The Littlest Hobo is a 1958 American film directed by Charles R. Rondeau. The film stars London, a dog owned and trained by Chuck Eisenmann, in his acting debut, playing as a stray German Shepherd. It was the debut production of Hugh M. Hooker, as well as Rondeau's debut production. Filming took place around Bryce Canyon in Utah. The film featured the song Road Without End, sung by Randy Sparks. It was released by Allied Artists Pictures, and would later become adapted into a Canadian television series in 1963.
Contents
Premise
Hobo, a homeless German Shepherd, arrives at an unfamiliar town after leaving a freight train. He comes across a lamb and rescues it from being killed at a slaughterhouse, and is later tasked with restoring happiness to a boy and girl.
Cast
London as himself (the dog)
Fleecie as the lamb
Buddy Joe Hooker as Tommy
Wendy Stuart as Molly
Carlyle Mitchell as Governor Malloy
Howard Hoffman as captain in mission
Bob Kline as Mike
Pat Bradley as Joe
Bill Coontz as attendant
Dorothy Johnson as Sister Ophelia
William E. Marks as Dr. Hunt
Pauline Moore as nurse
Larry Thor as police captain
Norman Bartold as police sergeant
Reception
The film received 3.5/5 stars by Wanda Hale of the New York Daily News. According to Rondeau's obituary, he received a Cannes Award in 1958 for directing the film. In March 2024, London was ranked by The Times as the sixth best TV and film dog of all time.