Credit the ‘Gidget’ Movie

Re “Respect, Please, for Malibu’s Best Gal,” Commentary, May 2: I’m not taking anything away from the novella “Gidget.” In fact I’m thrilled that “the whole town” (Malibu) is reading anything.

I take issue with Deanne Stillman’s assertion that “Gidget,” the book, “altered the course” of American history. The tipping point was the Hollywood movie, under the same name. It was “Gidget,” the movie, starring James Darren, Sandra Dee and Cliff Robertson, that drew legions to California beaches.

The media of pop culture that influence youth culture, then as now, are music and film rather than the print medium. I’m proud to say I started surfing “BG,” before “Gidget” (the movie).

Dick Crowell

Woodland Hills