The Littlest Hobo (1979)
The Littlest Hobo is a Canadian television series based upon a 1958 American film of the same name directed by Charles R. Rondeau. The series first aired from 1963 to 1965 in syndication, spanning six seasons and was revived for a popular second run on CTV from October 11, 1979 to March 7, 1985. It starred an ownerless dog. All three productions revolved around a stray German Shepherd, the titular Hobo, who wanders from town to town, helping people in need. Although the concept was perhaps similar to that of Lassie, the Littlest Hobo's destiny was to befriend those who apparently needed help. Despite the attempts of the many people whom he helped to adopt him, he appeared to prefer to be on his own, and would head off by himself at the end of each episode. Never actually named on-screen, the dog is often referred to by the name Hobo or by the names given by temporary human companions. Hobo's background is also unexplained on-screen. His origins, motivation and ultimate destination are also never explained. Although some characters appeared in more than one episode, the only constant was the Littlest Hobo himself.
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Episode 1 - Smoke
Release Date: 1979-10-11Hobo saves animals from a forest fire and aids a poisoned child.
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Episode 2 - Manhunt (1)
Release Date: 1979-10-18 -
Episode 3 - Manhunt (2)
Release Date: 1979-10-25 -
Episode 4 - The Defector
Release Date: 1979-11-01Hobo rescues a defecting ballerina from kidnappers.
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Episode 5 - Double Trouble
Release Date: 1979-11-08Hobo saves two draft horses from the glue factory. Note: This episode was trailed at the end of #1.21 "Guardian Angel")
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Episode 6 - Silent Witness
Release Date: 1979-11-15The Hobo witnesses a drunken hit-and-run and haunts the perpetrator, playing his conscience against him. Hobo pursues a hit-and-run driver.
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Episode 7 - Target For Terror
Release Date: 1979-11-29Hobo rescues a politician's son from kidnappers.
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Episode 8 - Heritage
Release Date: 1979-12-06Hobo protects an elderly prospector from greedy land-grabbers. Jasper: Leon Ames. Laura: Lynn Griffin. Glenn: J.P. Linton. Cal: Shawn Lawrence. Ralph: Ben Gordon.
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Episode 9 - Little Girl Lost
Release Date: 1979-12-13 -
Episode 10 - Boy On Wheels
Release Date: 1979-12-20Hobo comes to the aid of a wheelchair-bound boy in rehab.
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Episode 11 - Stand-in
Release Date: 1979-12-27A different dog, and then the littlest hobo has to come and stand in for that dog.
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Episode 12 - Second Chance
Release Date: 1980-01-03 -
Episode 13 - Big Al and Sam Strawberry
Release Date: 1980-01-13 -
Episode 14 - Give My Regards to Broadway
Release Date: 1980-01-31A struggling actress resorts to stealing (and writing IOUs) to make ends meet and the Hobo tries to keep her out of trouble.
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Episode 15 - The Last Job
Release Date: 1980-02-07An ex-convict has a bright future ahead of him, if he goes straight, but is compelled to perform one last bank robbery.
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Episode 16 - Snapshot
Release Date: 1980-02-28 -
Episode 17 - The Million Dollar Fur Heist
Release Date: 1980-03-06 -
Episode 18 - Diamonds Are a Dog's Best Friend
Release Date: 1980-03-13 -
Episode 19 - Romiet and Julio
Release Date: 1980-03-20The Hobo plays matchmaker to a young couple who, in between being separated by their respective parents, find time to bicker among themselves.
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Episode 20 - Escape
Release Date: 1980-03-27 -
Episode 21 - Guardian Angel
Release Date: 1980-04-03 -
Episode 22 - The Pied Piper
Release Date: 1980-04-10 -
Episode 23 - Willie and Kate
Release Date: 1980-05-15The Hobo tries to give support and guidance to a couple of quarrelsome human transients--one old man and one young girl.
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Episode 24 - The Further Adventures of Willie and Kate
Release Date: 1980-05-22The Hobo journeys onward, trying to keep his transient companions out of trouble, when Kate is captured by the authorities and placed in an orphanage run like a military academy.