Snowball Express (1972) Movie Script
( Buzzing )
( Beeping )
Good morning, Baxter.
Nice of you to join us.
- Office hours start at 9:00, you know.
- I know, Mr. Carruthers.
- I missed my bus, and then the taxi--
- We would appreciate it...
if you would take care of your
personal affairs on your own time.
What?
- Morning.
- Mr. Baxter.
- Yes.
- John Sylvester Baxter?
- Yes.
- My name is Fowler.
Im with the legal firm of Voorhees,
Buckner and Voorhees.
Look, if its about that overdue bill
at La France Dry Cleaners--
Would you mind telling me
your mothers maiden name?
Judith Pelton. I can explain that.
You see, I didnt pay--
Im afraid I have
some bad news for you.
Youre not gonna sue.
The bill is not that much--
- Jacob Barnsworth died.
- Im sorry to hear that, but--
- Who?
- Jacob Nash Barnsworth...
your great uncle
on your mothers side.
- Oh. Oh, yeah.
- As far as we can determine...
youre the next of kin and
therefore heir to the estate.
Im the heir to the--
to the Jacob, uh, Nash--
Uncle Jacob.
Oh, well, uh...
exactly what did I, uh--
The principal asset is
the Grand Imperial Hotel.
Grand Imperial... Hotel?
Its in Silver Hill, Colorado.
Its small, just 25 rooms...
but it must be a sound operation.
Theres a letter here
to Voorhees Senior--
he handled all of
Mr. Barnsworths affairs--
mentioning that the hotel has been
taking in over $14,000 a month.
Fourt-- Every month?
Mm-hmm. If you like, Mr. Baxter...
our office can handle the transfer
of title, recording the deed...
and, uh-- Mr. Baxter?
Huh?
Oh! Oh!
Uh, please, would you for me--
Let me get something straight. You have
just told me that I am the, the owner...
of the Grand Imperial Hotel in, in, uh--
- Silver Hill, Colorado.
- Silver Hill, Colorado?
Lock, stock and bar.
Oh, the keys.
And heres a letter from
a Mr. Ridgeway up there...
expressing interest in the property,
if you decide you want to sell out.
Sell out?
No, I d-dont--
You said 14,000 a month.
Mm-hmm. Well start the legal machinery
going and keep in touch.
Good-bye, Mr. Baxter.
- And congratulations.
- Yes, congratulations.
( Whistling )
Everybody.
( Whistle )
Friends and fellow workers,
it is with mixed emotions...
- that I tell you I am leaving
Indemnity and Casualty.
- ( Murmuring )
After 11 years,
however, I couldnt go...
without telling you its been
a privilege working with all of you.
There are a few, however, Id like
to single out for special recognition.
My personal stapler
I want to give to that man...
who has logged more hours at
the water cooler and managed to survive:
Jim Cullen, Mr. Water Cooler,
himself. Here you go, Jim.
The Silver Shears Award
goes to George Moll...
because he demonstrated exceptional
courage at the Christmas party...
when he cut off Mr. Carruthers tie.
Keep up the good work, George.
Beverly Bockser.
Beverly Bockser.
The Outstanding Achievement Award,
my staple remover...
goes to that person
who has demonstrated...
that she can contribute
the most to office morale.
Miss Bockser, I think I can say
without fear of contradiction...
that you have the greatest legs in this
office, if not the whole 40th floor.
( Baxter )
They have been a distraction.
They have caused
man-hours wasted, but...
theyve made life here bearable.
( Applause )
- Whats going on here?
- Im giving my farewell address...
- to the troops, Mr. Carruthers.
- Youre leaving?
Yes, Mr. Carruthers, Im leaving.
But I think its only
fitting and proper...
that I return my computer cards
from whence they came.
Unfolded, unspindled...
and unmutilated.
Ah, ooh, eeh.
And zowie!
Whoo!
( Ringing )
You quit.
( Crying )
( Door Slamming )
- Whats the matter with her?
- You quit.
Quit? Oh, did I quit.
It was beautiful.
Your job. You quit your job
so we could move where?
To Silver Hill, Colorado.
Wheres Silver Hill, Colorado?
Its in Wyoming.
Richard, maybe youd
better go to your room.
Mom, what has this
got to do with sex?
Richard!
Johnny, you have invested...
11 years with that company.
Yes, 11 years. And in that time,
Ive moved up three rows...
from Accounts Receivable
to Accounts Payable.
Honey, I feel like Ive been
diggin myself into a hole...
and today somebody
threw me a rope.
Youre just going
to give up everything...
and drag your family off
into the wilderness?
Wil-- Wh-What--
Honey, I am taking over
as the owner...
and the proprietor
of the Grand Imperial Hotel.
Does that sound like a wilderness?
Susie, this is an opportunity...
that comes to few men
in their lifetimes.
To stand on
your own two feet, and to--
and to discover your own individuality
in a world where were all becoming--
( Door Slamming )
In a world where were all becoming
holes punched in a card.
I wanna get out
of this smudge pot...
get out to where the skys blue...
and, and the air is clear and--
( Door Slamming )
Okay. Okay!
Run out if you want to, but this
family is moving to Silver Hill!
Colorado!
- I dont see any hotel.
- Maybe were in the wrong part of town.
Theres only one part of town,
and were almost out of that.
Maybe I better ask somebody.
- Hi. You folks from New York?
- Yeah, thats right.
Yeah, I could tell
by your license plate.
( Baxter ) Were looking
for the Grand Imperial Hotel.
Huh?
- The Grand Imperial Hotel.
- Never heard of it.
( Baxter ) Well, this is
Silver Hill, isnt it?
-Oh, yeah.
-And you dont know the Grand Imperial?
- No, and Ive lived here all my life.
- Whats goin on?
Oh, Double L, these folks are lookin
for the-- What did you call it?
- The Grand what?
- Imperial. Its a hotel.
It might be one of them new places
up to Crystal Highlands.
No, this is supposed
to be in Silver Hill.
Theres a Silver Hill in Wyoming.
See, Dad?
This hotel was owned by
the late Jacob Barnsworth.
Jacob Barnsworth.
Crazy Jake?
- Why, hes dead.
- Well, I know that.
If its Crazy Jakes place
youre lookin for...
its about a mile further out.
You just stay on the same road
til you hit the county road--
Turn left along that road
til you pass Howard Babcocks place.
Uh, Babcock. Is there
a sign there or something?
Oh, it blew off.
Then youll see a couple of Holsteins
on the south side of a red barn.
Babcock told me he was gettin some
Guernseys. He mightve got em already.
- Uh, red barn. Ill find it.
- Just past the red barn...
youll hit a chuckhole; turn left,
down that road along the fence line.
Thatll take you
smack dab into the hotel.
- Thanks.
- If the countys plowed the road.
Are you related to Crazy Jake?
( Engine Starting )
Are you related
to Crazy Jake, Dad?
Uh, lets all keep
our eyes open for a red barn.
Dad? How bad did you
break it off with Mr. Carruthers?
Well, this is it, all right.
Well, lets see
what it looks like inside.
All right.
( Door Creaking )
Its colder inside.
Well.
Its gonna look a lot better
when we get a fire started.
See if you can find
something to burn, Richard.
- What about one of these chairs?
- No, I mean firewood.
- Look in that box right there.
- Okay.
-Ive gotta get the electricity back on.
-Dad...
shouldnt we find someplace
to stay before it gets dark?
- Were gonna stay here.
- Overnight?
Well, why not?
Its a hotel, isnt it?
- ( Screaming )
- Its just a bat!
Richard.
( Susie )
Johnny!
Its gone. The thing was more
scared of us than we were of it.
- Then that was one scared bat.
- Honey...
- they cant hurt you.
- But you know, in South America...
they kill whole herds of cattle,
and they suck their blood at night--
Richard!
Now, thats enough.
Hey, this is really a nice,
big kitchen weve got here.
( Baxter )
Does need a little brightening up.
- ( Gasps )
- What?
Theres someone in the oven.
Uh, sorry.
What was it?
- Raccoons. Four of them.
- Will you please tell me...
how Im supposed to cook
around four raccoons?
Dont you worry about it.
Ill get rid of them.
Like you got rid of Stoutheart
when Richard brought him home.
Wed better get some things
out of the car before it gets dark.
- Well give you a hand.
- We can manage.
Just see if you can find us
someplace to sleep.
Okay, son, you--
you build a fire...
and Ill go upstairs and see
if I can find us a place to sleep.
- Dad?
- Hmm?
Bears wouldnt hibernate
in a place like this, would they?
Bears? No, Richard,
bears wouldnt hibernate in a--
How would they get in?
Howd the bats
and the raccoons get in?
Start the fire, Richard.
Youre in this with the rest of us.
Come on.
Well, come on, Stoutheart.
No ones going to carry you.
Hey! Come on up here.
I want to show you what I found.
- A bear?
- Oh, no, its not--
- ( Laughing )
- Its not very funny, Richard.
( Screaming )
( Barking )
Now thats funny.
Im glad you think so!
Hey, lady, youre beautiful
when youre angry.
( Johnny Laughing )
- You wouldnt.
- Wouldnt I?
- ( Laughing )
- Youre gonna get it now.
- Look out there, boy.
- ( Stoutheart Barking )
- Oh!
- Gotcha!
- ( Whining )
- No way!
- ( Whining )
- Come on. Get off.
I thought youd appreciate
the warm spot.
Ill share yours.
Whoo!
( Shivering )
Mmm. Youre like ice.
Nothings permanent.
Worried?
Mmm.
We still have $1,700.
Itll stretch a long way.
Mmm.
We still have $1,700, dont we?
The repair to the computer was $130,
and the lawyer got $1,000.
You mean for a thousand dollars...
we got legally stuck with this...
clapboard igloo?
Yeah, its all in his letter.
Transfer deed, title search
and a bunch of other stuff.
( Metal Clanging )
Is that the kids?
- Probably the raccoons.
- ( Scraping )
If thats a raccoon,
thats a big raccoon.
( Banging )
Take Stoutheart with you.
What I dont need is
a 200-pound chicken.
Take him.
Okay, Snow King. Come on,
youre goin with me. On your feet.
( Banging )
( Whining )
( Clattering )
( Glass Breaking )
( Screaming )
- ( Howling )
- ( Bed Crashes )
Dad!
- What was it?
- I dont know.
It sounds like
its in the kitchen.
- Here. You better take this.
- Okay.
( Whining )
Come on, Stoutheart.
( Scraping )
- This way, Stoutheart.
- ( Metal Crashing )
- ( Metal Banging )
- ( Whining )
( Glass Breaking )
- Aha!
- Ahh!
- Yah!
- ( Whining )
You horses caboose!
Look what you done!
It was brand-full almost.
Stashed her here last summer,
just for a night like this.
- Now there aint a sniff left.
- ( Crash )
Of all the jangle-brained--
You dont know split beans from coffee
comin up on a person like that!
Well, w-- y-- Youre the one
that did the scaring. Who are you?
Wh-Wh-What are you doing
in my hotel?
Oh, you the new
cock-a-doodle-do around here?
W-- I-Its my property, yes,
if thats what you mean-- Who--
Id like to know what
some stranger is doing...
roaming around the kitchen
in the middle of the night.
Well, Im hardly a stranger
to this place, mister.
Names Jesse McCord.
Jake grubstaked me...
and let me winter here
for 50 years.
We was gonna split down the
middle soon as I made my strike.
Yeah, well, okay. A lot of things
have changed around here now...
and if you want to rent a room,
Ive got plenty of them upstairs.
How much you get for a bed?
Just for yourself?
Im single and 75.
Does that answer your question?
- Ten dollars.
- Oh.
- In advance.
- In advance?
It makes me real happy to see nice folks
like yourselves gettin this place.
Its been like a home to me.
Listen at that wind.
- ( Whistling )
- ( Coughing )
Oh, Johnny, maybe youd better
drive him into town.
Why, bless your heart, maam.
Thats awful sweet of you.
But no point goin into town
without no place to stay.
No, if I can just find me
a hollow tree someplace...
Ill make out fine.
( Whistling )
( Coughing )
- Yeah, thats what she is, a waziya.
- Whats a waziya?
Waziya is cold wind that comes
sweepin down offn the mountains.
It can freeze a body solid,
just like that.
Lost me a partner
to a waziya once.
He went out to check his mule.
Wasnt gone more than 30 seconds.
Time I got to him, him and
that mule was froze together.
Looked like one of them
pioneer statues you see.
How come you didnt freeze?
If you aint bright as a button.
Well, now, Ill tell you why.
He had a pint of antifreeze
in his radiator.
Thats about the size of it.
Mr. Baxter, sir, if we dont
meet again in this world...
I just want you to know
its been a honor...
just bein here with you and your
wonderful family for this brief spell.
Sonny, you be
a good little tyke...
and help me up
with that pack.
If I get keeled over too far,
specially in winter...
its sometimes weeks
fore I can get upright again.
- Oh, Dad!
- John!
All right, all right.
He can stay.
But youre gonna work,
just like everyone else.
Mr. Baxter, sir,
Im no stranger to hard work.
