MovieChat Forums > Gidget (1959) Discussion > What I would do for a modern day sequel.

What I would do for a modern day sequel.

posted 17 years ago by laurmartin
4 replies | jump to latest

Sally Field, the TV Gidget, and James Darren, the movie Moondoggie Jeff Matthews, would be cast as Francis and Jeff Matthews. Their children would have been killed in a car accident and they are raising their granddaughter, Francie Matthews in Malibu, California. I would hold tryouts for the roles of Francie and the boy, certainly closer to her age, she falls for, and do publicity around this (like they did for Scarlet O'Hara in Gone with the Wind. I'd make the grandparents as hip as Gidget's parents were in
Gidget Goes Hawaiian. I'd give James Darren a chance to sing. As Gidget, Jr.'s friends I'd cast known teen actors. I'm a little out of touch regarding today's stars so suggestions would be appreciated.

[–] stoolfam 16 years ago

That's definitely a good idea...
For the kids I would pick a relatively unkown for Francie, Jr. But I think you would want to go with a somewhat known singer/actor for Moondoggie, Jr. or whoever, but the styles have just changed so much it's difficult to say who it should be...
Good idea though!

[–] 16 years ago

[deleted]

[–] La_Chatonne_Noire 16 years ago

i really like the idea too. but whether they did a modern day sequel or a remake, i definitely think they would have to work really hard to make sure it's good because it would be really easy for them to screw it up. and i definitely agree that the lead role would need to be an unknown. there are a few known girls out there who could maybe pull it off but it would best if they got an unknown. (definitely no disney stars!!!)

[–] laurmartin 16 years ago

Wish I could be in the position of selling that idea, but I'm mostly playing around. I saw James Darren in concert last year and I think with enough makeup and maybe darkening his hair he could pass for 60, maybe even younger (he's 72 now). I hadn't thought about Cliff Robertson showing up but that's a not a bad idea. Perhaps Carl Reiner could show up in a role as well. Mickey Callan could maybe be cast as the father of the potential boyfriend for Gidget, Jr. The think for script writers to do would be come up with a good script and not just depend on the actors to attract people to it.