A Hobo's Christmas

This is a great flick from the 80s. Not sure why people are saying its "dated" as if movies didn't exist until now 🙄. It has some funny parts, but more of a drama. Although this is a great family Christmas movie it would be better for older kids due to it being more of a serious film. I would highly recommend it.

This is definitely a tv movie. There's no mistaking it..Especially watching it now, here in 2024, almost 2025 (the future!) on crystal clear, high resolution, high definition flat screens of today. And honestly, this movie is so eighties, it's just too sweet and innocent, it's almost a fantasy.

I lived and was old enough to know that it wasn't just all ooey-gooey back then, either.

Maybe not at pessimistic as now, but far from perfect in 1987. Not bad at all, but not dreamlike, like it is here.

First off, I never really get why this dude bailed on his family.

Oh, they attempt to explain it but it doesn't seem realistic.

Probably because it's a twentieth century television movie, but there's no alcohol or drug abuse, no mental illness. No criminal history.

You haven't seen this guy in twenty five years, you don't know what he's been up to.

I'm just saying.

And his running buddies? His co-hobos as it were.

They all seem pretty functional.

What are they all doing out there?

And why give Gerald McRaney's character, Charlie, such an extensive back story? It's too complicated and unnecessary for a tv movie like this.

He's a widowed former steelworker who hobbies in woodworking and used to live in Pennsylvania before relocating his family to Utah and becoming a police officer.

What?

Okay.

At one point, Barnard Hughes, as the title character, actually makes his grandkids a huge stew in a garbage can. A new can? Okay, cool. A used can? Gross!

And I know it's a movie, but still, 25 years gone and you're just going to up and leave your children with this man?

I don't think so.

And again, it may be 1987, but they're treating the tramps here like they're all Charlie Chaplin or Boxcar Willie.

It's fun to watch because it is so ridiculous but it does have an overall sweet message.

Don't eat stew out of garbage cans.

This interesting teleplay touches on some serious reconciliation issues. Production values are above average for its genre, writing, direction, performances, editing, cinematography and music. The participation of the always reliable Barnard Hughes was my reason for watching this, and a good decision it was. Other performances also come across as well cast and quite well realized.

It might not be a movie for all tastes but anyone who enjoys looking back at how families can drift apart and their efforts at reconciliation should find something to appreciate. While certain aspects may seem a little romanticized for some seasoned cynics - Thankfully, unlike a Spielberg production, the adult characters' ring true, and the children are likable (for a change). The late William Hickey (The Name of the Rose '86) as Cincinnati Harold is always a curious watch.

Hearst Entertainment has given us a different kind of Christmas story to admire, for those who care.

Dare I say...Merry Christmas! It's now also avaiable on DVD.

I taped this movie and watch it every December. Maybe it's more appreciated by older viewers who recall real hobos and trains, I'm

not sure. I do know a couple of younger people in 30s who also liked the movie. Estrangement between a parent and adult child is fairly common today, and Hobo's Christmas is a good example of how time and

circumstances can change people. The kids being raised by only dad after their mother died, are as normal and cute as kids can be. They are the most open and accepting of a newly found grandpa. His hobo buddies not only provide some humor but also give a glimpse into the hard lives of true "gentlemen of the road" and free spirits of another era.

ALL the actors were believable and charming. I admit to having lived in Salt Lake City, where it was filmed, for a couple of years so that may influence my annual enjoyment of the film. After writing this, I'm ordering a professional VHS copy for a friend.

I love this story! It is so simple but strikingly true at the same time. With all the classic holiday movie elements such as estrangement of family, pride, humility, sadness, joy and love in every form. I believe the actors are real and the life of a hobo, the "traveling homeless", is something that my children were unaware of. The scenery of Salt Lake City in winter is beautiful and feels as cold on the screen as I'm sure it is. This was a TV movie and thus the levels of excellence that some people expect from every film is unrealistic. My test of good Holiday fare is does it make you feel good or inspired after you've watched it? This cute little movie does both for me!