Ill be the best bartender
you ever had.
Bellhop.
Should I put him in
the corner room, Dad?
In the corner-- Why not put him
in the presidential suite?
Fine with me.
Always did like that room.
Well, we got ourselves
a bellhop cheap.
Is that a little too much
for you there, sonny?
- Let me take the bedroll.
- No, its okay.
Ive found if you put that
a little higher up on your back...
its easier to manage.
She was takin in $14,000 a month
easy in them days.
Soon as the mines played out, of course,
the Grand Imperial started downhill.
Yes, sir, Jake was just
different from most folks.
Like he most always would have
some bird in here with a busted wing.
Or hed carry hay up to Deer Flats
if the snow was too deep.
Or took care of the Indians
when hard times hit em.
There are Indians around here?
Used to be lots of em, but theys
mostly died off or moved away.
Johnny.
- Whats wrong?
- I was drawing a pail of water...
to mop the kitchen floor,
and look what came out of the faucet.
- A fish?
- A fish!
A guppy. Theys always gettin
sucked out of the pond.
- You mean we have fish in our water?
- Cant harm you none, maam.
But theyre curious
little fellers.
Thats why Jake put that
strainer over the bathtub.
Uh, now dont worry about it,
honey, because Ill get it fixed.
When? And with what?
Well, uh, Im gonna get a loan.
- You caught me at a bad time.
- I meant a bank loan.
A lot of things need fixing: the water
heater, the carpeting upstairs...
and the, the, the--
Is there a bank in town?
Bank of Silver Hill.
- Owned by a man named Ridgeway.
- Ridgeway?
Well, now, thats the man thats
interested in buying this property.
- How much do you intend to borrow?
- I dont know.
Enough to do it up right.
- Were gonna run a hotel, lets
run a first-class hotel, right?
- Right.
- Right.
- Wrong.
As a collateral risk, your hotel
is all wrong, for my bank, at any rate.
Well, uh, I do feel that
the hotel has potential, and--
Mr. Baxter, have you
ever managed a hotel?
- No.
- Run a restaurant?
- Stocked a bar?
- Actually, no, but--
I shouldnt think
it was too difficult.
I mean, the beds
are all there, and, uh...
my wife Sue
is a very good cook.
Well, now, Mr. Baxter,
I would like to help you...
but as president of this bank, my first
responsibility is to our depositors.
Mr. Ridgeway, you, uh, offered to
buy the hotel-- I have a letter here.
That offer still stands.
Then I dont understand. Why is it good
business for you and not for your bank?
Well...
Ive never told
anybody this before...
but Ive had a dream
for some time...
of making that old place
into a memorial for Jake.
- A mem-memorial?
- Yes.
The Jacob Barnsworth
Home For Boys.
- How does that sound to you?
- Uh, very nice.
Oh, fine. Ill be happy
to take it off your hands.
Uh, Mr. Ridgeway, I think I really
should discuss this with my wife...
- before I make any final decision.
- Oh, of course.
Its just that I always feel if we can
do something for our fellow man...
we should do it while we can,
but, uh, dont let me influence you.
If you intend to go
through with this...
Id be the last person
to discourage you.
The Jacob Barnsworth
Home For Boys?
If that fool knew
what he had there...
he wouldnt be coming
in here hat in hand.
Well, maybe wed just be
throwing good money after bad.
Maybe. But I think
we could have made it work.
Oh, wed never get rich,
but it would have been a good life.
Not only for the kids, but for us.
- I kind of like it here.
- So do I.
Raccoons and all.
Hi. You takin
a walk in the snow?
Yeah. Thats
what were doin.
Oh, Im Wally Perkins.
Remember? Uh,
from the gas station?
- Oh, yes. How are you?
- Oh, okay.
Gordon Bowers pipes froze last night,
and I was givin him a hand...
but my blowtorch
set his wall on fire.
He sure gets mad easy.
- Uh, hows the family?
- Fine.
Standaroules Plumbarmacy?
Oh, that was Standard Plumbing
and Sproules Pharmacy.
See, this used to be two snowmobiles.
Well, three countin the motor. They got
totalled in last years cross-country,
- and I collected the pieces.
- Whats a cross-country?
Oh, the Silver Hill Annual
Cross-country Snowmobile Race.
Folks around here
hold it every year.
Martin Ridgeways won it
three years in a row, you know.
- Hows the family?
- Oh, fine.
Chris is in the kitchen.
Why dont you go down and say hello?
Oh. Okay.
Uh, gee, I hope you dont mind
me makin tracks in your snow.
- Help yourself.
- ( Motor Starting )
- Wait a minute!
- What?
- Well, what?
- Is all this my snow?
Uh, I guess so,
if you want it.
W-- Well--
Di--
Didnt Jesse say that the property
went back into those hills?
I didnt pay
much attention.
Yeah, it goes back
as far as you can see.
Well, we know this is ours.
Look at all this precious,
beautiful stuff!
You cant get much for snow
around here, you know.
Whoo-hoo!
Johnny, whats going on?
Susie, whats the most popular sport
in the country right now?
- Bowling.
- No, no, no. Baseball?
- Tennis.
- Ping-Pong?
Honey, what do the Pfeiffers do
every weekend? And Roy and Barbara?
- Go skiing.
- Thats right.
And half the time they claim
they cant get accommodations.
You mean...
- turn the hotel into a ski lodge?
- Yes!
People will come from all over
the country to ski a hill like that.
But, Johnny, doesnt it cost a fortune
to start something like that?
Dont worry. Ridgeway
will loan me money on this.
- Dont bet on it.
- Okay, Ill go to another bank!
What about Crystal Highlands?
They got banks over there, dont they?
- Sure, a couple of good ones.
- Well, there you are!
It cant help but be an instant
success, Mr. Wainwright.
We could come to your bank
next year for more money to expand.
Oh, its very accessible, yes, sir.
Right outside Silver Hill.
This afternoon.
Yes. Yes, sir. Oh--
Well, of course I love to ski.
Doesnt everybody?
( Laughing )
Nothing like it, sir.
Thats fine, Mr. Wainwright.
1:00. Ill be there.
He loves the idea.
Wants to meet this afternoon.
- But, Johnny!
- Wally, do you have boots and skis...
- and clothes I can borrow?
- Oh, sure!
You love to ski?
A bank is not gonna loan
money for a ski lodge...
- to a guy that doesnt know
anything about skiing.
- But--
Ive got to make him think
I know what Im doing.
I made that mistake
with Ridgeway.
Told him I didnt know anything
about running a hotel.
Im not gonna make
that same mistake twice.
Uh, could you tell me
where the ski shop is?
- Mr. Wainwright?
- Hey!
- Watch it, Mac!
- Oh, Im sorry.
- Oh!
- Whoops.
Excuse me, Miss.
Im sorry. I didnt mean to--
- Mr. Wainwright?
- Mr. Baxter.
- I really envy you, Baxter,
in this new venture of yours.
- You do?
Yes, I guess every skier dreams
of owning his own slope.
But Id never
have the courage...
to chuck everything
and do it the way you are.
Yes, sir, I envy you.
Always like to check my bindings before
I get on this chair lift, dont you?
Oh, always.
Did you figure on any ancillary
activities at the lodge?
Ah, oh, oh, yes.
Theres bound to be some of that.
You know how skiers are.
( Chuckling ) Kind of
caught you there, didnt it?
Heh-heh-heh.
Yeah.
Some of the skiers call this run
Nightmare Alley.
But I think youll enjoy it.
You plan on putting in a chair lift
like this or starting with a rope tow?
Uh, I was thinking
about a rope tow.
- Uh, generally because its cheaper.
- Good thinking.
- Then you can expand later.
- Uh-huh, uh-huh.
Whoa!
What do you--
What do you say they call this run?
Nightmare Alley.
Sounds like fun.
- Whoa!
- Stop the chair.
Uh, uh--
- Could you give--
- Are you all right, sir?
- Here, let me give you a hand.
- No, I got it.
No, no, no, no.
Cr-Crossed up there.
Okay, now, good.
Well, there she is,
Nightmare Alley.
-How about a cup of coffee?
-Well be at the bottom in five minutes.
Then we can have lunch and
discuss your project in depth.
Good, good.
- Well, you ready?
- Oh, Im ready as Ill ever be. Ow!
- Whats the matter?
- Oh, its nothing.
Its an old football injury that
sometimes kind of acts up when I get--
Ooh-hoo.
Get my knee twisted.
Maybe wed better wait a while
before we make the run.
Oh, no, no, no. Now dont be silly.
I dont want to spoil--
spoil your skiing.
You go on to the bottom. Ill take it
easy, and Ill meet you down there.
- Youre sure?
- Oh, absolutely.
I wouldnt
have it any other way.
Well, all right. Ill see you later,
but you be careful.
I will.
Excuse me. Where do I catch
the ski lift down the slo-o-pe?
Ahh!
( Disgruntled Chatter )
- You idiot!
- ( Yelling )
Im sorry.
I didnt mean to do that.
I started up there.
Look, Im sorry. I didnt mean--
Will you get out of here?
Look out!
Baxter! Youre
skiing backwards!
- Takes the strain off the old knee.
- Look out!
See you later.
Look out.
Look out!
Oh, no.
Look out!
Oh, maam, Im very sorry.
I just couldnt help myself.
Arent you a tease.
Why did you pick me with so many
other pretty girls on the slope?
Uh, uh, whoops.
Youre slipping now. Slipping!
No. Help.
Uh-oh. Oh!
Look out below!
Look out!
Clear the way!
Whoa!
- You all right?
- Huh?
- You all right?
- Oh. Im alive.
- Im alive.
- Let me help you.
- Okay. Wait a minute.
- Easy now.
- Easy now. Easy now.
- Wait a minute. Get this foot over.
Thanks.
Oh, thanks a lot.
- Oh, boy.
- There. Youre all right.
Hey, that was quite
a tumble you took there.
- Well, I didnt mind at all.
- When you take a spill like that...
theres only one thing to do: Get back
up on these skis and try it again.
- Not too fast, and dont forget--
- I dont care if I never--
Ho! Ho! Whoa.
Whoa!
Ho! Look out!
Look out!
Yell track
when you wanna pass!
Track! Track!
Oh! Track!
- Whoa!
- Track! Track!
Track!
I need to track!
Oh! Track!
Oh, no.
Ohhhh!
( Thump )
Track.
Leaving a wake of destruction
from Farewell Gap to Aspen Flats...
where his wild run was
finally halted by a tree.
The ski patrol had to recruit
volunteers...
to remove John Baxters
victims from the slopes...
and the emergency hospital reported
that not since the avalanche...
of 1946 had more accident cases
been treated there in one day.
Doctors there could not explain
how Baxter survived the blow...
which felled a tree, and an...
anthro... pol--
- Anthropologist?
- Yeah.
An anthropologist from Harvard...
wants to measure
the thickness of Baxters skull.
- Very funny.
- Weve heard enough of that.
Its good publicity anyway.
Its bad for loans.
( Knocking )
- Is Mr. Baxter in?
- Are you from Harvard?
- Harvard?
- Mr. Ridgeway!
Oh, there you are,
Baxter. Yes.
Well, its nice of you
to drop by, Mr. Ridgeway.
Well, I, uh, I see you made
quite a hit at Crystal Highlands.
- Why, yes.
- And this must be Mrs. Baxter?
- Yes, and this is my son, Richard.
- Hi.
How do you do?
Tell me, whats his name?
- Oh, this is Stoutheart.
- Well, how are ya, big fella?
- Stoutheart!
- Richard, I think you better
take him to the kitchen.
- ( Polite Laughter )
- Come on, boy.
Dogs are a good judge
of character, you know.
- Hes, uh--
- Say, tell me, Baxter...
in light of your experience,
would you care to reconsider
my offer to buy this place?
Mr. Ridgeway, I think Ill stay
with my plans for a ski lodge.
Well, I tell ya, if youre determined
to follow your dream...
Id like to help
make it come true.
- You would?
- Sure.
How much do you need
to open these doors here?
- 25,000.
- Ill loan you three.
Well, that would open
one door, partway.
Ill take it.
Thats my trouble.
I always let my heart rule my head.
Johnny, may I speak to you
for a minute?
I took the liberty of bringing
this form along, just in case.
If youll just sign all those Xs,
itll save you...
a trip to town.
Mr. Baxter, I think
these oughta do it.
- Oh, fine, Wally. Go to work.
- Oh, hi, Mr. Ridgeway.
- What are you doing here?
- Im fixing their water heater.
I thought you were
working for Double L.
Oh, its my day off.
- ( Baxter ) Here you are.
- ( Ridgeway ) There you are.
A check for $3,000.
Its a pleasure doing
business with you, Mr. Baxter.
I know youre going to make this place
into something real special.
Its been a pleasure to meet you,
Mrs. Baxter. My very best to your son.
Honey, I think were in business.
Ill tell you what.
Lets make a list of everything
were gonna need, okay?
- Johnny!
- Lets start with $500 for the bar.
Id like to have plenty of everything,
in case some weekend were jammed up.
