Little Miss Marker (1980)

In the gloomy underbelly of 1930s New York City, the grim and grizzled bookie, Sorrowful Jones (Walter Matthau), ekes out a living, his life imbued with a shade of melancholy. His existence takes an unexpected turn when a desperate gambler leaves his vivacious six-year-old daughter as collateral for a debt. Initially reluctant, Sorrowful grudgingly takes on the role of an unwilling guardian. The sprightly cherub, with her innocent charm and ebullient spirit, soon begins to infuse a soft glow of warmth into Sorrowful's cold existence. His hardened exterior begins to crack as the little girl's infectious optimism seeps in, gradually transforming him from a curmudgeon to a softer, kinder man. Meanwhile, the lonely and elegant widow, Amanda Worthington (Dame Julie Andrews), herself entangled in the intricate web of gambling operations, crosses paths with Sorrowful. Sensing a shared loneliness and a chance for happiness, the little girl takes it upon herself to play cupid. She concocts a plan to set Amanda on a date with Sorrowful, hoping to spark a connection between the two. As Sorrowful's world intertwines with the lives of the spirited child and the captivating widow, he finds himself navigating unchartered territories of love, responsibility, and the promise of a transformed life. Little Miss Marker paints a poignant tale of unexpected bonds and the power of small acts to bring about profound changes.

Little Miss Marker is a comedy movie featuring Walter Matthau and directed by Walter Bernstein.

Little Miss Marker is currently streaming on Criterion Channel.