Absolutely hilarious episode, and possibly a tv classic, guest starring Paul Lynde as the TOTALLY obnoxious father of one of Gidge's friends.
The story goes that Shirley (played by popular actress Beverly Washburn) is going to get a car! So why not take Gidget along for the ride, along with her dad (Lynde) and her mom (none other than Jeff Donnell) to check out some cars for sale.
Simple Simon, ya think.
Don't think. It seems Gidget is in her pajmas(!) and wants to call her dad to let him know where she is. So the gang spends more time looking for a phone booth than looking for a car, getting lost in the meanwhile --and Lynde blows his top!
This is also a terrific history lesson, to show the importance of cell phones. There were none in the 60s! If Gidge had a cell phone, there would have been less confusion, less time wasted, they probably wouldn't have gotten lost and Shirley would get her car!
I agree with the last reviewer that Paul Lynde steals the show here. He is just plain nuts and fun to watch. A few years earlier, Lynde rose to stardom in the Broadway play and movie version of BYE, BYE BIRDIE. Of course, at around the time this episode was filmed, he was also appearing on BEWITCHED as Uncle Arthur, one of the most classic tv characters, and also guest starring on HOLLYWOOD SQUARES, which would make him a top tv star.
Popular actress Jeff Donnell played Gidget's mom in two popular movies, GIDGET GOES HAWAIIAN and GIDBGET GOES TO ROME. Had professor Lawrence not been a widower in this tv series, she probably would have been cast as Sally Field's mom too!
And not to forget Beverly Washburn as Shirley, who was a veteran child actress, appearing many times on the LORETTA YOUNG SHOW and on JACK BENNY. Interestingly, not too long after this episode she would appear in the cult horror film, SPIDER BABY. Beverly said she actually got the role when she was spotted at a grocery store. The producer introduced himself and told her she looked like an actress and had a role for her if she was interested!
Do not miss this episode, directed by Jerrold Bernstein, who served as assistant director for the DONNA REED SHOW for years.
Always on dvd and remastered blu ray.