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 - The Balloonist
Release Date: 1980-09-18 -
Episode 2 - Duddleman and the Diamond Ring
Release Date: 1980-09-25 -
Episode 3 - Guinea Pig
Release Date: 1980-10-02 -
Episode 4 - Trapper
Release Date: 1980-10-09 -
Episode 5 - The Pearls
Release Date: 1980-10-23 -
Episode 6 - Carnival of Fear
Release Date: 1980-10-30Hobo stalks an ominous carnival patron.
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Episode 7 - Mystery at the Zoo
Release Date: 1980-11-06Hobo investigates the disappearance of zoo animals. Carol Lynley.
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Episode 8 - Sailing Away
Release Date: 1980-11-13 -
Episode 9 - The Hunt
Release Date: 1980-11-20 -
Episode 10 - Fast Freddie
Release Date: 1980-11-27A con man tries to cheat wealthy small-town residents.
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Episode 11 - Licence to Steal
Release Date: 1980-12-04 -
Episode 12 - Portrait of Danger
Release Date: 1980-12-11Hobo protects a photographer who snapped a shot of a bank robbery and decides to sell his picture to the papers. James Stephens.
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Episode 13 - Ghost Rig
Release Date: 1980-12-18Hobo and an insurance investigator help recover a missing truckload of diamonds.
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Episode 14 - Here's Joey Jackson
Release Date: 1981-01-22 -
Episode 15 - Runaway
Release Date: 1981-02-12Hobo reunites a runaway boy with a family who wants to adopt him.
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Episode 16 - East Side Angels
Release Date: 1981-02-26A teen is dropped from a basketball club for arson.
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Episode 17 - Mystique
Release Date: 1981-03-05 -
Episode 18 - The Trail of No Return
Release Date: 1981-04-09Hobo contracts botulism trying to save two children.