Little Miss Marker (1980)

Little Miss Marker is a 1980 American comedy-drama film directed & written by Walter Bernstein (in his directorial debut), starring Walter Matthau, Tony Curtis, Julie Andrews, Bob Newhart and Sara Stimson.

The film is a remake of the 1934 Shirley Temple film.

Plot
Set in 1934, bookie Sorrowful Jones (Walter Matthau) is confronted by a gambler named Carter (Andrew Rubin) who is unable to pay a $10 debt and gives his six-year-old daughter (Sara Stimson) to Sorrowful's gambling operation (run by gangsters) for a bet. After Carter loses his bet & commits suicide, the gangsters are left with his daughter.

Cast

 * Walter Matthau as Sorrowful Jones
 * Julie Andrews as Amanda Worthington
 * Tony Curtis as Blackie
 * Bob Newhart as Regret
 * Sara Stimson as The Kid
 * Brian Dennehy as Herbie
 * Kenneth McMillan as Brannigan
 * Lee Grant as the Judge
 * Andrew Rubin as Carter, the Kid's Father

Production
"Little Miss Marker" was filmed in Santa Rosa, California.

For the role of The Kid, there was a talent search for young girls and six-year-old Sara Stimson was chosen for the role despite the fact that she had no prior acting experience. This would be the only acting credit to date for her.

Box Office
"Little Miss Marker" grossed $853,173 during its opening weekend. Domestically, the film grossed $6,321,392.

Critical Reception
On Rotten Tomatoes, "Little Miss Marker" was given a 54% audience approval rating.

Roger Ebert gave the film a three-star rating, calling it "a thoroughly pleasant, lightweight comedy."

Accolades
Young Artist Awards
 * Best Major Motion Picture-Family Entertainment (nominated)