Not a bad little Christmas movie! I watched it as a kid and looked for it . I found it on Tubi for free.. The acting is decent and has a couple well known actors from the time. It's about separation and reconcilation..
12 Reviews
A Christmas tale of reconciliation
SimonJack9 January 2017
Warning: Spoilers
"A Hobo's Christmas" is a 1987 TV movie. Barnard Hughes plays Chance Grovner who left his family 25 years before. As he ages he begins to think more about seeing his son and grandchildren, whom he has never seen. His son is a widower. It's winter and he's in a boxcar with three other people, including an old friend. The train is about to pass through Salt Lake City, and he plans to get off there. He has found out that that's where his son now lives. He wants to spend this Christmas with his family. Gerald McRaney plays Charlie, his son.
Chance tells his grandchildren about his friends who also travel the rails. "The Topeka Kid, Biloxi Slim, Omaha John Boswell, my best friend is Cincinnati Harold." He teaches them to make hobo stew. The kids take to their grandpa, and Charlie and Chance remember old times and finally reconcile.
It's a different twist on the plot of reconciliation. The cast are okay. It's not great film but it's in the spirit of the season.
Chance tells his grandchildren about his friends who also travel the rails. "The Topeka Kid, Biloxi Slim, Omaha John Boswell, my best friend is Cincinnati Harold." He teaches them to make hobo stew. The kids take to their grandpa, and Charlie and Chance remember old times and finally reconcile.
It's a different twist on the plot of reconciliation. The cast are okay. It's not great film but it's in the spirit of the season.
a gentle story of separation and forgiveness
bengleson22 December 2007
I'm not someone who easily embraces Christmas. What I do like are simple, eloquent tales of folks reuniting or connecting at Christmas, examining their lives and making small adjustments. This is a compact little story of a painful past and an attempt at resolution. I found myself choking up here and there as the tale progressed, enjoying wise children, the camaraderie of people of the road and overall, the somewhat washed out images of Salt Lake City. There are plenty of sappy Christmas movies trying desperately to become instant classics. I think this might be a true contender. I enjoyed its message. I won't say what that message is but I suspect most will get it.
It's a good, warm holiday movie.
robinmit15 December 2004
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.
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.
Man, What A Disappointment
michaelgarykelley199429 October 2018
You know, I've had this as part of a box set of Christmas flicks for quite a few years, and when I found out the plot, I was pretty pumped for it. This film really let my fiancé and I down. It's not really special, even though I'll agree that it has one REALLY touching moment that brought us both to tears.
Every person in this film is awful. Every single one. Not the actors-just the characters themselves. Selfishness abounds, and mercilessness is everyone's motivation. Everyone constantly wants to argue and then avoid more argumentation by just up and leaving everything behind.
This does not make for a good Christmastime movie experience, whatsoever. I surely wouldn't let my kids (if I were ever blessed with any) watch this pitiful movie. There's nothing honestly happy about it, even though I think both the grandpa hobo and the father/main character have some pretty solid moments for their respective performances. They both try hard with what they're given, but there's just not much to work with, when it comes to the script with this flick.
I wouldn't even say this is sweet, at all. It all feels so exhaustive, by the end, to the point that I kind of don't want to watch this ever again. It's certainly not memorable.
Every person in this film is awful. Every single one. Not the actors-just the characters themselves. Selfishness abounds, and mercilessness is everyone's motivation. Everyone constantly wants to argue and then avoid more argumentation by just up and leaving everything behind.
This does not make for a good Christmastime movie experience, whatsoever. I surely wouldn't let my kids (if I were ever blessed with any) watch this pitiful movie. There's nothing honestly happy about it, even though I think both the grandpa hobo and the father/main character have some pretty solid moments for their respective performances. They both try hard with what they're given, but there's just not much to work with, when it comes to the script with this flick.
I wouldn't even say this is sweet, at all. It all feels so exhaustive, by the end, to the point that I kind of don't want to watch this ever again. It's certainly not memorable.
A lovely little story of about how Christmas can bring families back together!
kenkuhl25 November 2005
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!
Not exactly timeless!
adamjohns-425751 December 2020
This isn't a bad film at all, but it really is quite dated 33 years later.
The acting isn't of the best standard or perhaps it's the direction, but it's a nice little story. It's a bit gritty and typically eighties in its style.
I wouldn't turn it off, but I wouldn't rush to see it again.
I wouldn't turn it off, but I wouldn't rush to see it again.
After years of being gone ... it's good to see the family.
dennisg-624 February 2010
A hobo left home (and his son) 25 years ago. His son is hoping for another 25 years.
This is the story of a family that gets along pretty well, father, son and daughter. Also, dad is trying to zero in on his one-year girlfriend, but she knows that he is not ready to emote enough to be marriage material.
Dad's father shows up to have a reunion. Dad blows him off. Dad's girlfriend pounds him for it. Dad decides to allow his father to spend a day meeting and getting to know his grandchildren.
This turns into a visit for several days, until Christmas. Then grandpa will go off with his hobo friends until the next visit.
Finally the son and daughter get to have another relative; grandpa tells stories of the road. Then they meet his hobo friends.
A good Christmas story.
This is the story of a family that gets along pretty well, father, son and daughter. Also, dad is trying to zero in on his one-year girlfriend, but she knows that he is not ready to emote enough to be marriage material.
Dad's father shows up to have a reunion. Dad blows him off. Dad's girlfriend pounds him for it. Dad decides to allow his father to spend a day meeting and getting to know his grandchildren.
This turns into a visit for several days, until Christmas. Then grandpa will go off with his hobo friends until the next visit.
