Original subtitles

Maybe you wouldn't enjoy it as much as surfing,

but, golly, I never knew anything could be so much fun.

- Mm-hmm. - And it's good exercise.

Maybe not as good as surfing, but it's great for your legs.

- Mm-hmm. - And you oughta see Snowball.

I mean, he's pretty old and all, but I don't think age matters...

as long as he's so adorably lovable.

- Do you? - Mm-hmm.

Are you listening to me?

Certainly. Who else is talking?

Hi, Gidget. Hi.

Hey, that's a crazy shade. Perpetual Emotion. You like?

Wild. Hello, Dolly.

Hi. Like a carrot?

No, thanks. Hey, listen, it's all

set for Friday, right after school.

The six of us. And you'll be with Hank. Great.

- This Friday? - Yes, dear. Anything wrong?

Oh, I forgot. I promised to go with Larue.

Oh, I didn't know she ever went anywhere. To the stables.

[laughs] Oh, forgive me. I didn't think of the stables.

Hey, just a dinghy minute! Why are

you making a target out of Larue?

With an outfit like that, who could resist?

What's so great about your outfit? Mostly skin.

Please, don't hassle on account of me.

Aw, isn't she sweet? A regular little swamp angel.

Honestly, how you can hang around with

an ox like that, nobody can figure it.

Well, nobody better ask me, or they'll get

the answer in Morse code on their skulls.

And that goes for you too.

That's okay, honey. Sandpaper toenails are in this year.

Pity she's a lady. She'd have made such a lovely cobra.

Oh, forget it. She doesn't bother me.

Snowball's much more important. Who?

Snowball. Snowball who?

This horse I was-- Horses?

Is that all you ever think about these days-- horses?

What's wrong with horses?

They're not people. That's what's wrong.

Well, you'll never get anywhere hanging around with horses.

- Can you marry a horse? - Who's talking about marrying?

I just like to ride them.

No, that's wrong. They're also very good company.

Well, you better forget about all that jazz

and make some points on the human side,

or that's the only company you'll ever have.

- Except me, of course. - But what do you mean, points?

I mean, you gotta get off the ground and fly.

Well, look at all these wiggy birds around here,

knocking themselves out, crowding in where the action is,

shining themselves up,trying to be

something special, even when they're not.

And I don't. Is that what you're saying?

Don't you even want to? Where's your killer instinct?

Maybe I don't have one. Even if I did,

you can't hunt tigers with a cap pistol.

Well, how do you know what you've got?

Well, you may be hiding a cannon behind those protective walls.

I don't think so.

Well, there's only one way to find out.

Come on. Let's go.

Oh! Oh, my nails! [sputtering]

That's all right. You're my very best friend,

and from now on, you're my first concern.

Gidget, I really appreciate it, but what are you gonna do?

Blast that wall! Demolish it! Blow it out of existence!

But suppose there is no wall? Suppose it's just me?

Well, we'll face that problem when we get to it.

Come on.

♪ [jazzy pop]

♪ If you're in doubt about angels ♪

♪ Being real

♪ I can arrange to change

♪ Any doubts you feel

♪ Wait till you see my Gidget ♪

♪ You'll want her for your valentine ♪

♪ You're gonna say she's all that you adore ♪

♪ But stay away Gidget is spoken for ♪

♪ You're gonna find that Gidget is ♪

♪ Mine ♪

[Gidget narrating] Project Larue

became my number one objective,

as soon as I fully realized how badly she needed my help.

[gasps] Ow! Ooh!

In this life, know-how is everything.

Beauty, grace and charm are merely a matter of knowing how.

Oh! I ask you-- Is that a vision of loveliness?

Anyone can learn the secret of personal magnetism.

It can be summed up in two words:

Be natural.

[sneezes]

Hi, Larue. Hi.

Are you, uh, having trouble with those steps?

Oh, man, am I ever. What's the problem?

I'm the problem. I'm a "limpnik."

A what? A left-footed, lopsided jerk.

That is not my impression.

Believe me, Mr. Lawrence. I can't walk right,

talk right or even sit right.

I bet, if it came right down to

it, I'm not even breathing right.

Gidget's just wasting her time.

Oh, I see. And her money.

You should see the list of things

she's out buying for my face and hair.

Is it Gidget's idea that you have all these problems?

It's nobody's idea. It's just a fact.

The only thing is--

Oh, gosh, Mr. Lawrence, you're probably busy,

and I'm just standing here filling

your ear with all this jazz.

I'm not busy at all. Come on in. The only thing is what?

Well, the truth is, those kind of

problems never really bother me.

