Snowbeast (1977)

A bigfoot-type creature in the snow upsets people on holiday.Generally speaking, I don't review horror films but the horror element here is very mild, in fact this could almost be described as a dumbed down episode of The Outer Limits (1963-65) but filmed in colour. In fact Outer Limits writer Joseph Stefano wrote Snowbeast.The music here is vital as we hear so much of it, the composer also scored TV's Fantastic Journey (1977) and Wonder Woman (1978) so he really knew what to do with music in fantasy TV.The snow locations, the music, the creature itself all come together to make this well worth watching, but maybe they could have cut out about 10 minutes of character-making conversation (aka small talk) as I found myself looking at my watch a few times. But all in all: good stuff!

Not that great but not that bad. I thought it might be better considering the cast list. Then of course there is the script to consider also. They did a great job hiding the beast it's self. They used edge shots and a couple of long distance ones to portray, oh wait not really, the beast, plus the standard footprints in the snow. Why it would come out and start killing now is never addressed, especially why it is using humans as a food source. Bo Svenson and Yvette Mimieux play a married couple who have come to the ski lodge for Bo, an Olympic gold medalist, to ask for a job. Clint Walker is the sheriff and buys in to the beast about half way through the movie. This is after several people are killed and stashed in a barn as a larder for the beast. Poor old Clint gets killed in a calculated attack by the animal (?), Bo heads out to track it down, finds it and the beast ends up being killed from gun shots and a long fall . Even here there is no shot of the body so it is left to ones imagination as to what it looks like.

In this made for TV film, an enormous and angry bigfoot creature begins to terrorize a Colorado Ski Resort during a winter carnival, by eating several skiers. At first everyone insists it is just a bear.Until ski patrolman Tony Rill sees a white shadowy beastly shape disappearing into the woods. Although Tony's grandmother Mrs. Carrie Rill, who owns the Ski Resort and the town sheriff, Sheriff Paraday disagree, it soon becomes clear when the creature finally attacks the town. This is a tedious slow moving TV film.Not worth the watch at all.

"Snowbeast" is a 1977 TV movie filmed a year after the popular "Jaws."It's got quite a few positives: Gorgeous alpine locations -- filmed at Crested Butte Mtn Ski Resort, Colorado; a very likable 70s cast, including Robert Logan, Bo Svenson, Yvette Mimieux and Clint Walker; and a decent-looking malevolent Sasquatch for a TV film of that era, although you barely get to see him.Unfortunately the film lacks originality as the plot rips off "Jaws" verbatim. The only difference is that it takes place at a ski resort rather than a beach and the monster is a sasquatch rather than a shark. Like "Jaws" there's a scene where a bear is hunted and killed, making the skiers think the slopes are safe again, but the main characters know it's not the culprit; one of them even states that the dead bear's stomach should be opened up to see if human remains can be found. I hope Peter Benchley got royalties! Despite the similarities, "Snowbeast" lacks the suspense and pizazz of "Jaws;" in fact, it's kinda boring, but well worthwhile if you're in an alpine mood and/or if you're a fan of the four stars. After all, any film with Clint Walker can't be all bad; plus Yvette looks real cute in a tight ski outfit.The film runs 97 minutes.FINAL SAY: I've seen "Snowbeast" three times now and always enjoy it despite its lack of originality and slightly lethargic spirit. It's a must for devotees of the Bigfoot mythos, as well as fans of the cast and those wanting to see great alpine locations. Just keep in mind it's a 70's TV movie.GRADE: C+