The Littlest Hobo
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.
Episodes24
Smoke
Hobo saves animals from a forest fire and aids a poisoned child.
Manhunt (1)
Manhunt (2)
The Defector
Hobo rescues a defecting ballerina from kidnappers.
Double Trouble
Hobo saves two draft horses from the glue factory. Note: This episode was trailed at the end of #1.21 "Guardian Angel")
Silent Witness
The Hobo witnesses a drunken hit-and-run and haunts the perpetrator, playing his conscience against him. Hobo pursues a hit-and-run driver.
Target For Terror
Hobo rescues a politician's son from kidnappers.
Heritage
Hobo protects an elderly prospector from greedy land-grabbers. Jasper: Leon Ames. Laura: Lynn Griffin. Glenn: J.P. Linton. Cal: Shawn Lawrence. Ralph: Ben Gordon.
Little Girl Lost
Boy On Wheels
Hobo comes to the aid of a wheelchair-bound boy in rehab.
Stand-in
A different dog, and then the littlest hobo has to come and stand in for that dog.
Second Chance
Big Al and Sam Strawberry
Give My Regards to Broadway
A struggling actress resorts to stealing (and writing IOUs) to make ends meet and the Hobo tries to keep her out of trouble.
The Last Job
An ex-convict has a bright future ahead of him, if he goes straight, but is compelled to perform one last bank robbery.
Snapshot
The Million Dollar Fur Heist
Diamonds Are a Dog's Best Friend
Romiet and Julio
The Hobo plays matchmaker to a young couple who, in between being separated by their respective parents, find time to bicker among themselves.
Escape
Guardian Angel
The Pied Piper
Willie and Kate
The Hobo tries to give support and guidance to a couple of quarrelsome human transients--one old man and one young girl.
The Further Adventures of Willie and Kate
The 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.