Maybe that's the trouble with me.

I guess if no one ever mentioned them,

I'd never know all the problems I have.

But, of course, people do.

Well, that's one thing most people are expert at--

Observing other people's problems.

Well, I can't blame them. Especially

when they stick out as far as mine.

But the funny thing is, the only time I really feel put down...

is when someone I love-- like my mother or father or Gidget--

Starts to worry about me.

Then I start to worry.

But I don't think I'm worrying about me.

I think I'm worrying about them worrying about me.

I guess that doesn't make much sense.

I think it does. You do?

That's terrific, Mr. Lawrence. I'm

not even sure I understand it myself.

All I know is, when the people I like are happy, I'm happy.

I really don't care what the

others think, and that's the truth.

I believe it.

You know something else? You're a remarkable young lady.

- Who, me? - Yes.

You know, Larue, I've always liked you

without thinking very much about it.

A friend of Gidget's, nice kid, glad to have you around,

and now I'm beginning to realize why.

A genuinely happy, unselfish person...

is a rare bird in this world.

Well, I don't mean to embarrass you,

but an honest compliment is nothing to shy away from.

And as for beauty-- Beauty is most

often in the eye of the beholder.

You know, when I was a freshman in college,

there was a girl looked enough like you to be your twin.

In my eyes, she was a knockout. Something about her.

See what I mean? The eye of the beholder.

Mr. Lawrence--

Now, you forget all this nonsense, and you tell Gidget--

Oh, no, sir, please. We mustn't do that.

She only wants to help me, and I don't mind. Not really.

Maybe it'll do me some good. Even

a little improvement is something.

Please, don't say anything.

If you don't want me to.

The only real inconvenience is about the horseback riding.

You like horseback riding?

Oh, it's my number one passion.

And I fell in love with-- Well, this sounds silly,

but with an old gelding named Snowball.

And I guess I'm driving everybody

dingy just talking about him.

Especially my parents. I'd like them to buy him for me.

- And? - Well, I don't know.

Right now, it doesn't look too good.

But, anyway, I promised Gidget I'd

forget about horses for a while...

and start concentrating on people.

Only it kills me not to say anything

at all. It's so frustrating.

When you want to talk about horses, you knock on my door.

It'll be our secret. Thank you, Mr. Lawrence.

Most of the people I know aren't

the least bit interested in horses.

Gidget says I'll probably end up living with a horse.

I was kinda hung up on horses myself at one time.

When I was a kid, my grandfather had a ranch in Montana.

I used to spend my summers there.

Practically did live with the horses.

Mr. Lawrence, I'd just like to tell you something.

What's that? I'm certainly happy to know you.

[door closes] [Gidget] Larue?

Don't forget. Don't say anything.

And don't you forget-- the eye of the beholder.

Hi, Dad. Larue, how did you get in here?

You're supposed to be coming down stairs.

I did come downstairs. That's how I got here.

[Gidget narrating] These days, all

our problems are solved by science.

Science tells us how to live longer,

how to travel in space and how to be beautiful.

Oatmeal for the jowls.

Peanut butter for the hair. Peanut butter?

It'll make your hair glow.

[Gidget narrating] And all we have to do is apply nose clamps.

I worked all that day and right on through to that night.

Of course, I never let on to Larue, because

I wouldn't risk hurting her feelings,

but her hair was my biggest problem.

I finally got it though.

I finally got exactly the right style for her.

There. Can you believe it?

Believe it? I can't even see it.

You don't like it.

Oh, it's great. And economical.

Think of what I can save on makeup alone.

I don't know.

And soap.

I was so sure, but now I--

No, I can do better.

Ready? Please.

I shall now remove the blinders.

Hey, you know, it's not bad.

You think so? I really think so.

But let's get an outside opinion. Let's ask your dad.

- Hey, that's really something. - You really think so, Dad?

I really think so.

You don't think it's too, too--

I don't think it's "too, too." It's very lovely.

And to think there were times today

when I was almost ready to give up.

Well, now that I'm on the right track,

I'll have to get a few more supplies.

- More supplies? - Just a few more.

Next thing we'll try is the stark look.

Wait here. I'll get my purse.

You can walk me to the drugstore.

Tell the truth, Mr. Lawrence.

I mean, you're really leveling? You're not just putting us on?

No, I'm not just putting you on. You know I'm not.

[phone rings] He's sweet.

Dad? Hello?

What's the stark look? Oh, hi, Anne.

We use white lipstick, white mascara

and white rouge. It's your sister.

Tell her I'll call her back. She'll call

you back. She's going to the drugstore.

