La puce et le grincheux

I was actually present at CalExpo (home of the California State Fair) in the late summer of 1979 during the shooting of "Little Miss Marker". The horse racing scenes and much of the "ranch" scenes were filmed there at the time of a significant equestrian show, and my dad appears as an extra in at least one scene. I first saw the movie in early 2007, so it brought back many memories--"Smokey and the Bandit" was in general release at the time, Julie Andrews appeared in Blake Edwards' "10" the year before "Little Miss Marker", and in "S.O.B." the year after (wherein she briefly bares her breasts for the audience in a fit of exasperation) so LMM represents a clear break between the 70s and 80s for ME. The word "DIVORCE" comes to mind. Ironically, LMM is itself a VERY ENJOYABLE film. Just be aware that there are some underlying emotional themes that may unpredictably affect folks in their late 30s and early 40s.

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.