Snowball Express
Snowball Express
G | 22 December 1972 (USA)
Snowball Express Trailers

When John Baxter inherits a ski resort in the Rocky Mountains, he quits his job in New York and moves the family west to run it. Only to find that the place is a wreck. But together they decide to try to fix it up and run it. But Martin Ridgeway, who wants the property, does everything he can to ensure it will fail.

Reviews
Fluentiama Perfect cast and a good story
Derry Herrera Not sure how, but this is easily one of the best movies all summer. Multiple levels of funny, never takes itself seriously, super colorful, and creative.
Kamila Bell This is a coming of age storyline that you've seen in one form or another for decades. It takes a truly unique voice to make yet another one worth watching.
Jakoba True to its essence, the characters remain on the same line and manage to entertain the viewer, each highlighting their own distinctive qualities or touches.
wes-connors 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
springerjeep This movie is a tremendous comic force. Besides being a fun movie it does not try to get its laughs in an underhanded way- no potty jokes and no stupid sex antics. It's funny without trying to shock the viewer, as unlike so many other modern comedy movies. You are invited to laugh not forced to.This movie is for anyone who has experienced the trials of learning how to ski for the first time. This movie is especially for anyone who has been brave enough to leave the city for a rural setting, and had the insight to realize that some hard out door work and fresh air may be worth something more than money can buy
Al Castle Me (36s year old) and my brother (39 years old) saw this movie this afternoon - July 21st 07 and thoroughly enjoyed it from start to finish. The story was as with any Disney movie fairly easy to follow and we were sure of a happy ending. From the moment when the character Jonny Baxter quits his job when he inherits a hotel in a backwater town the movie is just a delight. We laughed at the awards Jonny gives out in the office when he leaves, the gags with the snow on the roof and especially the snow mobile race. This movie is worth searching out for a couple of hours of good entertainment - so much so I will be trying to find it on DVD. Enjoy!
moonspinner55 "Snowball Express" from the Disney Studios isn't quite as dated as some of their output from this era. There are no hippies or hot-rodders, just dull-as-dishwater Dean Jones inheriting a ramshackle hotel/ski-resort from a deceased relative. When Jones and family pull into a sleepy Colorado town, the folks who give them directions--looking like extras from "Deliverance"--are curiously vague about the hotel (we expect it to look like a one-room shanty), but actually the accommodations are very nice. Jones' teenage daughter has a sour look on her face throughout (which doesn't prevent one of the local yahoos from leering at her), and of course clumsy pop Dean Jones is a regular stumblebum on the slopes, leading to a lot of pratfalls in the slush. Perhaps this square scenario might've benefited from some magical whimsy, for this script is a frozen stiff. * from ****