Watch Little Miss Marker

Little Miss Marker is a heartwarming comedy-drama film from 1980, directed by Walter Bernstein and starring Walter Matthau, Julie Andrews, and Tony Curtis. The movie tells the story of a little girl named Amanda, who is left in the care of a down-on-his-luck bookie, Sorrowful Jones, after her father bets and loses all his money. Sorrowful, played by Matthau, is a cynical and hardened gambler who has seen it all in the seedy underworld of the city. He does not like children, but he has a soft spot for Amanda, who is played by newcomer Sara Stimson in her debut role. Amanda is a bright and curious child who is wise beyond her years, but she is also lonely and desperate for the love and attention of her absent father.

As Sorrowful struggles to make ends meet and pay off his debts, he becomes increasingly attached to Amanda, who brings a light into his otherwise dreary existence. With the help of her new friends, including a kindly judge played by Andrews, Amanda helps to remind Sorrowful of the simple joys in life and the importance of human connections.

The movie takes place against the backdrop of the horse racing world, with Sorrowful and his cronies placing bets on the races and hoping to score big. The atmosphere is gritty and realistic, with characters marred by their past mistakes and struggling to get by in a tough world.

Despite the serious themes of addiction and poverty, Little Miss Marker is ultimately a feel-good movie that celebrates the power of love and redemption. Matthau delivers a strong performance as Sorrowful, embodying the character's world-weariness and emotional growth over the course of the film. Andrews is equally impressive as the wise and compassionate judge who takes Amanda under her wing.

The film is also notable for its original score by Marvin Hamlisch, which captures the tone of the story perfectly with its light, jazzy melodies. The music helps to convey the sense of both hope and melancholy that permeates the film.

Overall, Little Miss Marker is a charming and timeless movie that portrays the struggles and joys of the human experience with grace and humor. It is a reminder that even in the darkest of times, there is always the possibility for happiness and love.