The Last American Hobo

Last of the American Hoboes is cutty. It would probably be kind of confusing to watch if you were prepared to see a documentary.

True, there happens to be real hobos along the way, but the actual cast is a cast of actors. The stories are probably based on the accounts of other freight riders, but the only "documentary" part of the story is the convention footage at the end of the film.

It's unfortunate that the quality is so poor, but considering all the footy is probably over 40 years old makes it kind of a gem. Also considering that this film is probably the only one to date that you will find on hoboing makes it actually pretty epic.

I'm not quite sure where one would find this film, but you can find Moede's ashes inside Mondo Video on Melrose.

Moody was a player on the fringe of Hollywood and worked with Shlockmeisters like Coleman Franis and Ray Dennis Steckler. This documetary features Franis( just sort of walking though one scene) and the great Bruno Ve Sota, looking really bad in an pointless, terrible vinette. So grade Z cinema freaks have those reasons for checking in out.

Beyond that, it is an oddly irritating look at the history of the American Hobo. Though real hobos are interviewed, most of vinettes are clearly staged. The whole film, which took years to put together(give Moody points for tenacity) is clearly overdubbed and it's hard to tell if anyone is speaking in there real voices.

Still, some details are effecting, like two boys jeering at a Hobo who lives in underground caves. Allthough poorly acting, this scene tells us a sad truth about human cruelty. Moody, who narrates, finally takes us to the National Hobo convention in Iowa. The other films big problem is the surprisingly horrible score, shlocky songs that sort of immatate the folk songs of the road.

This is one probably one of the most unique documentaries that I've ever seen as we're treated to stories about hoboes from professional actors (ala When Harry Met Sally's couple anecdotes) and there are quite a few fun things to witness. These stories are brought to life not just by the powerful words of their story teller but also by re-eneacments that are all shot with the same grimy camera that captures the rest of the film; offering a feeling of authenticity to even the more fantastical of these tales. It all comes together to feel like you are sitting around a fire listening to the old timers talk about how it all used to be before the world moved on and left their little slice of existence to be a little less colorful. Beyond the engaging story time moments we get some really fun footage showcasing hobo lifestyle that honestly feels really unique. The true highlight though is the soundtrack which features many a hobo themed tune and some of them are quite fun. The film does romanticize the lifestyle pretty heavily, giving the viewer the impression that with just a little bit of street smarts that they too could bum around the United States (circa 1967 at least). Still it is worth watching for just how unique it is as the filmmakers seem to genuinely respect their subjects and do not stoop to the level of exploitation that less reputable individuals might have while making this film.

To add to background info on the film - It is true that many images were staged, but I know that he did years of interviews with camera shy hobos and vagrants. I was a 6 or 7 year old girl (1967?) when he used me as part of a still shot of a dirty and ragged hobo family in a field. I think it was photographed in Echo Park, Los Angeles. Titus was careful to omitted the signs of city in the background. I also remember my mother telling me that he won a prestigious award for The Last American Hobo. He was, at that time, producing porn films and erotic still photography, and his name used was Titus Moody. I was sorry to hear of his passing. He was a soft spoken man that was passionate about photography. My interest today is that I wanted to see the film again, and possibly use it as part of my class project for American History. Does anyone know where it is?