Snowball Express

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