Going skiing over spring break? Then check out this 1972 movie starring Dean Jones as New York accountant Johnny Baxter. After learning that he’s inherited a Colorado hotel, he promptly quits his thankless job, packs up his dubious family, and heads west. But the Grand Imperial Hotel isn’t quite as grand as Baxter imagined, so he decides to take out a bank loan and turn it into a ski lodge. The only problem is that the ruthless bank manger wants the hotel for his own greedy purposes. With the help of an eccentric squatter (MASH's Harry Morgan), a local snowmobile dude, and an avalanche, the city slickers eventually prevail. Though the special effects are clearly dated in this movie, it’s still full of laughs, thanks to Jones’ slapstick comedy and the talents of Morgan, Nancy Olsen, Johnny Whitaker, and an adorable St. Bernard dog. Fun family fare for kids 5 and up.

Jane Louise Boursaw is a freelance journalist specializing in the movie and television industries. Email her at jboursaw@charter.net.

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MPAA Rating

G