- Jammed up?
- In the kitchen.
- What do we need in the kitchen?
- Johnny!
I dont trust that Ridgeway.
He wants this place
for something...
and its not a home
for wayward boys.
Now, honey, cant you believe
that a successful man like Ridgeway...
might want to give
somebody a helping hand?
Not unless he made a buck,
he wouldnt.
Well, heres the proof.
Heres a check for $3,000.
Now where were we?
You taking notes?
$500 for the bar. We only
want to serve the finest food...
so lets figure, oh, 500
to start for groceries.
- ( Sputtering )
- I dont recollect it
taking on like that before.
...things like that, lets figure
300 at the outside.
- Ooh! Dadburn it.
- Now try it.
Now theres no water at all.
I wonder if Ive got the inflow where
the safety valves supposed to go.
- What should we put
for a ski instructor?
- They dont come cheap.
- Well, I do.
- Have you ever been a ski instructor?
No, but if I sew a band on my sleeve,
wholl know the difference?
- Hundred a month and room and board.
- Its a deal.
Hes gonna live here?
I dont think its your
inflow or your outflow either.
What do you figure we need
for the dining room?
Glasses, dishes, stuff like that.
Couple hundred dollars?
- What does that come to?
- Uh, $2,800.
2,800. Thats perfect. Still leaves us
$200 for a rope-tow engine.
- ( Boiler Hissing )
- Whats a rope-tow engine?
Rope-tow engine is an engine
to run the rope tow.
- ( Clanging, Hissing )
- Cant have a ski slope without a tow.
Shes gonna blow!
Well, it aint too bad.
Figure 20 bucks for the windows,
175 for a new water heater.
Which leaves nothing
for a rope-tow engine.
Called em donkey engines. They could
worry a six-ton log out of the woods...
so it shouldnt even breathe heavy
pullin a few skiers on a rope.
- Do you think itll still run?
- Build you a head and find out.
- Yeah, but how you gonna
move it to the hotel?
- Oh...
we can drag it out of here
easy enough.
- Good, good.
- Gettin it up the hill, though.
Now that might be
somethin else.
- My Snowcats broke.
- It was workin two days ago.
- Well, its broke now.
- You afraid Ridgeway...
wouldnt like it?
You know Mr. Ridgeway
loaned me the money...
- to get started.
- That dont mean diddly-squat.
Loaned me money on my house
three years ago, then laid me off here.
Now Im rentin from him. Sorry,
gents, the Snowcat is broke.
Pete Bolles has a D-4
thatd pull it up the hill.
- Dad?
- Wait a minute, son. Whats a D-4?
How bout it, Mr. Bolles?
Id really like
to help you fellas out...
but if I was ever to lose
this rig on that hill...
Id be out of business
for over a month.
You understand
how it is, dont ya?
Im beginning to.
I know what the problem is.
Ridgeway owns the pink on it,
and Petes behind in his payments.
- Dad!
- Not now, Richard.
Cant you see I got
something on my mind?
If you want to sing a few choruses
of I told you so, feel free.
I stepped right into
Ridgeways parlor.
Whole things goin
down the drain.
So let it go. Its not
the end of the world.
Ive never wanted anything
so much in my life.
Oh! I forgot.
From Richard,
whose lower lip is out a foot.
Mmm, yeah, well.
I was a little hard on him today.
He kept interrupting and--
( Sigh )
I was busy.
Dear Dad, if a donkey engine can pull
a six-ton log out of the woods...
why cant it pull itself up a hill?
Respectfully,
your son Richard.
- Works beautifully, doesnt it?
- Can I blow it, Dad?
- Toot her.
- ( Whistling )
Attaboy.
( Whistling )
Its going!
Hi, Mom!
- ( Cheering )
- Were doing it!
- ( Laughing )
- How bout that?
- Toot the whistle again, Richard.
- ( Whistling )
- You be careful too, Richard.
- ( Whistling )
- Not too fast.
- Here we come, Chrissy.
- How did you figure this out? Hi, Mom!
- We started out--
Youre gonna make it!
- Be careful.
- We made it!
- ( Cheering )
- We made it, Chrissy.
- Course we made it.
- Dad!
- Arent we going any higher than this?
- Course we are!
- Were going clear to the top!
- All right!
The tow ropes goin clear to the top,
but the donkey engine stays here.
This is the midway point, you see.
Beginning skiers
will ski down from here.
The advanced will come
all the way from the top...
and right over there,
theres a place for a donkey--
for a bunny slope.
Anyway, it looks like
were in business.
- ( Crunch )
- ( Chris ) Richard!
Stop eating the crackers.
Nobody else is here to eat em.
Well, now, therell be
plenty of skiers around...
just as soon as they discover us.
( Horn Blowing )
Theres the 2:50,
loaded with big-tippin skiers...
all headed for
Crystal Highlands.
( Richard )
Can I go help Wally?
No. I dont want you
near those explosives.
Wally knows all about blasting.
He knew all about
water heaters too.
Shouldnt he have that stump
out by now?
Youll know when shes out.
( Explosion )
Shes out.
- Is that the stump?
- If it aint,
start lookin for a new ski instructor.
Oh, darn.
( Horn Blowing )
( Horn Blowing )
Oh, boy.
The trains stuck.
Theres been an avalanche.
- What?
- ( Engine Stops )
The trains stuck.
Theres been an avalanche.
An avalanche?
Yeah, it blocked
the Crystal Highlands road.
Its gonna take em
some time to dig it out.
- I better call Crystal Highlands.
- Yeah.
First thing to do is to get
them skiers in where its warm.
Well, you old claim jumper.
I like the way you think.
Break out the steaks, Susie,
and whip up the cheese fondue.
Were about to be bustin
at the seams with skiers.
( Whistles )
Get up there, boy.
This is the most exciting thing
thats ever happened to me.
I still dont know what could
have caused an avalanche.
Probably just
a freak of nature.
- You can say that again, Miss Voight.
- You know...
youre a real hero, Johnny,
the way you rescued us and everything.
Is it okay
if I call you Johnny?
Oh, sure, sure. Were very informal
at the Grand Imperial.
- Good. And you can call me Naomi.
- Uh--
( Whistle )
Get up there, boy.
Its not in the front,
but Im sure youll like it.
- Miss, please.
- Jesse! Room 24, please.
Miss, the names Manescue.
This is Mrs. Manescue.
- This is our son, Sidney.
- Which is your valise? This heavy one?
Put your bags down here
and then register in the bar, please.
Make yourselves at home,
and if you need anything, call.
Dad, Dad. In a hot-buttered rum, what do
you heat first, the butter or the rum?
- What?
- Its not in the bartenders manual,
- and Ive gotta know--
- Just a minute, Chris.
You serve,
and Ill take over the bar.
- Oh, Dad, thank you.
- Uh, Wally, look...
get the sleigh, go back and
get another load of customers.
Hurry. Theyre gonna have
that train out pretty soon.
- Uh, who had the hot-buttered rums?
- Right here.
- Double room with a cot!
- Arent there any suites in this hotel?
Im sorry, Mr. Manescue,
but its the best we have.
In fact, its all we have. Were
almost filled up. Room 14, please.
- Im sorry, my dear.
- Sidney, you stay down here
until we get--
Uh, the matched luggage.
Hey! What about these?
Cant leave em in the lobby, mister.
Better bring em with you.
- ( Susie ) Whos next?
- I am!
Miss Naomi Voight.
Are you related to that nice, cute
Johnny? His older sister or something?
Or something.
Would you like a single?
Naturally.
- Thank you.
- Next.
Id like a single.
Im not married.
Daddy! Somebody in there
just ordered a Harvey Wallbanger.
Is that really a drink,
or was he just putting me on?
- Harvey Wallbanger?
- With a slice of cucumber.
- Im pooped. Is that all of em?
- Until the next load.
Jesse, take over the desk
while I start dinner.
Theres a fish in my drink.
Not so loud.
Everybodyll want one.
What a darling apron.
- Howd you like a fat lip?
- Oh, yeah?
- Yeah!
- Well, why dont you try?
Uh, Richard, can I ta--
Well, he started it.
I dont care if my best pants get dirty.
Im not gonna wear any apron!
( Gasping )
Well talk about it later.
Hi.
Hello.
- Everybody in bed?
- Finally.
What do you think about
a couple of tennis courts...
right over there?
Come spring, of course.
Perfect.
- You tired?
- Oh, Im exhausted.
- How bout you?
- Mmm.
Happy exhausted.
People seem to like
the place, dont they?
Yeah. All except
the Manescues...
and theyd find somethin
wrong with the Taj Mahal.
If we can keep them happy for two
weeks, well be out of the woods.
If you get much nicer
to Naomi Tight-pants...
she might stay
through the spring.
Just tryin to be
a good host, maam.
Well, room service
is closed for the night.
You nut.
- Oh!
- Whos that?
-Well, its our room. Its Miss Ogelvie.
-Oh! Oh!
- ( Scream )
- Miss Ogelvie, what happened?
I just turned out the lights
and got into bed, and he--
Now, now, Ill handle this,
Miss Ogelvie.
( Baxter ) What are you doing
in this ladys room?
You have no business
coming in here uninvited.
Now you get out of here
this minute.
Im sorry, Miss Ogelvie.
This will never happen again.
Hows the steam, Jesse?
Fires down a little. We might
could use a couple more chunks.
( Humming )
- Hi.
- Hi.
- Hows the steam engine working?
- Perfect.
That thing could pull
the whole town up the hill.
- Need some help with that?
- No.
- Hey, wheres Chris?
- I let her go skiing.
- Shes coming back to help me
set up for lunch.
- Oh.
( Humming )
- Hi, Johnny.
- Ah, well, hi, Naomi.
Oh, it was so cuddly and snuggly
in that feather bed...
I just didnt
want to get up.
Yeah, yeah,
I know what you mean.
Uh, the ski instructors
starting his beginners class.
If youd like to get out there, you
could probably get some skiing in.
I was hoping youd give me
private lessons, Johnny.
- You do ski, dont ya?
- Yeah, of course I ski.
( Glass Shatters )
But I have to relieve Jesse
on the tow engine for lunch.
Oh.
Okay, class, can I have
your attention, please?
Oh! Oh, ah--
Help her up.
Help her up.
Thats gonna happen to you
a lot on the slope.
Okay. Now, the lesson today
will be straight running...
or schussing, as its called.
Well, I guess the best way to get
the hang of it is just to try it.
Who wants to go first?
Oh, come on.
Come on, Miss Grable,
you go first.
But, really, perhaps one
of the others might--
Theres nothing to be scared of,
Miss Grable. Ill go down with you.
Now remember, just relax
and flex the knees.
- Er, f-flex the kn-knees.
- Good. Come on. Come on.
Come on. Very good!
Very good, Miss Grable.
N-Not so fast!
Snowplow, Miss G-Grable!
- What plow?
- Aah!
Aah! Aah!
Oh, no!
Man overboard!
Help!
Help! We need help!
The instructors gone over the side!
- Whatd he say?
- He said somebody went over the side.
Help!
- Somebody help!
- Its Wally!
Wally!
- ( Whistle Blows )
- Man over the side!
( Whistle Blowing )
- What happened?
- Wally!
He went over the edge,
and hes hanging on a tree!
Stop the tow!
Ohh!
- Hang on, Wally!
- I-Im trying!
Oh! Hey!
- Track!
- Aah!
No, no, dont track!
- Oh. Oh, boy.
- You all right?
- Yeah.
- Ohh!
( Baxter )
Oh, no.
- Daddy, what are we gonna do?
- Well--
Run this around that tree over there
and bring it to your pa.
Tell him Ill lower him down
with the donkey engine.
- Stay calm!
- Daddy, youve got to do something!
- Please! Please!
- We will, honey. We will, but--
H-How about a helicopter?
They use helicopters
sometimes, dont they?
Dad, Jesse says he can let
you down on the tow rope.
- Good. What?
- Hold on, Wally!
- Daddys coming to get you!
- Now, wait--
Ill hold on!
Come on, you can do it!
- Go on!
- You can do it!
Go get him!
Let the line--
Let some rope out.
Let out more rope!
Right!
Hang on, Wally!
More rope!
More rope!
- You better hurry!
- Let it out!
- Dad!
- Jesse, its slipping!
- ( Richard ) Dad! Dad!
- Whoa!
- Dad!
- Unh!
I-- I got you now, Wally.
Get your leg up.
I sure hate to put you
to all this trouble, Mr. Baxter.
- See, I was giving a lesson--
- Just shut up, Wally.
Now, look.
You hang on...
and Im gonna try
and turn myself around.
- You all right, Dad?
- Perfect!
- Aah!
- Easy!
( Choking, Gasping )
Pu-Pull!
Pull him up, Jesse!
Aah! Easy! Easy!
( Richard )
Easy! Easy!
- Hes got him!
- Hes got him!
- Come on!
- You can make it!
- Come on!
- Come up here!
( Cheering )
Oh, Dad,
you were great!
- Dont mention it, Wally.
- ( Whistle Blowing )
- Oh, ow!
