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To get the ball rolling, we have emailed TCM (Turner Classic Movies) and proposed a Sandra Dee Film Festival in an effort to showcase the amazing variety and range of this legendary performer, and to pay tribute to her illustrious career.
Her early films addressed, often for the first time in the medium, real issues of the era: young love, teenage pregnancy, racial discrimination, small town prejudicies... But no matter what personal tragedies beset her, she brought much joy to many people.
Consequently, we believe it is time for admirers of Sandra Dee to unite and show their gratitude toward this remarkable woman and her incomparable body of work. As loyal, longstanding fans, we would like to see her name in lights once again by having her recognized for her irreplaceable contribution to the motion picture industry.
Sandra Dee was one of the most appealing and extraordinarily gifted young performers to grace the silver screen in the late '50s and through the '60s. Although her film career came to a much too sudden halt at the age of 28, her enduring popularity among movie and nostalgia buffs has assured her place among the pantheon of Hollywood's most durable stars. Because of this, the word "legendary" is most befitting.
Her real talent was never recognized at the time for what it truly was, for she brought to the screen a freshness, a wholesomeness and an innocence which endeared her to everyone, but which was also taken for granted at the time as being standard for young girls.
From the perky heroine of the original Gidget, to the dreamy-eyed, but serious-minded late teen who knew what, and whom, she wanted, in the romantic drama A Summer Place, Miss Dee was, indeed, one of the most inimitable personalities and performers of her era. She has withstood the test of time. Her films hold up as well today as they did when they were first released.
It would be ideal if Miss Dee herself could host this event, or at least introduce it. But, if fragile health and other personal considerations make this unrealistic, perhaps her former co-stars could join in. Dwayne Hickman, one of her leading men in the 1967 romantic comedy Doctor You've Got To Be Kidding, has already indicated that he would be willing to partake, if his schedule allows.
If you too would like to show your support for this most worthwhile undertaking, you should email TCM and submit your request. Your voice can make a difference.
For more on Sandra, visit Linda's Sandra Dee Tribute site.
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