributed to the evolution of television and inspired a generation.