- Wally, your arm! You broke it!
- No, Im okay.
- We better get you to a doctor. Daddy!
-You were great, Mr. Baxter.
-Daddy, we better get Wally to a doctor!
Oh.
Whoa!
Whoa!
Whoa! Gol darn your ornery hide!
Oh!
Aah!
( Whistle Blowing )
Jesse! Jesse!
( Whistle Blowing )
Jesse, stop that thing!
You tell me how,
and Ill throw in with ya!
- Daddy, let go!
- He cant!
Boy, thats the best knot
I ever tied.
- ( Whistle Blowing )
- Get out of the way!
Out of the way!
Get out of there!
See? I told ya.
( Whistle Blowing )
Jesse, stop it!
The hotel!
( Whistle Blowing )
I dont know whats wrong,
but its something.
The steam whistles
been blowing like crazy.
( Whistle Blows )
Turn it, Jesse!
- I dont know if we need
an ambulance, but...
- ( Whistle Blows )
send one anyway.
- ( Whistle Blowing )
- Good-bye.
( Whistle Blows )
Aah!
- Jesse, wheres Johnny?
- Hes comin!
- Susie!
- Johnny! What happened?
You wouldnt
believe it if I t--
Then it went through one side
of the hotel and came out the other...
made a disaster area
out of the dining room.
I patched up what I could, but it still
gets a little breezy in there.
And your guests, how are
they enjoying half a hotel?
They arent, are they?
As a matter of fact,
theyve all left, havent they?
Yes, but they all did say
they had fun while it lasted.
What youre trying
to say, in essence, is...
that youll be unable to meet
your obligation to the bank this month.
Not and do the necessary
repairs to the hotel.
I wanted to talk to you
about an extension, Mr. Ridgeway.
- You see--
- Baxter, I like you.
Well, thank you,
Mr. Ridgeway, I...
like you too.
And because I like you,
Im going to do you a little favor.
Rather than let you throw more
good money down that rat hole...
and force me to all the unpleasantness
of getting a foreclosure...
Im going to take that white
elephant off your hands...
and Im going to give you,
out of my own pocket-- not the banks--
Im going to give you $200.
Now, that should see you and that
sweet little family of yours...
safe back to New York
where you belong.
What do you say?
Thats very kind of you, Mr. Ridgeway.
I-- But I do have until the 15th.
Yeah, but thats five days from now.
How you gonna get the money by then?
I dont know, but Ill get it.
Well, George Spellman,
come right in. Come right in.
Good to see you. Please sit down.
Make yourself comfortable.
Hows that wonderful
family of yours?
- Richard.
- Oh, see ya.
- Wheres Wally?
- I guess hes still at the doctors.
- Whatd Mr. Ridgeway say?
- No.
- Well, what are we gonna do?
- Were gonna win the Silver Hill
snowmobile race...
- thats what were gonna do.
- We are?
Yep. Wallys gonna drive, and Im--
- Well turn that.
- Yeah.
Do I understand
Richard correctly?
Th-That youre driving
that thing in a race?
Susie, we cant have
outside drivers.
- Thats the rules.
- Its a rule.
Until we arrived here,
youd never seen a snowmobile before.
And now youre going to race one
at 80 miles an hour?
- Oh, no. 40, tops.
- Okay, now look.
I dont have to come in first.
See, there are three prizes.
Now, any one of those prizes
would see us through til next fall.
Johnny, youve become so obsessed
to hanging on to this place...
- that youre not using good sense.
- Now, Susie, look--
Look, I know
what it means to you.
And youve done everything you can
to make a go of it. We all have.
I put up with fish
in the water.
- I know you have, hon.
- And exploding heaters.
And steam engines
breaking through the house.
But Im not gonna stand here
and watch you get yourself killed.
- Susie.
- Well, Im giving him a crash program--
Now listen to me, Johnny.
You go through with this crazy idea
of yours and Im leaving.
I cant take any more.
A man does what
hes gotta do, Mr. Baxter.
Just shut up, Wally.
( Announcer ) Hiblers Department
Store has asked me to announce...
the annual award for most original
paint design and uniform coordination...
has been increased to $175.
( Cheering )
( Announcer )
The route this year is the same as last.
Down Main Street--
Itll hold this time.
And its gonna
snow roses any minute now.
- Jesse, if you dont want
to do this, just say so.
- I dont want to do this.
All Im saying is,
God never intended man...
to travel 80 miles an hour over snow.
And if he did,
it wasnt in no contraption...
put together with spit
and baling wire.
- Thats all Im saying.
- Have you seen Sue and the kids?
Theyre in Denver by now,
where Id be if I had any good sense.
- Thats it.
- ( Engine Revs )
Wally, you wired me
to the carburetor.
- Get--
- Oh. Im sorry.
( Announcer )
The Tate Brothers, Dean and Brian!
( Engine Revs )
- Running good!
- ( Announcer )
And driving the Red Devil...
for Silver Hill Bank, the winner of the
grand prize for the past two years...
Martin Ridgeway
and Double L Dingman.
And in the second row,
a late entry not in your program.
Driving the Mighty Mongrel--
Mighty Mongrel?
Yeah,
the Mighty Mongrel!
Representing
the Grand Imperial Hotel...
John Baxter and Jesse McCord.
Gentlemen, are you ready
for the start?
( Engines Rev )
( Laughter )
This aint as bad
as I thought, Johnny.
The kickstand!
The kickstand!
- Oh.
- Push it off!
( Engine Revs )
( Laughter )
You all right?
Youre okay.
- You all right?
- For a 75-year-old papoose...
that just got dumped
on his head, Im fine.
Go get em!
( Laughter )
Well never catch up!
Well catch up!
Lean!
In the turns,
lean the way I lean!
Im havin enough
trouble just hangin on!
Right!
Look out!
- Watch where youre goin!
- I cant see where were going!
That does it.
Were travelin now, Jess!
Howd you get ahead of me?
Never mind. Tell me later. Get on.
Johnny, I wouldnt get
on a three-week toot with you...
if you paid for it and throwed in
the Dolly sisters!
Now, listen, Jesse. We cant win
unless we finish with two riders.
Get on this thing!
Not on your life!
You let me off this thing!
Were catching up!
Hey!
Howd you get up here?
- I flew up here, how do you think?
- Well, I cant see!
- Get back to where you belong!
- Fine with me. How do I do that?
Jesse, hang on.
Dont hold on to the steering!
Get back and sit down!
Look out, Johnny!
If we come out of this alive,
and I dont figure to...
- will you do me a favor?
- What?
Fire me!
Slow er down, Johnny.
I cant!
The throttles stuck!
Its them!
Theyre gainin on us!
Give it the gas!
Come on!
- Theyre comin!
- Aw, shut up!
Were comin
into Split Rock Pass!
Youll never
get by em, Johnny!
This roads got more crooks
than a miners convention!
Well get by em!
Ridgeway,
you horses caboose!
- Look out, Johnny!
- Get it over!
Whoa!
( Clicking )
Johnny?
Im here...
but Im not sure where here is.
We dead?
I didnt want to be
the first to mention it.
Johnny, I hate to add to your troubles,
but its gettin hotter.
It sure is.
Must be that go-round I had
with the widow Corzine.
But, heck, that was 20 years ago,
and she started it.
I think were moving.
Wheres that light switch?
Were on a mine cart!
Must be the old
Hard Luck Mine.
They dug clean through the mountain.
Never did find a vein.
You mean this-- this tunnel
goes clear through the mountain?
Yep, and all they got
was calluses.
Well, well save miles.
Well get a big jump
on everybody!
You can say that agaaaain!
Weve got a busted ski!
Well never make her, Johnny!
Thats the good ski thats busted...
and the steerings
got the wobblies!
Its just two miles, Jesse!
Look! Howd they get up there?
I dont know
how they got there!
Theres the town!
Well, when they come,
they come like that.
Folks, we just had a report from the
Perkins farm. The leader just passed.
Hell be turning in at the head
of the street any second now...
so were going to have to
clear the straightaway, folks.
Clear the straightaway.
Here he comes!
Its the Mighty Mongrel!
Steerings gone!
Folks, weve just had another report
from the Perkins farm.
Martin Ridgeway has just passed,
and hes headed this way full bore!
Ridgeways just
comin into town!
The Mighty Mongrel has suffered
a second broken ski.
It looks like three in a row
for Martin Ridgeway.
- Oh, yeah? Come on, lets
turn this thing around.
- What?
Weve gone this far on one ski. We can
go the rest of the way on no skis.
All right, lets point it
towards the line.
Here he comes!
Its Martin Ridgeway!
Come on!
Ridgeway hit a snowbank!
- Of all the stupid things
Ive ever seen!
- I tried to lean left!
Why didnt you lean left
when youre supposed to?
Sit to the rear, Jesse.
Lean back and keep the nose up!
( Engine Revs )
- Lean, Jesse!
- Here comes Ridgeway! Give her the gun!
- We havent crossed the finish line!
- I know it!
( Announcer )
And the winner is Martin Ridgeway!
Stop this thing!
Its all over!
I cant stop it!
It wont turn off!
Giddap!
Come on.
Im glad I married you.
Giddap!
And this is the quit claim deed.
And if youll just
sign all four copies.
Oh, now, Baxter,
dont take it so hard.
There are many businesses
you could do well in.
Have you thought
of insurance?
A lot.
Look, uh, Mr. Ridgeway, isnt there
some way I could get an extension on--
I feel as bad about this
as you, Baxter.
But look at it this way:
Youre not losing a lodge.
- youre providing a home
for wayward boys.
- Boys home, my foot.
- Miss Wigginton.
- I dont care if you do fire me.
I can get a dollar an hour in Denver,
twice what you pay me.
He wants this place because
there are 3,000 acres of Douglas fir...
- that goes with it.
- There is?
Jacob Barnsworth deeded it
to the Ute Indians up in these hills.
It was to be theirs...
- as long as they occupied it.
- They didnt have to prove up
or nothin.
Wasnt like when he give the 200 acres
for the town of Silver Hill.
That was on condition
the town fathers...
kicked in with a library,
a church and two hospitals:
- one for folks and
one for dumb animals.
- Anyway, the Utes...
have all left or died off,
so the timberland...
automatically reverts
to the Jacob Barnsworth estate,
and thats you, Mr. Baxter.
So thats why
you wanted this place.
Youre gonna cut down
those woods back of town?
Lets stick to facts. You cannot meet
the payment, and its due today.
- Dad?
- Not now, Richard. I know its due
today, but if I could just have a l--
There are no buts about it.
If you refuse to sign the quit claim...
you force me to start foreclosure
proceedings tomorrow morning.
- But, Dad!
- I told you once, Richard.
Did you want
to say something, young man?
Well, I didnt see
any library in town.
How come Silver Hill
dont revert back to you?
- Doesnt revert.
- Well, how come?
Yeah, how come?
I mean, why dont it
revert back to me?
It seems like
the same law would apply.
- Oh, thats ridiculous.
- Theres nothing ridiculous about it.
If the deed restrictions
have been violated...
theres an automatic reversion
to the grantor, or his heirs.
You may just own the whole town
of Silver Hill, Mr. Baxter...
including his bank.
Ha, ha, ha.
Well, now, Johnny...
I see no reason why
we cant work this out.
You know, a ski lodge may be the best
thing that ever happened to Silver Hill.
Uh, what would you need
to put this place back into shape?
- Repairs? New furniture?
- First-class double chair lift.
Ahh, thats a good idea.
Well, why dont we have lunch
tomorrow, and we can talk it over?
Could I trouble you for a glass
of water and an aspirin?
Oh, sure, Mr. Ridgeway.
Come with me.
I beg your pardon.
( Chuckling Weakly )
Do we own the whole town
of Silver Hill, Dad?
I dont think Mr. Ridgeway
wants to find out.
Good work, son.
Mrs. Baxter?
I think weve got ourselves
a real ski lodge.
Howd you like
to ski down our mountain?
Id follow you anywhere,
Mr. Baxter.
Ski down our mountain?
- Good. Good.
- Oh! Oh!
- Very good.
- Oh, Johnny.
- Ill never get the hang of it.
- Sure you will, Susie.
Look at the kids.
- Looks good!
- You two are doin fine.
Lets see you turn!
That a way to go,
Richard.
- Oh, I dont know.
- Susie. You may not believe this,
but I was no better than
you are when I first started.
- Yeah, its really safe.
- And you know me, Mom.
You cant live on a ski slope
and not know how to ski.
I guarantee you Ill have you skiing
to the bottom of this hill in no time.
( Dog Barking, Laughter )
Even Stoutheart and Jesse
are getting into the spirit of things.
Come here, Stoutheart!
Come here, boy! Come on!
Come on! Attaboy!
Come on. Come on.
Come on here, boy.
Attaboy, Stout.
Stout...heaaaarr--
- Dad!
- Johnny!
Oh, Johnny!
Aaahh! Oh!
- Johnny!
- Chris!
- Mom! Dad!
- Mr. Baxter, fall down!
Are you all right,
Johnny?
Im fine.
I told you Id get you
to the bottom of the hill in no time.
