Gidget Goes To Rome was the third film made about the teenage heroine of the early sixties. Squeaky clean and pretty keen were the watch words then. Cindy Carol plays Gidget in a bit less charming fashion than her two predecessors: Sandra Dee and Deborah Walley. James Darren is back for his third go round as Moondoggie, yikes! That pet name just sounds a bit too cutesy, even for the time period. This time the kids make off for Rome in the care of an aunt with a vague familial connection to one of the guys who goes along. Jessie Royce Landis does these adult, comic relief roles in her sleep.
While in Rome, viewers get a travelogue of the city from Danielle De Metz, who is actually French, posing as a competitive love interest for James Darren as Moondoggie. In the meantime, Gidget gets fed up with the lack of attention and soon finds Cesare Danova available to escort her at several points throughout the film. The usual complications (or lack of them) ensue, and viewers are treated to limp comedy and moments somewhat lacking in the drama department. However, the film contains lush color and viewers will enjoy the many sites of Rome circa 1963. Eddie Foy, Jr. has a cameo as a beach-goer wanting to use a public telephone at the beginning of the film. *1/2 of 4 stars.
While in Rome, viewers get a travelogue of the city from Danielle De Metz, who is actually French, posing as a competitive love interest for James Darren as Moondoggie. In the meantime, Gidget gets fed up with the lack of attention and soon finds Cesare Danova available to escort her at several points throughout the film. The usual complications (or lack of them) ensue, and viewers are treated to limp comedy and moments somewhat lacking in the drama department. However, the film contains lush color and viewers will enjoy the many sites of Rome circa 1963. Eddie Foy, Jr. has a cameo as a beach-goer wanting to use a public telephone at the beginning of the film. *1/2 of 4 stars.