So long, Dad. So long. Good night, Larue.

Bye. Big doings around here all day and night.

Gidget is attempting to make Larue over.

What do you mean, she could use it?

Well, I don't agree with you at all.

I think she's a wonderful girl.

Sweet. A genuinely sweet human being.

No, you didn't say anything to annoy me. Do I sound annoyed?

Dad? In the den, honey.

Be with you in a second. I want to call Anne.

Anne? Gidget. Wait till I tell you what I did today.

Oh, Dad told you.

Wait till I tell you how she looked.

Oh, he told you that too.

Really what? Really raved?

Over Larue?

Well, it was sort of a fall away hairdo,

but I don't think you'd call it sweet.

Oh, he said she was sweet.

I was gonna try a different hairstyle on

her tomorrow, but now I'm not so sure.

I don't think I should argue with success.

At least not this much.

I'll talk to you tomorrow.

Sweet? Funny. That's what she called him.

Hey, Gidge, you about ready to call it a day? I'm beat.

Sure you are. The way you've been working lately.

Are your eyes bothering you? My eyes?

[phone rings] Hello?

Oh, hi, Larue. Listen, hold on. I'll take it up--

Yeah. Sure, he's here.

It's for you. Larue?

Hi there.

I just thought you'd like to know that my mother caught me...

scraping peanut butter off my scalp.

I heard her whispering to Dad she thought my nerves were shot

over frustration about Snowball,

and something better be done about it.

So who knows? Maybe Gidget's doing

more for me than she realizes, huh?

Like it's an ill wind and all that jazz, right?

Good. I'm delighted, Larue. Good night.

Delighted about what? [laughs]

You don't have to know about everything, do you?

No. But I'd like to.

[Gidget narrating] I could have stewed all night...

wondering what was going on all of a sudden,

but fortunately I'm not the type.

Hi there!

One hairdo, and it's "hi there."

[Gidget narrating] Isn't it simply fab...

how things that worry you the night before...

all disappear by morning?

Hi there.

Hey. Hmm? Oh, hi. Come on in.

Gidget down yet? Nuh-uh. Had your breakfast?

Yeah. I've been to the stables already.

At least Snow is still there. You

really want that horse, don't you?

Do I. The only trouble is, he's old.

Well, not that old. Only Dad thinks

there must be something wrong with him.

And there isn't. You sure? Your dad may be right.

I know there isn't. I've ridden him lots of times.

Well, many things you can't tell about a horse by riding alone.

Hey, how about if I had a look at him for you?

- Gee, would you, Mr. Lawrence? - Sure. I'll tell you what.

I won't be free until this afternoon, but

I'll phone you, and we'll drive out there.

How's that? Gosh, you're being so nice to me.

I wish there was something I could do for you.

- How about some more coffee? - Fine.

Incidentally, how does your mother feel about all this?

Listen, if I can get her on my side,

make her see that age doesn't make that much difference,

then she could convince Dad.

From then on, it'd be smooth sailing.

Of course, with my luck, I'd swing them into line...

and then have my hands full with Gidget.

[Russ] Stop worrying about what Gidget might think.

[Gidget narrating] Now, that

could have been a lot more to go on,

but I was not going to jump to any hasty conclusions.

Not by myself.

Really, Gidget, you're letting yourself get upset over nothing.

You sure? Of course I'm sure.

Well, I didn't know what to think. I still don't.

You must admit it is strange. What could it mean?

Not a thing. It simply means you heard something out of context.

But what about the "he's sweet and she's sweet"...

and the telephone call-- he's delighted--

And the way he melted all over the place?

And that fall away hairdo isn't even that fabulous!

Nothing.

And the whole schmear about how

she's going to convince her mother...

that age doesn't really make any difference,

and I'm gonna holler, and he's gonna make me understand.

That's nothing too? That's nothing too.

It doesn't bother you? Not in the least.

Thick peels on those potatoes.

Well, I can't concentrate on what I'm doing.

You know, that you could even entertain the thought that Dad--

Our dad and Larue--

It's absolutely ridiculous.

Larue Shelby. Oh, Gidget.

Yeah, I guess it is kinda silly.

[door opens] Hi, Gidge.

Hi. Hi, honey.

Hi. How are you?

[laughing] What's happening?

The little worrywart and I were talking about Dad.

Oh? I just saw him. Where?

In his car, heading up Mandeville Canyon.

Hmm. I wonder where he was going.

I don't know. Where would he be going with Larue?

Larue! Larue!

[horse whinnies]

How long ago did you fire him?

About a year or so back. Got a little frisky and bucked 'em.