( Laughing )
( Beeping )
Good morning, Baxter.
Nice of you to join us.
- Office hours start at 9:00, you know.
- I know, Mr. Carruthers.
- I missed my bus, and then the taxi--
- We would appreciate it...
if you would take care of your
personal affairs on your own time.
What?
- Morning.
- Mr. Baxter.
- Yes.
- John Sylvester Baxter?
- Yes.
- My name is Fowler.
Im with the legal firm of Voorhees,
Buckner and Voorhees.
Look, if its about that overdue bill
at La France Dry Cleaners--
Would you mind telling me
your mothers maiden name?
Judith Pelton. I can explain that.
You see, I didnt pay--
Im afraid I have
some bad news for you.
Youre not gonna sue.
The bill is not that much--
- Jacob Barnsworth died.
- Im sorry to hear that, but--
- Who?
- Jacob Nash Barnsworth...
your great uncle
on your mothers side.
- Oh. Oh, yeah.
- As far as we can determine...
youre the next of kin and
therefore heir to the estate.
Im the heir to the--
to the Jacob, uh, Nash--
Uncle Jacob.
Oh, well, uh...
exactly what did I, uh--
The principal asset is
the Grand Imperial Hotel.
Grand Imperial... Hotel?
Its in Silver Hill, Colorado.
Its small, just 25 rooms...
but it must be a sound operation.
Theres a letter here
to Voorhees Senior--
he handled all of
Mr. Barnsworths affairs--
mentioning that the hotel has been
taking in over $14,000 a month.
Fourt-- Every month?
Mm-hmm. If you like, Mr. Baxter...
our office can handle the transfer
of title, recording the deed...
and, uh-- Mr. Baxter?
Huh?
Oh! Oh!
Uh, please, would you for me--
Let me get something straight. You have
just told me that I am the, the owner...
of the Grand Imperial Hotel in, in, uh--
- Silver Hill, Colorado.
- Silver Hill, Colorado?
Lock, stock and bar.
Oh, the keys.
And heres a letter from
a Mr. Ridgeway up there...
expressing interest in the property,
if you decide you want to sell out.
Sell out?
No, I d-dont--
You said 14,000 a month.
Mm-hmm. Well start the legal machinery
going and keep in touch.
Good-bye, Mr. Baxter.
- And congratulations.
- Yes, congratulations.
( Whistling )
Everybody.
( Whistle )
Friends and fellow workers,
it is with mixed emotions...
- that I tell you I am leaving
Indemnity and Casualty.
- ( Murmuring )
After 11 years,
however, I couldnt go...
without telling you its been
a privilege working with all of you.
There are a few, however, Id like
to single out for special recognition.
My personal stapler
I want to give to that man...
who has logged more hours at
the water cooler and managed to survive:
Jim Cullen, Mr. Water Cooler,
himself. Here you go, Jim.
The Silver Shears Award
goes to George Moll...
because he demonstrated exceptional
courage at the Christmas party...
when he cut off Mr. Carruthers tie.
Keep up the good work, George.
Beverly Bockser.
Beverly Bockser.
The Outstanding Achievement Award,
my staple remover...
goes to that person
who has demonstrated...
that she can contribute
the most to office morale.
Miss Bockser, I think I can say
without fear of contradiction...
that you have the greatest legs in this
office, if not the whole 40th floor.
( Baxter )
They have been a distraction.
They have caused
man-hours wasted, but...
theyve made life here bearable.
( Applause )
- Whats going on here?
- Im giving my farewell address...
- to the troops, Mr. Carruthers.
- Youre leaving?
Yes, Mr. Carruthers, Im leaving.
But I think its only
fitting and proper...
that I return my computer cards
from whence they came.
Unfolded, unspindled...
and unmutilated.
Ah, ooh, eeh.
And zowie!
Whoo!
( Ringing )
You quit.
( Crying )
( Door Slamming )
- Whats the matter with her?
- You quit.
Quit? Oh, did I quit.
It was beautiful.
Your job. You quit your job
so we could move where?
To Silver Hill, Colorado.
Wheres Silver Hill, Colorado?
Its in Wyoming.
Richard, maybe youd
better go to your room.
Mom, what has this
got to do with sex?
Richard!
Johnny, you have invested...
11 years with that company.
Yes, 11 years. And in that time,
Ive moved up three rows...
from Accounts Receivable
to Accounts Payable.
Honey, I feel like Ive been
diggin myself into a hole...
and today somebody
threw me a rope.
Youre just going
to give up everything...
and drag your family off
into the wilderness?
Wil-- Wh-What--
Honey, I am taking over
as the owner...
and the proprietor
of the Grand Imperial Hotel.
Does that sound like a wilderness?
Susie, this is an opportunity...
that comes to few men
in their lifetimes.
To stand on
your own two feet, and to--
and to discover your own individuality
in a world where were all becoming--
( Door Slamming )
In a world where were all becoming
holes punched in a card.
I wanna get out
of this smudge pot...
get out to where the skys blue...
and, and the air is clear and--
( Door Slamming )
Okay. Okay!
Run out if you want to, but this
family is moving to Silver Hill!
Colorado!
- I dont see any hotel.
- Maybe were in the wrong part of town.
Theres only one part of town,
and were almost out of that.
Maybe I better ask somebody.
- Hi. You folks from New York?
- Yeah, thats right.
Yeah, I could tell
by your license plate.
( Baxter ) Were looking
for the Grand Imperial Hotel.
Huh?
- The Grand Imperial Hotel.
- Never heard of it.
( Baxter ) Well, this is
Silver Hill, isnt it?
-Oh, yeah.
-And you dont know the Grand Imperial?
- No, and Ive lived here all my life.
- Whats goin on?
Oh, Double L, these folks are lookin
for the-- What did you call it?
- The Grand what?
- Imperial. Its a hotel.
It might be one of them new places
up to Crystal Highlands.
No, this is supposed
to be in Silver Hill.
Theres a Silver Hill in Wyoming.
See, Dad?
This hotel was owned by
the late Jacob Barnsworth.
Jacob Barnsworth.
Crazy Jake?
- Why, hes dead.
- Well, I know that.
If its Crazy Jakes place
youre lookin for...
its about a mile further out.
You just stay on the same road
til you hit the county road--
Turn left along that road
til you pass Howard Babcocks place.
Uh, Babcock. Is there
a sign there or something?
Oh, it blew off.
Then youll see a couple of Holsteins
on the south side of a red barn.
Babcock told me he was gettin some
Guernseys. He mightve got em already.
- Uh, red barn. Ill find it.
- Just past the red barn...
youll hit a chuckhole; turn left,
down that road along the fence line.
Thatll take you
smack dab into the hotel.
- Thanks.
- If the countys plowed the road.
Are you related to Crazy Jake?
( Engine Starting )
Are you related
to Crazy Jake, Dad?
Uh, lets all keep
our eyes open for a red barn.
Dad? How bad did you
break it off with Mr. Carruthers?
Well, this is it, all right.
Well, lets see
what it looks like inside.
All right.
( Door Creaking )
Its colder inside.
Well.
Its gonna look a lot better
when we get a fire started.
See if you can find
something to burn, Richard.
- What about one of these chairs?
- No, I mean firewood.
- Look in that box right there.
- Okay.
-Ive gotta get the electricity back on.
-Dad...
shouldnt we find someplace
to stay before it gets dark?
- Were gonna stay here.
- Overnight?
Well, why not?
Its a hotel, isnt it?
- ( Screaming )
- Its just a bat!
Richard.
( Susie )
Johnny!
Its gone. The thing was more
scared of us than we were of it.
- Then that was one scared bat.
- Honey...
- they cant hurt you.
- But you know, in South America...
they kill whole herds of cattle,
and they suck their blood at night--
Richard!
Now, thats enough.
Hey, this is really a nice,
big kitchen weve got here.
( Baxter )
Does need a little brightening up.
- ( Gasps )
- What?
Theres someone in the oven.
Uh, sorry.
What was it?
- Raccoons. Four of them.
- Will you please tell me...
how Im supposed to cook
around four raccoons?
Dont you worry about it.
Ill get rid of them.
Like you got rid of Stoutheart
when Richard brought him home.
Wed better get some things
out of the car before it gets dark.
- Well give you a hand.
- We can manage.
Just see if you can find us
someplace to sleep.
Okay, son, you--
you build a fire...
and Ill go upstairs and see
if I can find us a place to sleep.
- Dad?
- Hmm?
Bears wouldnt hibernate
in a place like this, would they?
Bears? No, Richard,
bears wouldnt hibernate in a--
How would they get in?
Howd the bats
and the raccoons get in?
Start the fire, Richard.
Youre in this with the rest of us.
Come on.
Well, come on, Stoutheart.
No ones going to carry you.
Hey! Come on up here.
I want to show you what I found.
- A bear?
- Oh, no, its not--
- ( Laughing )
- Its not very funny, Richard.
( Screaming )
( Barking )
Now thats funny.
Im glad you think so!
Hey, lady, youre beautiful
when youre angry.
( Johnny Laughing )
- You wouldnt.
- Wouldnt I?
- ( Laughing )
- Youre gonna get it now.
- Look out there, boy.
- ( Stoutheart Barking )
- Oh!
- Gotcha!
- ( Whining )
- No way!
- ( Whining )
- Come on. Get off.
I thought youd appreciate
the warm spot.
Ill share yours.
Whoo!
( Shivering )
Mmm. Youre like ice.
Nothings permanent.
Worried?
Mmm.
We still have $1,700.
Itll stretch a long way.
Mmm.
We still have $1,700, dont we?
The repair to the computer was $130,
and the lawyer got $1,000.
You mean for a thousand dollars...
we got legally stuck with this...
clapboard igloo?
Yeah, its all in his letter.
Transfer deed, title search
and a bunch of other stuff.
( Metal Clanging )
Is that the kids?
- Probably the raccoons.
- ( Scraping )
If thats a raccoon,
thats a big raccoon.
( Banging )
Take Stoutheart with you.
What I dont need is
a 200-pound chicken.
Take him.
Okay, Snow King. Come on,
youre goin with me. On your feet.
( Banging )
( Whining )
( Clattering )
( Glass Breaking )
( Screaming )
- ( Howling )
- ( Bed Crashes )
Dad!
- What was it?
- I dont know.
It sounds like
its in the kitchen.
- Here. You better take this.
- Okay.
( Whining )
Come on, Stoutheart.
( Scraping )
- This way, Stoutheart.
- ( Metal Crashing )
- ( Metal Banging )
- ( Whining )
( Glass Breaking )
- Aha!
- Ahh!
- Yah!
- ( Whining )
You horses caboose!
Look what you done!
It was brand-full almost.
Stashed her here last summer,
just for a night like this.
- Now there aint a sniff left.
- ( Crash )
Of all the jangle-brained--
You dont know split beans from coffee
comin up on a person like that!
Well, w-- y-- Youre the one
that did the scaring. Who are you?
Wh-Wh-What are you doing
in my hotel?
Oh, you the new
cock-a-doodle-do around here?
W-- I-Its my property, yes,
if thats what you mean-- Who--
Id like to know what
some stranger is doing...
roaming around the kitchen
in the middle of the night.
Well, Im hardly a stranger
to this place, mister.
Names Jesse McCord.
Jake grubstaked me...
and let me winter here
for 50 years.
We was gonna split down the
middle soon as I made my strike.
Yeah, well, okay. A lot of things
have changed around here now...
and if you want to rent a room,
Ive got plenty of them upstairs.
How much you get for a bed?
Just for yourself?
Im single and 75.
Does that answer your question?
- Ten dollars.
- Oh.
- In advance.
- In advance?
It makes me real happy to see nice folks
like yourselves gettin this place.
Its been like a home to me.
Listen at that wind.
- ( Whistling )
- ( Coughing )
Oh, Johnny, maybe youd better
drive him into town.
Why, bless your heart, maam.
Thats awful sweet of you.
But no point goin into town
without no place to stay.
No, if I can just find me
a hollow tree someplace...
Ill make out fine.
( Whistling )
( Coughing )
- Yeah, thats what she is, a waziya.
- Whats a waziya?
Waziya is cold wind that comes
sweepin down offn the mountains.
It can freeze a body solid,
just like that.
Lost me a partner
to a waziya once.
He went out to check his mule.
Wasnt gone more than 30 seconds.
Time I got to him, him and
that mule was froze together.
Looked like one of them
pioneer statues you see.
How come you didnt freeze?
If you aint bright as a button.
Well, now, Ill tell you why.
He had a pint of antifreeze
in his radiator.
Thats about the size of it.
Mr. Baxter, sir, if we dont
meet again in this world...
I just want you to know
its been a honor...
just bein here with you and your
wonderful family for this brief spell.
Sonny, you be
a good little tyke...
and help me up
with that pack.
If I get keeled over too far,
specially in winter...
its sometimes weeks
fore I can get upright again.
- Oh, Dad!
- John!
All right, all right.
He can stay.
But youre gonna work,
just like everyone else.
Mr. Baxter, sir,
Im no stranger to hard work.
