Chattanooga Choo Choo

Chattanooga Choo Choo is a 1984 American comedy film starring Barbara Eden, George Kennedy, Melissa Sue Anderson and Joe Namath, directed by Bruce Bilson which was released on May 25, 1984. The film is inspired by the popular 1941 song "Chattanooga Choo Choo" originally recorded by the Glenn Miller Orchestra and featured in the 20th Century Fox film Sun Valley Serenade. The film follows the story of football team owner Bert (George Kennedy) who will inherit one million dollars from a railroad tycoon if he can successfully drive a steam train from New York City to its namesake of Chattanooga, Tennessee in 24 hours. He invites his girlfriend Maggie (Barbara Eden) and his team on the train, who invite their own guests and pick up new ones along the trip. The comedy is derived from numerous delays along the way. The film's promotional tagline is: The song that kept America chuggin' along is this summer's funniest movie! Plot The Chattanooga Choo Choo Railroad has been the entire life of its current owner Alonzo Dillard (Parley Baer), who is celebrating his 75th birthday with his daughter Estelle (Bridget Hanley), his granddaughter Jennie Waters (Melissa Sue Anderson), Jennie's fiancé Paul Cartwright (Christopher McDonald), and much of the staff of the Chattanooga Choo Choo Railroad including chief porter Woodrow (Davis Roberts). Protagonist Bert Waters (George Kennedy), Estelle's husband and Jennie's father, is late because he's spending time with his "girlfriend" Maggie Jones (Barbara Eden), whom he plans to marry after divorcing Estelle. Once Bert does arrive, Alonzo refuses to talk to him, having no patience for lateness. Bert is, however, able to introduce Jennie to Mason Foresight (James Horan), Duke of Chalfont; and give Jennie pictures that show Paul asleep next to two attractive twins. Jennie vows not to speak to Paul ever again to Estelle's chagrin and Bert's joy.