Snowball Express

1972
U
1h 33m

IMDb RATING

YOUR RATING

When John Baxter inherits a ski resort in the Rocky Mountains, he quits his job in New York and moves west to run it--only to find his "estate" in a state of total dilapidation.When John Baxter inherits a ski resort in the Rocky Mountains, he quits his job in New York and moves west to run it--only to find his "estate" in a state of total dilapidation.When John Baxter inherits a ski resort in the Rocky Mountains, he quits his job in New York and moves west to run it--only to find his "estate" in a state of total dilapidation.

See production info at IMDbPro

IMDb RATING

6.3/10

2.1K

YOUR RATING

See production info at IMDbPro

User reviews36

Featured review

6/10

Dean Jones on the Slopes

Late and frazzled New York City accountant Dean Jones (as John "Johnny" Sylvester Baxter) learns he has inherited the "Grand Imperial Hotel" in Silver Hill, Colorado. Thinking that might be in Wyoming, Mr. Jones quits his job and moves to the ritzy-sounding place. Alas, well-coiffed wife Nancy Olson (as Sue) and the family arrive to find the hotel in dilapidated shape. Having burned his bridges at work, Jones decides to stay, repair the old place, and turn it into a ski resort. Seventy-five-year-old squatter Harry Morgan (as Jesse McCord) is hired as bellboy. Local banker Keenan Wynn (as Martin Ridgeway) causes problems...

This is mainly Jones' picture, with Mr. Morgan and Michael McGreevey (as Wally Perkins) getting the best supporting roles...

Like so many Disney movies, the situation seems to double as a TV series pilot. Probably, nobody would believe Jones having only two children in a hotel sitcom, but they are good ones - beautiful daughter Kathleen Cody (as Chris) from "Dark Shadows" and precocious son Johnny Whitaker (as Richard) from "Family Affair". While Jones sometimes channels Jimmy Stewart, "Mayberry" citizen George Lindsay does a great Karl Malden. The opening includes dependable bits from David White ("Bewitched") and Dick Van Patten ("Eight Is Enough"). Scene stealer Mary Wickes is always appreciated. Silly story, great cast.

****** Snowball Express (12/22/72) Norman Tokar ~ Dean Jones, Harry Morgan, Michael McGreevey, Nancy Olson

wes-connors
Jan 17, 2012
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Trivia
Was filmed in Crested Butte, Colorado.

Goofs
At the beginning of the movie when Johnny punches in, the time clock reads Tuesday 29. At the time of the movie release the 29th was a Tuesday in 1952, 1957 and 1963. The Baxter's car appears to be a 1970 Ford Torino Wagon meaning it couldn't be any of those years.

Quotes
Jesse McCord: [after plunging through a snowbank into a mine tunnel] We dead?
Johnny Baxter: I didn't want to be the first to mention it.
Jesse McCord: Johnny, I hate to add to your troubles, but it's getting hotter.
Johnny Baxter: [Whispered] It sure is.
Jesse McCord: Must be that go-round I had with the widow Corzine. But heck, that was 20 years ago, and she started it.