Ill be the best bartender
you ever had.
Bellhop.
Should I put him in
the corner room, Dad?
In the corner-- Why not put him
in the presidential suite?
Fine with me.
Always did like that room.
Well, we got ourselves
a bellhop cheap.
Is that a little too much
for you there, sonny?
- Let me take the bedroll.
- No, its okay.
Ive found if you put that
a little higher up on your back...
its easier to manage.
She was takin in $14,000 a month
easy in them days.
Soon as the mines played out, of course,
the Grand Imperial started downhill.
Yes, sir, Jake was just
different from most folks.
Like he most always would have
some bird in here with a busted wing.
Or hed carry hay up to Deer Flats
if the snow was too deep.
Or took care of the Indians
when hard times hit em.
There are Indians around here?
Used to be lots of em, but theys
mostly died off or moved away.
Johnny.
- Whats wrong?
- I was drawing a pail of water...
to mop the kitchen floor,
and look what came out of the faucet.
- A fish?
- A fish!
A guppy. Theys always gettin
sucked out of the pond.
- You mean we have fish in our water?
- Cant harm you none, maam.
But theyre curious
little fellers.
Thats why Jake put that
strainer over the bathtub.
Uh, now dont worry about it,
honey, because Ill get it fixed.
When? And with what?
Well, uh, Im gonna get a loan.
- You caught me at a bad time.
- I meant a bank loan.
A lot of things need fixing: the water
heater, the carpeting upstairs...
and the, the, the--
Is there a bank in town?
Bank of Silver Hill.
- Owned by a man named Ridgeway.
- Ridgeway?
Well, now, thats the man thats
interested in buying this property.
- How much do you intend to borrow?
- I dont know.
Enough to do it up right.
- Were gonna run a hotel, lets
run a first-class hotel, right?
- Right.
- Right.
- Wrong.
As a collateral risk, your hotel
is all wrong, for my bank, at any rate.
Well, uh, I do feel that
the hotel has potential, and--
Mr. Baxter, have you
ever managed a hotel?
- No.
- Run a restaurant?
- Stocked a bar?
- Actually, no, but--
I shouldnt think
it was too difficult.
I mean, the beds
are all there, and, uh...
my wife Sue
is a very good cook.
Well, now, Mr. Baxter,
I would like to help you...
but as president of this bank, my first
responsibility is to our depositors.
Mr. Ridgeway, you, uh, offered to
buy the hotel-- I have a letter here.
That offer still stands.
Then I dont understand. Why is it good
business for you and not for your bank?
Well...
Ive never told
anybody this before...
but Ive had a dream
for some time...
of making that old place
into a memorial for Jake.
- A mem-memorial?
- Yes.
The Jacob Barnsworth
Home For Boys.
- How does that sound to you?
- Uh, very nice.
Oh, fine. Ill be happy
to take it off your hands.
Uh, Mr. Ridgeway, I think I really
should discuss this with my wife...
- before I make any final decision.
- Oh, of course.
Its just that I always feel if we can
do something for our fellow man...
we should do it while we can,
but, uh, dont let me influence you.
If you intend to go
through with this...
Id be the last person
to discourage you.
The Jacob Barnsworth
Home For Boys?
If that fool knew
what he had there...
he wouldnt be coming
in here hat in hand.
Well, maybe wed just be
throwing good money after bad.
Maybe. But I think
we could have made it work.
Oh, wed never get rich,
but it would have been a good life.
Not only for the kids, but for us.
- I kind of like it here.
- So do I.
Raccoons and all.
Hi. You takin
a walk in the snow?
Yeah. Thats
what were doin.
Oh, Im Wally Perkins.
Remember? Uh,
from the gas station?
- Oh, yes. How are you?
- Oh, okay.
Gordon Bowers pipes froze last night,
and I was givin him a hand...
but my blowtorch
set his wall on fire.
He sure gets mad easy.
- Uh, hows the family?
- Fine.
Standaroules Plumbarmacy?
Oh, that was Standard Plumbing
and Sproules Pharmacy.
See, this used to be two snowmobiles.
Well, three countin the motor. They got
totalled in last years cross-country,
- and I collected the pieces.
- Whats a cross-country?
Oh, the Silver Hill Annual
Cross-country Snowmobile Race.
Folks around here
hold it every year.
Martin Ridgeways won it
three years in a row, you know.
- Hows the family?
- Oh, fine.
Chris is in the kitchen.
Why dont you go down and say hello?
Oh. Okay.
Uh, gee, I hope you dont mind
me makin tracks in your snow.
- Help yourself.
- ( Motor Starting )
- Wait a minute!
- What?
- Well, what?
- Is all this my snow?
Uh, I guess so,
if you want it.
W-- Well--
Di--
Didnt Jesse say that the property
went back into those hills?
I didnt pay
much attention.
Yeah, it goes back
as far as you can see.
Well, we know this is ours.
Look at all this precious,
beautiful stuff!
You cant get much for snow
around here, you know.
Whoo-hoo!
Johnny, whats going on?
Susie, whats the most popular sport
in the country right now?
- Bowling.
- No, no, no. Baseball?
- Tennis.
- Ping-Pong?
Honey, what do the Pfeiffers do
every weekend? And Roy and Barbara?
- Go skiing.
- Thats right.
And half the time they claim
they cant get accommodations.
You mean...
- turn the hotel into a ski lodge?
- Yes!
People will come from all over
the country to ski a hill like that.
But, Johnny, doesnt it cost a fortune
to start something like that?
Dont worry. Ridgeway
will loan me money on this.
- Dont bet on it.
- Okay, Ill go to another bank!
What about Crystal Highlands?
They got banks over there, dont they?
- Sure, a couple of good ones.
- Well, there you are!
It cant help but be an instant
success, Mr. Wainwright.
We could come to your bank
next year for more money to expand.
Oh, its very accessible, yes, sir.
Right outside Silver Hill.
This afternoon.
Yes. Yes, sir. Oh--
Well, of course I love to ski.
Doesnt everybody?
( Laughing )
Nothing like it, sir.
Thats fine, Mr. Wainwright.
1:00. Ill be there.
He loves the idea.
Wants to meet this afternoon.
- But, Johnny!
- Wally, do you have boots and skis...
- and clothes I can borrow?
- Oh, sure!
You love to ski?
A bank is not gonna loan
money for a ski lodge...
- to a guy that doesnt know
anything about skiing.
- But--
Ive got to make him think
I know what Im doing.
I made that mistake
with Ridgeway.
Told him I didnt know anything
about running a hotel.
Im not gonna make
that same mistake twice.
Uh, could you tell me
where the ski shop is?
- Mr. Wainwright?
- Hey!
- Watch it, Mac!
- Oh, Im sorry.
- Oh!
- Whoops.
Excuse me, Miss.
Im sorry. I didnt mean to--
- Mr. Wainwright?
- Mr. Baxter.
- I really envy you, Baxter,
in this new venture of yours.
- You do?
Yes, I guess every skier dreams
of owning his own slope.
But Id never
have the courage...
to chuck everything
and do it the way you are.
Yes, sir, I envy you.
Always like to check my bindings before
I get on this chair lift, dont you?
Oh, always.
Did you figure on any ancillary
activities at the lodge?
Ah, oh, oh, yes.
Theres bound to be some of that.
You know how skiers are.
( Chuckling ) Kind of
caught you there, didnt it?
Heh-heh-heh.
Yeah.
Some of the skiers call this run
Nightmare Alley.
But I think youll enjoy it.
You plan on putting in a chair lift
like this or starting with a rope tow?
Uh, I was thinking
about a rope tow.
- Uh, generally because its cheaper.
- Good thinking.
- Then you can expand later.
- Uh-huh, uh-huh.
Whoa!
What do you--
What do you say they call this run?
Nightmare Alley.
Sounds like fun.
- Whoa!
- Stop the chair.
Uh, uh--
- Could you give--
- Are you all right, sir?
- Here, let me give you a hand.
- No, I got it.
No, no, no, no.
Cr-Crossed up there.
Okay, now, good.
Well, there she is,
Nightmare Alley.
-How about a cup of coffee?
-Well be at the bottom in five minutes.
Then we can have lunch and
discuss your project in depth.
Good, good.
- Well, you ready?
- Oh, Im ready as Ill ever be. Ow!
- Whats the matter?
- Oh, its nothing.
Its an old football injury that
sometimes kind of acts up when I get--
Ooh-hoo.
Get my knee twisted.
Maybe wed better wait a while
before we make the run.
Oh, no, no, no. Now dont be silly.
I dont want to spoil--
spoil your skiing.
You go on to the bottom. Ill take it
easy, and Ill meet you down there.
- Youre sure?
- Oh, absolutely.
I wouldnt
have it any other way.
Well, all right. Ill see you later,
but you be careful.
I will.
Excuse me. Where do I catch
the ski lift down the slo-o-pe?
Ahh!
( Disgruntled Chatter )
- You idiot!
- ( Yelling )
Im sorry.
I didnt mean to do that.
I started up there.
Look, Im sorry. I didnt mean--
Will you get out of here?
Look out!
Baxter! Youre
skiing backwards!
- Takes the strain off the old knee.
- Look out!
See you later.
Look out.
Look out!
Oh, no.
Look out!
Oh, maam, Im very sorry.
I just couldnt help myself.
Arent you a tease.
Why did you pick me with so many
other pretty girls on the slope?
Uh, uh, whoops.
Youre slipping now. Slipping!
No. Help.
Uh-oh. Oh!
Look out below!
Look out!
Clear the way!
Whoa!
- You all right?
- Huh?
- You all right?
- Oh. Im alive.
- Im alive.
- Let me help you.
- Okay. Wait a minute.
- Easy now.
- Easy now. Easy now.
- Wait a minute. Get this foot over.
Thanks.
Oh, thanks a lot.
- Oh, boy.
- There. Youre all right.
Hey, that was quite
a tumble you took there.
- Well, I didnt mind at all.
- When you take a spill like that...
theres only one thing to do: Get back
up on these skis and try it again.
- Not too fast, and dont forget--
- I dont care if I never--
Ho! Ho! Whoa.
Whoa!
Ho! Look out!
Look out!
Yell track
when you wanna pass!
Track! Track!
Oh! Track!
- Whoa!
- Track! Track!
Track!
I need to track!
Oh! Track!
Oh, no.
Ohhhh!
( Thump )
Track.
Leaving a wake of destruction
from Farewell Gap to Aspen Flats...
where his wild run was
finally halted by a tree.
The ski patrol had to recruit
volunteers...
to remove John Baxters
victims from the slopes...
and the emergency hospital reported
that not since the avalanche...
of 1946 had more accident cases
been treated there in one day.
Doctors there could not explain
how Baxter survived the blow...
which felled a tree, and an...
anthro... pol--
- Anthropologist?
- Yeah.
An anthropologist from Harvard...
wants to measure
the thickness of Baxters skull.
- Very funny.
- Weve heard enough of that.
Its good publicity anyway.
Its bad for loans.
( Knocking )
- Is Mr. Baxter in?
- Are you from Harvard?
- Harvard?
- Mr. Ridgeway!
Oh, there you are,
Baxter. Yes.
Well, its nice of you
to drop by, Mr. Ridgeway.
Well, I, uh, I see you made
quite a hit at Crystal Highlands.
- Why, yes.
- And this must be Mrs. Baxter?
- Yes, and this is my son, Richard.
- Hi.
How do you do?
Tell me, whats his name?
- Oh, this is Stoutheart.
- Well, how are ya, big fella?
- Stoutheart!
- Richard, I think you better
take him to the kitchen.
- ( Polite Laughter )
- Come on, boy.
Dogs are a good judge
of character, you know.
- Hes, uh--
- Say, tell me, Baxter...
in light of your experience,
would you care to reconsider
my offer to buy this place?
Mr. Ridgeway, I think Ill stay
with my plans for a ski lodge.
Well, I tell ya, if youre determined
to follow your dream...
Id like to help
make it come true.
- You would?
- Sure.
How much do you need
to open these doors here?
- 25,000.
- Ill loan you three.
Well, that would open
one door, partway.
Ill take it.
Thats my trouble.
I always let my heart rule my head.
Johnny, may I speak to you
for a minute?
I took the liberty of bringing
this form along, just in case.
If youll just sign all those Xs,
itll save you...
a trip to town.
Mr. Baxter, I think
these oughta do it.
- Oh, fine, Wally. Go to work.
- Oh, hi, Mr. Ridgeway.
- What are you doing here?
- Im fixing their water heater.
I thought you were
working for Double L.
Oh, its my day off.
- ( Baxter ) Here you are.
- ( Ridgeway ) There you are.
A check for $3,000.
Its a pleasure doing
business with you, Mr. Baxter.
I know youre going to make this place
into something real special.
Its been a pleasure to meet you,
Mrs. Baxter. My very best to your son.
Honey, I think were in business.
Ill tell you what.
Lets make a list of everything
were gonna need, okay?
- Johnny!
- Lets start with $500 for the bar.
Id like to have plenty of everything,
in case some weekend were jammed up.
- Jammed up?
