
John Chard
Rock-a-bye Baby at Pimlico. Damon Runyon's Little Miss Marker had already been filmed in 1934 as a Shirley Temple starrer, this remake changes the title and brings in the star power of Bob Hope and Lucille Ball, with great results. St...


Movie spotlight
A young girl is left with the notoriously cheap Sorrowful Jones as a marker for a bet. When her father doesn't return, he learns that taking care of a child interferes with his free-wheeling lifestyle. Sorrowful must also evade crooked gangsters and indulge in a bit of horse-thieving.
A small-time bookie, 'Sorrowful' Jones, inherits a penthouse and a fortune from a gangster who was killed. The catch is that Jones must take care of the gangster's daughter, a naive and innocent young woman named Brenda. Jones, who has never been around children and prefers a solitary life, finds himself in over his head as he tries to protect Brenda from those who wish to exploit her inheritance. Meanwhile, he also has to deal with his own criminal past and the watchful eye of the police.
Sorrowful Jones was generally well-received by critics and audiences upon its release, praised for its blend of crime elements and Bob Hope's signature comedic style. While not considered a classic of the genre, it's often seen as a solid example of a 1940s comedy-noir, benefiting greatly from its lead actors' performances.
Bob Hope delivers his trademark comedic performance, successfully navigating both humorous and dramatic moments.
The film effectively blends crime noir atmosphere with lighthearted comedy.
Lucille Ball provides a charming counterpart to Hope's cynical character.
Google audience: Audience reviews highlight Bob Hope's enduring comedic talent and the entertaining mix of suspense and laughs. Many appreciate the chemistry between Hope and Lucille Ball, finding the film a fun and engaging watch.
The film's title, 'Sorrowful Jones,' refers to Bob Hope's character, a bookie who is perpetually gloomy and pessimistic, a persona that contrasts humorously with the comedic situations he finds himself in.
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Rock-a-bye Baby at Pimlico. Damon Runyon's Little Miss Marker had already been filmed in 1934 as a Shirley Temple starrer, this remake changes the title and brings in the star power of Bob Hope and Lucille Ball, with great results. St...