10 STARS. This was the only episode directed by Don Porter, and its one of the best. He should have done more episodes because he did a fine job with this cast; everyone is spot on.
Special guest star is none other than Frank De Vol, the famous sitcom composer who occasionally acted on the side. Frank was a natural, playing a quiet, sensitive guy called Stew, who happens to be old friends with Professor Lawrence. The running gag here is that Gidget's dad is going out of town, so he offers Stew to stay at his house since he's visting LA.
There's more, much more...
In the meanwhile, Gidget is supposed to be staying at Larue's house --but returns home to encounter Stew (or his noises...) thinking he's a ghoul?
There's also a thunderstorm late at night (in southern California?), and everybody goes nuts!
This is a whole lot of fun, and Frank De Vol is hilarious, playing a health nut, sensitive to everything --especially being alone in a creaky house, thinking Gidget (or her noises...) is a ghost!!
Popular characater actor Joseph Mell plays neighbor, Herb. He and his wife (Holly Irving) were at a costume party --and he's walking around the house dressed as the Wolfman!
According to the trivia notes, actor Victor Jory appears at the airport in a bit role, then disappears. It may have been that he was originally intended to play Stew, and the footage they already filmed was left in! It makes sense, because why would such a famous actor have a bit part.
Extremely well written, and the cast is obviously having a blast. Classic GIDGET all the way.
SEASON 1 remastered Columbia dvd box set.