The character of Gidget first appeared in 1957, in a novel by Frederick Kohner who fictionalized his teenage daughter’s surf culture life and adventures with like-minded friends. Life was a beach for Gidget and the fun-loving character featured in three movies, the first starring Sandra Dee. Two different actresses appeared in the title role for the two sequels but the character was popular enough to earn a TV series in 1965.

The sitcom starred a young and bubbly Sally Field who launched an impressive career starting with that quintessential beach bunny. She played Frances “Gidget” Lawrence, an irrepressible 15-year, who lived with her widowed father, Professor Russ Lawrence. Sun, sand and surf were the total sum of Gidget’s world, though she devoted a big chunk of her time to the pursuit of boys. Gidget’s older sister Ann despaired in trying to rein in her uncontainable little sister who was a pint sized whirlwind. Ann’s husband John had no luck in that department either, despite constantly using his psychology expertise to chastise Gidget. Our surf girl would have none of it though and continued to take a big bite out of life with her boyfriend, Moondoggie and her best friend, Larue.

The show had a short run, one season only, but it was and still is a favorite of viewers who were won over by Sally Field’s energy and charm. There were a handful of telefilms produced over the next two decades with other actresses assuming the role of Gidget, but Ms. Field will always be remembered as the best of them.