The recurring theme music is almost "What a Day for a Daydream", with a jazzy twist. Walter Matthau is "Jones", the grouchy old bookie, and when someone owes him money, they leave their daughter as collateral. Supporting roles by Julie Andrews, Tony Curtis, Bob Newhart, Brian Dennehy. Its a fun, cozy little film, but sadly no big magic. The best things about this film are the premise... someone's little daughter as an I.O.U., and the nicknames of the various cast members. Newhart is "Regret", Matthau is "Sorrowful Jones", Lee Grant is "the Judge", and Sara Stimson is "the Kid". Don't forget Randy Hermann as "Fleabag Hotel Clerk". Based on a story by Damon Runyon, which has been remade several times. Jones and Amanda race a horse, and might fall in love in the process. The poor little girl is always asking when her dad is coming back, and Jones never knows what to say... so of course, "the Kid" goes looking for dad on her own. Jones finally has to tell her the truth, and that ain't easy. It's a fun, low-key caper. "Hopscotch" was the OTHER film Matthau made that year, and it's SO much better. Some fun names in Little Miss Marker. Needs to move a little faster, or something. Both Andrews and Matthau had won Oscars for earlier roles. This one isn't bad... just not great.

A great period atmosphere filled with excellent physical details and a bouncy musical score that screams the 1930's makes up for the flaws of this family film that seemed rather dated in the turbulent early 1980's. it was a return to family films for Julie Andrews for the first time since "The Sound of Music", and interestingly enough, she takes a secondary part. Who better in 1980 to play the role of the cynical Sorrowful Jones than the rubber faced Walter Matthau who had been playing grumpy old men since he was a grumpy young man? This fourth version of the Damon Runyon story is sweet and enjoyable, but once the first fraction of family sought, it quickly disappeared.

In her only film appearance, Sarah Simpson is an instant scene stealer as the young tot who is left by her gambling father as a marker so he can go out and collect money that he owes Matthau. of course, daddy never makes it back, leaving the girl for math how to raise, and what day help of pretty horse owner Andrews, he begins to learn that underneath his W.C. Fields child-hating facade is a sweet sentimental man easily taken in by her charm, and equally enamored of the lovely Julie.

Demoted down to the role of the mobster, Tony Curtis (previously Sorrowful in 1962's "40 Pounds of Trouble") still shows his sparkle, commanding every moment he is on screen. Bob Newhart, Brian Dennehy, Lee Grant and Kenneth McMillan play smaller roles, but pretty much melt into the background anytime math out, Andrews and Simpson are on screen. It is a pleasant diversion but really nothing exciting, which explains why this has become a rather obscure footnote indeed careers of its stars. The abundance of films at the time with nostalgic themes also worked against its favor. It is still a pleasure to see you again after all these years, having gone to see it in its brief release that unfortunately word-of-mouth couldn't help. Today, fans of Matthau and Andrews have either forgotten about it or didn't even know of its existence. For them, then, it is a real treat.

This was a nice 1970's movie even though it was made in 1980. The little girl who played The Kid,(Viola Kates Stimpson) appeared to be a seasoned actress even though this was her first and last movie role. Too bad, because she showed a great presence on the large screen. Walter Matthau playing the cantankerous unhappy bookie who falls for The Kid was believable and quite touching.

Supporting characters Tony Curtis as the mobster killer with his muscle Brian Dennehy , as well as Bob Newhart playing Walter Matthau's right hand man, and rounding up the stellar cast, Julie Andrews, whose horse farm was slowly being taken over by the mobster Tony Curtis, were all great supporting actors.

This is very light movie fare, and you won't need any facial tissues for any sad tug at your heart string scenes, but what you will get is a 70's style THE STING type movie that is enjoyable for the whole family.