On this day March 21 1980 the comedy-drama film Little Miss Marker premiered in theaters. Directed by Walter Bernstein the film starred Walter Matthau Julie Andrews Tony Curtis Bob Newhart Lee Grant and child actress Sara Stimson in a heartwarming story about an unlikely bond between a gruff bookie and a young girl.
Based on a short story by Damon Runyon Little Miss Marker was a remake of the 1934 classic starring Shirley Temple. Walter Matthau played Sorrowful Jones a tough bookie who finds himself caring for a little girl left as collateral for a bet. The film mixed comedy with sentimental moments but underperformed at the box office earning 6.3 million.
80s insight: This was the fourth adaptation of Damon Runyon’s short story following versions in 1934 1949 and 1962 each with different takes on the heartwarming tale.
Based on a short story by Damon Runyon Little Miss Marker was a remake of the 1934 classic starring Shirley Temple. Walter Matthau played Sorrowful Jones a tough bookie who finds himself caring for a little girl left as collateral for a bet. The film mixed comedy with sentimental moments but underperformed at the box office earning 6.3 million.
80s insight: This was the fourth adaptation of Damon Runyon’s short story following versions in 1934 1949 and 1962 each with different takes on the heartwarming tale.
