(1959)

BIG KAHUNAS Sandra Dee, James Darren

THE STORY Before Sally Field replicated the role on TV, Dee stole America's hearts as the stubborn surfer girl who also gets the guy in this proto-''Blue Crush.''

BEST SCENE Gidget (girl + midget) passes the boys' surf initiation by hitching a ride with Moon Doggie (Darren), her arms spread ''Titanic''-style. When the Gidge gulps too much seawater, the Dogg brings her back to his beach shack and serenades her with the film's theme song, ''Gidget Is the One for Me.''

QUOTABLE QUOTE ''Surfing is just out of this world. You can't imagine the thrill of shooting the curl. It positively surpasses every living emotion I've ever had.''

WHY WE DIG IT Dee's youthful effervescence positively carbonates the surf -- and she looks swell in a one-piece too.