- In the kitchen.
- What do we need in the kitchen?
- Johnny!
I dont trust that Ridgeway.
He wants this place
for something...
and its not a home
for wayward boys.
Now, honey, cant you believe
that a successful man like Ridgeway...
might want to give
somebody a helping hand?
Not unless he made a buck,
he wouldnt.
Well, heres the proof.
Heres a check for $3,000.
Now where were we?
You taking notes?
$500 for the bar. We only
want to serve the finest food...
so lets figure, oh, 500
to start for groceries.
- ( Sputtering )
- I dont recollect it
taking on like that before.
...things like that, lets figure
300 at the outside.
- Ooh! Dadburn it.
- Now try it.
Now theres no water at all.
I wonder if Ive got the inflow where
the safety valves supposed to go.
- What should we put
for a ski instructor?
- They dont come cheap.
- Well, I do.
- Have you ever been a ski instructor?
No, but if I sew a band on my sleeve,
wholl know the difference?
- Hundred a month and room and board.
- Its a deal.
Hes gonna live here?
I dont think its your
inflow or your outflow either.
What do you figure we need
for the dining room?
Glasses, dishes, stuff like that.
Couple hundred dollars?
- What does that come to?
- Uh, $2,800.
2,800. Thats perfect. Still leaves us
$200 for a rope-tow engine.
- ( Boiler Hissing )
- Whats a rope-tow engine?
Rope-tow engine is an engine
to run the rope tow.
- ( Clanging, Hissing )
- Cant have a ski slope without a tow.
Shes gonna blow!
Well, it aint too bad.
Figure 20 bucks for the windows,
175 for a new water heater.
Which leaves nothing
for a rope-tow engine.
Called em donkey engines. They could
worry a six-ton log out of the woods...
so it shouldnt even breathe heavy
pullin a few skiers on a rope.
- Do you think itll still run?
- Build you a head and find out.
- Yeah, but how you gonna
move it to the hotel?
- Oh...
we can drag it out of here
easy enough.
- Good, good.
- Gettin it up the hill, though.
Now that might be
somethin else.
- My Snowcats broke.
- It was workin two days ago.
- Well, its broke now.
- You afraid Ridgeway...
wouldnt like it?
You know Mr. Ridgeway
loaned me the money...
- to get started.
- That dont mean diddly-squat.
Loaned me money on my house
three years ago, then laid me off here.
Now Im rentin from him. Sorry,
gents, the Snowcat is broke.
Pete Bolles has a D-4
thatd pull it up the hill.
- Dad?
- Wait a minute, son. Whats a D-4?
How bout it, Mr. Bolles?
Id really like
to help you fellas out...
but if I was ever to lose
this rig on that hill...
Id be out of business
for over a month.
You understand
how it is, dont ya?
Im beginning to.
I know what the problem is.
Ridgeway owns the pink on it,
and Petes behind in his payments.
- Dad!
- Not now, Richard.
Cant you see I got
something on my mind?
If you want to sing a few choruses
of I told you so, feel free.
I stepped right into
Ridgeways parlor.
Whole things goin
down the drain.
So let it go. Its not
the end of the world.
Ive never wanted anything
so much in my life.
Oh! I forgot.
From Richard,
whose lower lip is out a foot.
Mmm, yeah, well.
I was a little hard on him today.
He kept interrupting and--
( Sigh )
I was busy.
Dear Dad, if a donkey engine can pull
a six-ton log out of the woods...
why cant it pull itself up a hill?
Respectfully,
your son Richard.
- Works beautifully, doesnt it?
- Can I blow it, Dad?
- Toot her.
- ( Whistling )
Attaboy.
( Whistling )
Its going!
Hi, Mom!
- ( Cheering )
- Were doing it!
- ( Laughing )
- How bout that?
- Toot the whistle again, Richard.
- ( Whistling )
- You be careful too, Richard.
- ( Whistling )
- Not too fast.
- Here we come, Chrissy.
- How did you figure this out? Hi, Mom!
- We started out--
Youre gonna make it!
- Be careful.
- We made it!
- ( Cheering )
- We made it, Chrissy.
- Course we made it.
- Dad!
- Arent we going any higher than this?
- Course we are!
- Were going clear to the top!
- All right!
The tow ropes goin clear to the top,
but the donkey engine stays here.
This is the midway point, you see.
Beginning skiers
will ski down from here.
The advanced will come
all the way from the top...
and right over there,
theres a place for a donkey--
for a bunny slope.
Anyway, it looks like
were in business.
- ( Crunch )
- ( Chris ) Richard!
Stop eating the crackers.
Nobody else is here to eat em.
Well, now, therell be
plenty of skiers around...
just as soon as they discover us.
( Horn Blowing )
Theres the 2:50,
loaded with big-tippin skiers...
all headed for
Crystal Highlands.
( Richard )
Can I go help Wally?
No. I dont want you
near those explosives.
Wally knows all about blasting.
He knew all about
water heaters too.
Shouldnt he have that stump
out by now?
Youll know when shes out.
( Explosion )
Shes out.
- Is that the stump?
- If it aint,
start lookin for a new ski instructor.
Oh, darn.
( Horn Blowing )
( Horn Blowing )
Oh, boy.
The trains stuck.
Theres been an avalanche.
- What?
- ( Engine Stops )
The trains stuck.
Theres been an avalanche.
An avalanche?
Yeah, it blocked
the Crystal Highlands road.
Its gonna take em
some time to dig it out.
- I better call Crystal Highlands.
- Yeah.
First thing to do is to get
them skiers in where its warm.
Well, you old claim jumper.
I like the way you think.
Break out the steaks, Susie,
and whip up the cheese fondue.
Were about to be bustin
at the seams with skiers.
( Whistles )
Get up there, boy.
This is the most exciting thing
thats ever happened to me.
I still dont know what could
have caused an avalanche.
Probably just
a freak of nature.
- You can say that again, Miss Voight.
- You know...
youre a real hero, Johnny,
the way you rescued us and everything.
Is it okay
if I call you Johnny?
Oh, sure, sure. Were very informal
at the Grand Imperial.
- Good. And you can call me Naomi.
- Uh--
( Whistle )
Get up there, boy.
Its not in the front,
but Im sure youll like it.
- Miss, please.
- Jesse! Room 24, please.
Miss, the names Manescue.
This is Mrs. Manescue.
- This is our son, Sidney.
- Which is your valise? This heavy one?
Put your bags down here
and then register in the bar, please.
Make yourselves at home,
and if you need anything, call.
Dad, Dad. In a hot-buttered rum, what do
you heat first, the butter or the rum?
- What?
- Its not in the bartenders manual,
- and Ive gotta know--
- Just a minute, Chris.
You serve,
and Ill take over the bar.
- Oh, Dad, thank you.
- Uh, Wally, look...
get the sleigh, go back and
get another load of customers.
Hurry. Theyre gonna have
that train out pretty soon.
- Uh, who had the hot-buttered rums?
- Right here.
- Double room with a cot!
- Arent there any suites in this hotel?
Im sorry, Mr. Manescue,
but its the best we have.
In fact, its all we have. Were
almost filled up. Room 14, please.
- Im sorry, my dear.
- Sidney, you stay down here
until we get--
Uh, the matched luggage.
Hey! What about these?
Cant leave em in the lobby, mister.
Better bring em with you.
- ( Susie ) Whos next?
- I am!
Miss Naomi Voight.
Are you related to that nice, cute
Johnny? His older sister or something?
Or something.
Would you like a single?
Naturally.
- Thank you.
- Next.
Id like a single.
Im not married.
Daddy! Somebody in there
just ordered a Harvey Wallbanger.
Is that really a drink,
or was he just putting me on?
- Harvey Wallbanger?
- With a slice of cucumber.
- Im pooped. Is that all of em?
- Until the next load.
Jesse, take over the desk
while I start dinner.
Theres a fish in my drink.
Not so loud.
Everybodyll want one.
What a darling apron.
- Howd you like a fat lip?
- Oh, yeah?
- Yeah!
- Well, why dont you try?
Uh, Richard, can I ta--
Well, he started it.
I dont care if my best pants get dirty.
Im not gonna wear any apron!
( Gasping )
Well talk about it later.
Hi.
Hello.
- Everybody in bed?
- Finally.
What do you think about
a couple of tennis courts...
right over there?
Come spring, of course.
Perfect.
- You tired?
- Oh, Im exhausted.
- How bout you?
- Mmm.
Happy exhausted.
People seem to like
the place, dont they?
Yeah. All except
the Manescues...
and theyd find somethin
wrong with the Taj Mahal.
If we can keep them happy for two
weeks, well be out of the woods.
If you get much nicer
to Naomi Tight-pants...
she might stay
through the spring.
Just tryin to be
a good host, maam.
Well, room service
is closed for the night.
You nut.
- Oh!
- Whos that?
-Well, its our room. Its Miss Ogelvie.
-Oh! Oh!
- ( Scream )
- Miss Ogelvie, what happened?
I just turned out the lights
and got into bed, and he--
Now, now, Ill handle this,
Miss Ogelvie.
( Baxter ) What are you doing
in this ladys room?
You have no business
coming in here uninvited.
Now you get out of here
this minute.
Im sorry, Miss Ogelvie.
This will never happen again.
Hows the steam, Jesse?
Fires down a little. We might
could use a couple more chunks.
( Humming )
- Hi.
- Hi.
- Hows the steam engine working?
- Perfect.
That thing could pull
the whole town up the hill.
- Need some help with that?
- No.
- Hey, wheres Chris?
- I let her go skiing.
- Shes coming back to help me
set up for lunch.
- Oh.
( Humming )
- Hi, Johnny.
- Ah, well, hi, Naomi.
Oh, it was so cuddly and snuggly
in that feather bed...
I just didnt
want to get up.
Yeah, yeah,
I know what you mean.
Uh, the ski instructors
starting his beginners class.
If youd like to get out there, you
could probably get some skiing in.
I was hoping youd give me
private lessons, Johnny.
- You do ski, dont ya?
- Yeah, of course I ski.
( Glass Shatters )
But I have to relieve Jesse
on the tow engine for lunch.
Oh.
Okay, class, can I have
your attention, please?
Oh! Oh, ah--
Help her up.
Help her up.
Thats gonna happen to you
a lot on the slope.
Okay. Now, the lesson today
will be straight running...
or schussing, as its called.
Well, I guess the best way to get
the hang of it is just to try it.
Who wants to go first?
Oh, come on.
Come on, Miss Grable,
you go first.
But, really, perhaps one
of the others might--
Theres nothing to be scared of,
Miss Grable. Ill go down with you.
Now remember, just relax
and flex the knees.
- Er, f-flex the kn-knees.
- Good. Come on. Come on.
Come on. Very good!
Very good, Miss Grable.
N-Not so fast!
Snowplow, Miss G-Grable!
- What plow?
- Aah!
Aah! Aah!
Oh, no!
Man overboard!
Help!
Help! We need help!
The instructors gone over the side!
- Whatd he say?
- He said somebody went over the side.
Help!
- Somebody help!
- Its Wally!
Wally!
- ( Whistle Blows )
- Man over the side!
( Whistle Blowing )
- What happened?
- Wally!
He went over the edge,
and hes hanging on a tree!
Stop the tow!
Ohh!
- Hang on, Wally!
- I-Im trying!
Oh! Hey!
- Track!
- Aah!
No, no, dont track!
- Oh. Oh, boy.
- You all right?
- Yeah.
- Ohh!
( Baxter )
Oh, no.
- Daddy, what are we gonna do?
- Well--
Run this around that tree over there
and bring it to your pa.
Tell him Ill lower him down
with the donkey engine.
- Stay calm!
- Daddy, youve got to do something!
- Please! Please!
- We will, honey. We will, but--
H-How about a helicopter?
They use helicopters
sometimes, dont they?
Dad, Jesse says he can let
you down on the tow rope.
- Good. What?
- Hold on, Wally!
- Daddys coming to get you!
- Now, wait--
Ill hold on!
Come on, you can do it!
- Go on!
- You can do it!
Go get him!
Let the line--
Let some rope out.
Let out more rope!
Right!
Hang on, Wally!
More rope!
More rope!
- You better hurry!
- Let it out!
- Dad!
- Jesse, its slipping!
- ( Richard ) Dad! Dad!
- Whoa!
- Dad!
- Unh!
I-- I got you now, Wally.
Get your leg up.
I sure hate to put you
to all this trouble, Mr. Baxter.
- See, I was giving a lesson--
- Just shut up, Wally.
Now, look.
You hang on...
and Im gonna try
and turn myself around.
- You all right, Dad?
- Perfect!
- Aah!
- Easy!
( Choking, Gasping )
Pu-Pull!
Pull him up, Jesse!
Aah! Easy! Easy!
( Richard )
Easy! Easy!
- Hes got him!
- Hes got him!
- Come on!
- You can make it!
- Come on!
- Come up here!
( Cheering )
Oh, Dad,
you were great!
- Dont mention it, Wally.
- ( Whistle Blowing )
- Oh, ow!
- Wally, your arm! You broke it!
