User Reviews

Sometimes a newer film might be a blatant copy of a previous hit, but the audience-- well aware of this fact-- doesn't seem to mind. Warner Brothers' B picture unit has cranked out a 62-minute crowd pleaser with an adorable little girl (Janet Chapman); two redeemable mugs (John Litel and Frank McHugh); and an attractive woman (Ann Sheridan). Of course, it's all a pleasant rehash of Universal's LITTLE MISS MARKER that made Shirley Temple a star.

Litel's character, similar to Adolphe Menjou's character in the Miss Marker movie, is a gambler entrusted with the care of an orphan (Chapman). She becomes a rather convenient alibi when he gets in trouble with the law. Then when she helps pick winners at the racetrack, he decides she's worth keeping around.

The twist here is that the girl thinks the man could be her real dad. This is why she doesn't want to return to the orphanage. So on some level, we have a deluded child and a crooked father figure, who both need each other. McHugh's character provides customary support and functions as the comic relief Greek chorus. Sheridan comes in to the story as a neighbor of Litel's. Predictably, she takes a motherly interest in Chapman. If she didn't, we wouldn't have the making of a family.

As things progress, Sheridan becomes romantically involved with Litel. Events move at a brisk pace, as most B films do. However, the plot does pause in a few spots to allow adequate character development between the main characters. The film is certainly far-fetched with almost zero plausibility or any connection to reality. But the premise works, because the audience wants to see the girl in a more normal domestic environment. And while Chapman is no Shirley Temple, she's still quite endearing.

The one slight complaint I have here is how much touching and kissing goes on. The authority figures, such as the police as well as the nuns at the orphanage, often rest their hands on the girl's shoulder...or pat her on the head. When Chapman becomes part of Litel's world, she is in extreme moppet mode, hugging and kissing him often.

I guess it's supposed to be funny that a tough crook has these tender moments with the girl, but some of it seems overdone. He shares so much affection with young Chapman, one wonders how Sheridan will compete!

For the most part, though, the story taken in its broader context, is harmless. It's meant to be a light-hearted poke at the hardships of life. Parts of the narrative are so sugary sweet, I found myself going into a diabetic coma.