Director Wendkos Dies

GIDGET director PAUL WENDKOS has died at the age of 84.

The filmmaker, best known for his work on the 1959 surfing film starring Sandra Dee, passed away on Thursday (12Nov09) due to a lung infection following a stroke, according to Reuters.

During Wendkos’ 50-year career he also worked on movies Guns of the Magnificent Seven and The Legend of Lizzie Borden, and his first narrative film - The Burglar - helped launch screen legend Jayne Mansfield’s career.

Wendkos, who previously served in the U.S. Navy during World War II, is survived by his wife - television producer Lin Bolen - son Jordan, as well as a granddaughter, niece and nephews.