- No, Im okay.
- We better get you to a doctor. Daddy!
-You were great, Mr. Baxter.
-Daddy, we better get Wally to a doctor!
Oh.
Whoa!
Whoa!
Whoa! Gol darn your ornery hide!
Oh!
Aah!
( Whistle Blowing )
Jesse! Jesse!
( Whistle Blowing )
Jesse, stop that thing!
You tell me how,
and Ill throw in with ya!
- Daddy, let go!
- He cant!
Boy, thats the best knot
I ever tied.
- ( Whistle Blowing )
- Get out of the way!
Out of the way!
Get out of there!
See? I told ya.
( Whistle Blowing )
Jesse, stop it!
The hotel!
( Whistle Blowing )
I dont know whats wrong,
but its something.
The steam whistles
been blowing like crazy.
( Whistle Blows )
Turn it, Jesse!
- I dont know if we need
an ambulance, but...
- ( Whistle Blows )
send one anyway.
- ( Whistle Blowing )
- Good-bye.
( Whistle Blows )
Aah!
- Jesse, wheres Johnny?
- Hes comin!
- Susie!
- Johnny! What happened?
You wouldnt
believe it if I t--
Then it went through one side
of the hotel and came out the other...
made a disaster area
out of the dining room.
I patched up what I could, but it still
gets a little breezy in there.
And your guests, how are
they enjoying half a hotel?
They arent, are they?
As a matter of fact,
theyve all left, havent they?
Yes, but they all did say
they had fun while it lasted.
What youre trying
to say, in essence, is...
that youll be unable to meet
your obligation to the bank this month.
Not and do the necessary
repairs to the hotel.
I wanted to talk to you
about an extension, Mr. Ridgeway.
- You see--
- Baxter, I like you.
Well, thank you,
Mr. Ridgeway, I...
like you too.
And because I like you,
Im going to do you a little favor.
Rather than let you throw more
good money down that rat hole...
and force me to all the unpleasantness
of getting a foreclosure...
Im going to take that white
elephant off your hands...
and Im going to give you,
out of my own pocket-- not the banks--
Im going to give you $200.
Now, that should see you and that
sweet little family of yours...
safe back to New York
where you belong.
What do you say?
Thats very kind of you, Mr. Ridgeway.
I-- But I do have until the 15th.
Yeah, but thats five days from now.
How you gonna get the money by then?
I dont know, but Ill get it.
Well, George Spellman,
come right in. Come right in.
Good to see you. Please sit down.
Make yourself comfortable.
Hows that wonderful
family of yours?
- Richard.
- Oh, see ya.
- Wheres Wally?
- I guess hes still at the doctors.
- Whatd Mr. Ridgeway say?
- No.
- Well, what are we gonna do?
- Were gonna win the Silver Hill
snowmobile race...
- thats what were gonna do.
- We are?
Yep. Wallys gonna drive, and Im--
- Well turn that.
- Yeah.
Do I understand
Richard correctly?
Th-That youre driving
that thing in a race?
Susie, we cant have
outside drivers.
- Thats the rules.
- Its a rule.
Until we arrived here,
youd never seen a snowmobile before.
And now youre going to race one
at 80 miles an hour?
- Oh, no. 40, tops.
- Okay, now look.
I dont have to come in first.
See, there are three prizes.
Now, any one of those prizes
would see us through til next fall.
Johnny, youve become so obsessed
to hanging on to this place...
- that youre not using good sense.
- Now, Susie, look--
Look, I know
what it means to you.
And youve done everything you can
to make a go of it. We all have.
I put up with fish
in the water.
- I know you have, hon.
- And exploding heaters.
And steam engines
breaking through the house.
But Im not gonna stand here
and watch you get yourself killed.
- Susie.
- Well, Im giving him a crash program--
Now listen to me, Johnny.
You go through with this crazy idea
of yours and Im leaving.
I cant take any more.
A man does what
hes gotta do, Mr. Baxter.
Just shut up, Wally.
( Announcer ) Hiblers Department
Store has asked me to announce...
the annual award for most original
paint design and uniform coordination...
has been increased to $175.
( Cheering )
( Announcer )
The route this year is the same as last.
Down Main Street--
Itll hold this time.
And its gonna
snow roses any minute now.
- Jesse, if you dont want
to do this, just say so.
- I dont want to do this.
All Im saying is,
God never intended man...
to travel 80 miles an hour over snow.
And if he did,
it wasnt in no contraption...
put together with spit
and baling wire.
- Thats all Im saying.
- Have you seen Sue and the kids?
Theyre in Denver by now,
where Id be if I had any good sense.
- Thats it.
- ( Engine Revs )
Wally, you wired me
to the carburetor.
- Get--
- Oh. Im sorry.
( Announcer )
The Tate Brothers, Dean and Brian!
( Engine Revs )
- Running good!
- ( Announcer )
And driving the Red Devil...
for Silver Hill Bank, the winner of the
grand prize for the past two years...
Martin Ridgeway
and Double L Dingman.
And in the second row,
a late entry not in your program.
Driving the Mighty Mongrel--
Mighty Mongrel?
Yeah,
the Mighty Mongrel!
Representing
the Grand Imperial Hotel...
John Baxter and Jesse McCord.
Gentlemen, are you ready
for the start?
( Engines Rev )
( Laughter )
This aint as bad
as I thought, Johnny.
The kickstand!
The kickstand!
- Oh.
- Push it off!
( Engine Revs )
( Laughter )
You all right?
Youre okay.
- You all right?
- For a 75-year-old papoose...
that just got dumped
on his head, Im fine.
Go get em!
( Laughter )
Well never catch up!
Well catch up!
Lean!
In the turns,
lean the way I lean!
Im havin enough
trouble just hangin on!
Right!
Look out!
- Watch where youre goin!
- I cant see where were going!
That does it.
Were travelin now, Jess!
Howd you get ahead of me?
Never mind. Tell me later. Get on.
Johnny, I wouldnt get
on a three-week toot with you...
if you paid for it and throwed in
the Dolly sisters!
Now, listen, Jesse. We cant win
unless we finish with two riders.
Get on this thing!
Not on your life!
You let me off this thing!
Were catching up!
Hey!
Howd you get up here?
- I flew up here, how do you think?
- Well, I cant see!
- Get back to where you belong!
- Fine with me. How do I do that?
Jesse, hang on.
Dont hold on to the steering!
Get back and sit down!
Look out, Johnny!
If we come out of this alive,
and I dont figure to...
- will you do me a favor?
- What?
Fire me!
Slow er down, Johnny.
I cant!
The throttles stuck!
Its them!
Theyre gainin on us!
Give it the gas!
Come on!
- Theyre comin!
- Aw, shut up!
Were comin
into Split Rock Pass!
Youll never
get by em, Johnny!
This roads got more crooks
than a miners convention!
Well get by em!
Ridgeway,
you horses caboose!
- Look out, Johnny!
- Get it over!
Whoa!
( Clicking )
Johnny?
Im here...
but Im not sure where here is.
We dead?
I didnt want to be
the first to mention it.
Johnny, I hate to add to your troubles,
but its gettin hotter.
It sure is.
Must be that go-round I had
with the widow Corzine.
But, heck, that was 20 years ago,
and she started it.
I think were moving.
Wheres that light switch?
Were on a mine cart!
Must be the old
Hard Luck Mine.
They dug clean through the mountain.
Never did find a vein.
You mean this-- this tunnel
goes clear through the mountain?
Yep, and all they got
was calluses.
Well, well save miles.
Well get a big jump
on everybody!
You can say that agaaaain!
Weve got a busted ski!
Well never make her, Johnny!
Thats the good ski thats busted...
and the steerings
got the wobblies!
Its just two miles, Jesse!
Look! Howd they get up there?
I dont know
how they got there!
Theres the town!
Well, when they come,
they come like that.
Folks, we just had a report from the
Perkins farm. The leader just passed.
Hell be turning in at the head
of the street any second now...
so were going to have to
clear the straightaway, folks.
Clear the straightaway.
Here he comes!
Its the Mighty Mongrel!
Steerings gone!
Folks, weve just had another report
from the Perkins farm.
Martin Ridgeway has just passed,
and hes headed this way full bore!
Ridgeways just
comin into town!
The Mighty Mongrel has suffered
a second broken ski.
It looks like three in a row
for Martin Ridgeway.
- Oh, yeah? Come on, lets
turn this thing around.
- What?
Weve gone this far on one ski. We can
go the rest of the way on no skis.
All right, lets point it
towards the line.
Here he comes!
Its Martin Ridgeway!
Come on!
Ridgeway hit a snowbank!
- Of all the stupid things
Ive ever seen!
- I tried to lean left!
Why didnt you lean left
when youre supposed to?
Sit to the rear, Jesse.
Lean back and keep the nose up!
( Engine Revs )
- Lean, Jesse!
- Here comes Ridgeway! Give her the gun!
- We havent crossed the finish line!
- I know it!
( Announcer )
And the winner is Martin Ridgeway!
Stop this thing!
Its all over!
I cant stop it!
It wont turn off!
Giddap!
Come on.
Im glad I married you.
Giddap!
And this is the quit claim deed.
And if youll just
sign all four copies.
Oh, now, Baxter,
dont take it so hard.
There are many businesses
you could do well in.
Have you thought
of insurance?
A lot.
Look, uh, Mr. Ridgeway, isnt there
some way I could get an extension on--
I feel as bad about this
as you, Baxter.
But look at it this way:
Youre not losing a lodge.
- youre providing a home
for wayward boys.
- Boys home, my foot.
- Miss Wigginton.
- I dont care if you do fire me.
I can get a dollar an hour in Denver,
twice what you pay me.
He wants this place because
there are 3,000 acres of Douglas fir...
- that goes with it.
- There is?
Jacob Barnsworth deeded it
to the Ute Indians up in these hills.
It was to be theirs...
- as long as they occupied it.
- They didnt have to prove up
or nothin.
Wasnt like when he give the 200 acres
for the town of Silver Hill.
That was on condition
the town fathers...
kicked in with a library,
a church and two hospitals:
- one for folks and
one for dumb animals.
- Anyway, the Utes...
have all left or died off,
so the timberland...
automatically reverts
to the Jacob Barnsworth estate,
and thats you, Mr. Baxter.
So thats why
you wanted this place.
Youre gonna cut down
those woods back of town?
Lets stick to facts. You cannot meet
the payment, and its due today.
- Dad?
- Not now, Richard. I know its due
today, but if I could just have a l--
There are no buts about it.
If you refuse to sign the quit claim...
you force me to start foreclosure
proceedings tomorrow morning.
- But, Dad!
- I told you once, Richard.
Did you want
to say something, young man?
Well, I didnt see
any library in town.
How come Silver Hill
dont revert back to you?
- Doesnt revert.
- Well, how come?
Yeah, how come?
I mean, why dont it
revert back to me?
It seems like
the same law would apply.
- Oh, thats ridiculous.
- Theres nothing ridiculous about it.
If the deed restrictions
have been violated...
theres an automatic reversion
to the grantor, or his heirs.
You may just own the whole town
of Silver Hill, Mr. Baxter...
including his bank.
Ha, ha, ha.
Well, now, Johnny...
I see no reason why
we cant work this out.
You know, a ski lodge may be the best
thing that ever happened to Silver Hill.
Uh, what would you need
to put this place back into shape?
- Repairs? New furniture?
- First-class double chair lift.
Ahh, thats a good idea.
Well, why dont we have lunch
tomorrow, and we can talk it over?
Could I trouble you for a glass
of water and an aspirin?
Oh, sure, Mr. Ridgeway.
Come with me.
I beg your pardon.
( Chuckling Weakly )
Do we own the whole town
of Silver Hill, Dad?
I dont think Mr. Ridgeway
wants to find out.
Good work, son.
Mrs. Baxter?
I think weve got ourselves
a real ski lodge.
Howd you like
to ski down our mountain?
Id follow you anywhere,
Mr. Baxter.
Ski down our mountain?
- Good. Good.
- Oh! Oh!
- Very good.
- Oh, Johnny.
- Ill never get the hang of it.
- Sure you will, Susie.
Look at the kids.
- Looks good!
- You two are doin fine.
Lets see you turn!
That a way to go,
Richard.
- Oh, I dont know.
- Susie. You may not believe this,
but I was no better than
you are when I first started.
- Yeah, its really safe.
- And you know me, Mom.
You cant live on a ski slope
and not know how to ski.
I guarantee you Ill have you skiing
to the bottom of this hill in no time.
( Dog Barking, Laughter )
Even Stoutheart and Jesse
are getting into the spirit of things.
Come here, Stoutheart!
Come here, boy! Come on!
Come on! Attaboy!
Come on. Come on.
Come on here, boy.
Attaboy, Stout.
Stout...heaaaarr--
- Dad!
- Johnny!
Oh, Johnny!
Aaahh! Oh!
- Johnny!
- Chris!
- Mom! Dad!
- Mr. Baxter, fall down!
Are you all right,
Johnny?
Im fine.
I told you Id get you
to the bottom of the hill in no time.
( Laughing )