Sound as a dollar now. I'll buy that.

Well, looks good to me. Oh, gee, that's great.

Now if I can only convince my folks. [whinnies]

I suppose it's kinda silly to make

such a big thing over a horse,

but when you're stuck with a lot of time on your hands,

it's a nice way of filling it.

I'll take him in, Tacky. Go right ahead, Miss.

Come on, Snow. Come on, babe.

Sure is crazy about that animal. Yeah.

You her pop? No.

Uncle?

Friend, huh?

Uh, more than a friend. An admirer.

[whinnies]

And I'm gonna prove it.

All you're doing is speculating. Talk

to your father. Ask him to explain.

Psychology's answer to everything! Talk! Explain!

You don't have any real evidence! Real evidence?

Yeah, what about these secret meetings,

and why these private conversations?

Maybe they're planning a surprise party.

Whose birthday is coming up? Abraham Lincoln's.

[chuckles] Let's face it--

Dad is a widower, and there must be times when he gets lonely.

Lonely enough for Larue? Nobody's

ever been that lonely before.

Until you had to go and make her over.

Well, I didn't change her looks

that much. I just covered them up.

Well, whatever you did, it's had

some sort of strange effect on Dad.

In two days? I don't believe it!

And furthermore, I'll prove it. How?

By having the guts to meet

face-to-face and demand an explanation.

Where'd you see us-- at the stables?

Yeah. Yeah, that's right. At the stables.

- What were you doing there? - Why do you want to know?

Believe me. I don't have to ask. I already know.

And let me give you some sound advice.

Whatever plans you may have, forget them.

He's much too old. It's ridiculous.

Well, that's your opinion. And my parents'.

But it doesn't happen to be mine. So he's old? So what?

So he's lost a few teeth and he sags a bit here and there?

What difference does it make? He's lovable and gentle,

and he's got a lot more zing in him than people suspect.

Enough for me anyway, and that's all that matters.

Well, that's not all that matters to me! Me either!

I think it's time we nipped this thing

in the bud and had a talk with Dad.

You go to the house. I'll meet you there later.

What are you going to do? What am I going to do?

I'm going to The Shack to have a little heart-to-heart talk...

with my dearest, my very best, long-lasting,

lifetime, ever-faithful friend.

The miserable fink!

Your father? Holy moly!

I wasn't talking about your father.

I was talking about Snow, a horse!

- A horse? - I told John.

Boy, instead of studying to be a psychologist,

he oughta be out looking for one.

Well, naturally, he thought--

Well, and then I thought-- And then Anne thought--

Well, under the circumstances, what else could we think?

What circumstances?

The way Dad's been raving about you, and the way--

- Raving about me? - Yeah, raving.

All of a sudden, you're the greatest

thing since instant mashed potatoes.

Tell me something, will you?

Where did he ever get the idea that you're so darned lovable?

I don't know. Believe me, Gidge.

On my honor, I'd never do anything

to give him an idea like that!

Well, he certainly got it. And he's been

spreading the word around to everybody--

Me and Anne and--

Anne! Anne and John! I've gotta make a phone call.

Hi, Larue. What's new?

What's new?

Well, Gidget's father is in love with me.

That's fairly new.

Hello, Anne? Gidget.

Stop whatever you're saying to Dad and go back and apologize.

Because what? He isn't there yet?

You're still waiting for him? Hallelujah Harry!

Because it turns out it's all in your

mind. I got it all straightened out.

That's what he meant when he said,

"More than a friend. An admirer."

Oh, Siddo, suppose he's serious?

I'm still working on, are you serious?

I can't turn him down. How would it look?

A galumph like me says no to a nice old man like him.

It would murder his ego.

And what about Gidget? Oh,

there's a nice piece of business.

Her own father isn't good enough for her very best, her dearest--

Larue, I've been looking everywhere for you. Dad!

Wonderful news. I just spoke to your father, and he said yes.

All I can say is that I'll do my very best...

to make both you and Gidget...

very happy.

Now I understand. No wonder you couldn't resist.

Look. His eyes are the same color as the Pacific Ocean.

It's the look in his eyes that matters.

That's what we're trying to convince you of, young lady.

It's the look in your eyes that matters.

Feel beautiful and you are beautiful.

Aw, cut it out, Snow. We got company.

You two want to be alone? Do you mind?

We only belong to each other a day and a half.

[nickering]

It just shows you, doesn't it?

As long as a girl's got something to love,

all's right with the world.

And it can be anything-- an ocean, a horse,

a father, a friend...

or, just incidentally, a boy.