Finally the son and daughter get to have another relative; grandpa tells stories of the road. Then they meet his hobo friends.
A good Christmas story.
A Gem
eaglefangs6 December 2021
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.
A Hobo's Christmas - Life Lessons
krocheav24 December 2020
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.
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.
A wonderful film...but it's not for everyone.
planktonrules23 December 2020
Chance (Barnard Hughes) has been a terrible father. Twenty-five years ago, he abandoned his family and traveled the country doing odd jobs and riding the rails. Now, all these years later, Chance has arrived in Salt Lake City in order to see his widower son, Charlie (Gerald McRaney), and his grandchildren. Not surprisingly, Charlie is shocked and angry when Chance arrives...and tells him to stay out of his life. But Charlie's girlfriend is a bit of a meddler and she helps convince Charlie to look for his father and invite him home for Christmas.
The biggest reason I decided to watch this is because of Barnard Hughes. While many folks today haven't heard of him, he was a terrific actor on stage and on television. His talents made me want to see the movie. And fortunately, I was not disappointed as the film turned out to be terribly well acted, directed and enjoyable. It's a very nice holiday treat.
"A Hobo's Christmas" is a very nice made for TV film, though I have a few comments about the plot before I conclude my review. As a trained therapist and someone who has had a couple extremely toxic family members in my life, the story's message of forgiveness and reconciliation is one I like but also one that has some caveats. If you've had some horrible people in your life who have deliberately harmed you and have done nothing to make amends, this film does NOT apply to you. Keeping dangerous and evil people out of your life is a good thing...not something to feel guilty about...particularly if you have children. So while some families can reconcile like they did in the movie, and that's a nice thing, don't let the story push you into opening up yourself to being hurt. If a person hurt you and showed no serious signs of dramatic change, or if they abused you in ways that simply defy forgiveness, don't watch the film or at least beware that its message does not apply to you Ugly, hurtful people should not be allowed back in your life just to hurt you again.
The biggest reason I decided to watch this is because of Barnard Hughes. While many folks today haven't heard of him, he was a terrific actor on stage and on television. His talents made me want to see the movie. And fortunately, I was not disappointed as the film turned out to be terribly well acted, directed and enjoyable. It's a very nice holiday treat.
"A Hobo's Christmas" is a very nice made for TV film, though I have a few comments about the plot before I conclude my review. As a trained therapist and someone who has had a couple extremely toxic family members in my life, the story's message of forgiveness and reconciliation is one I like but also one that has some caveats. If you've had some horrible people in your life who have deliberately harmed you and have done nothing to make amends, this film does NOT apply to you. Keeping dangerous and evil people out of your life is a good thing...not something to feel guilty about...particularly if you have children. So while some families can reconcile like they did in the movie, and that's a nice thing, don't let the story push you into opening up yourself to being hurt. If a person hurt you and showed no serious signs of dramatic change, or if they abused you in ways that simply defy forgiveness, don't watch the film or at least beware that its message does not apply to you Ugly, hurtful people should not be allowed back in your life just to hurt you again.
A classic sleeper
tomcalwriter-5359326 December 2022
Warning: Spoilers
I read the other reviews. I used to be a professional reviewer, mostly music for regional newspapers in upstate NY. That was 20 years ago.
I read the professional review and the reviewer said a lot of nice things but his final conclusion for three stars was that he wanted more -- more of what he never said.
I also read some user reviews. Some of them were ridiculous 2's and 3's saying it was dated and the characters reprehensible. Give a break ... OMG.
I gave it a 10 because the acting was good, the storyline not totally predictable because you didn't know what you hoped would happen until the end, which the professional reviewer agreed with. Also, because it was not a typical story about Christmas. It humanized homeless people -- did you ever see a movie that humanized the homeless who have since astronomically multiplied.
Sure, it was dated. We don't call them hobos now and I don't think they ride in freight trains any longer. But there was a very close relationship between the main character, Chance, and one of the hobos, Cincinnati Harold, that today might suggest a same sex relationship.
At the end when Chance was trying to decide whether or not to go back to his hobo life or stay with his family, Cincinnati Harold kept calling his name. It reminded me of Shane, the drifter played by Alan Ladd, whose name was called at the end of that movie, considered one of the greatest westerns. The difference was that Shane rode off into the sunset, but Chance decided to stay with his family.
One final gesture that I thought was a nice touch was when Chance gave Cincinnati Harold the scarf he had received from his family for Christmas when they parted. As the train slowly started to leave, you could faintly see Cincinnati Harold looking back at Chance.
It is a sentimental film, much like "It's a Wonderful Life," but it does say a lot about the importance of human relations to our lives.
I read the professional review and the reviewer said a lot of nice things but his final conclusion for three stars was that he wanted more -- more of what he never said.
I also read some user reviews. Some of them were ridiculous 2's and 3's saying it was dated and the characters reprehensible. Give a break ... OMG.
I gave it a 10 because the acting was good, the storyline not totally predictable because you didn't know what you hoped would happen until the end, which the professional reviewer agreed with. Also, because it was not a typical story about Christmas. It humanized homeless people -- did you ever see a movie that humanized the homeless who have since astronomically multiplied.
Sure, it was dated. We don't call them hobos now and I don't think they ride in freight trains any longer. But there was a very close relationship between the main character, Chance, and one of the hobos, Cincinnati Harold, that today might suggest a same sex relationship.
At the end when Chance was trying to decide whether or not to go back to his hobo life or stay with his family, Cincinnati Harold kept calling his name. It reminded me of Shane, the drifter played by Alan Ladd, whose name was called at the end of that movie, considered one of the greatest westerns. The difference was that Shane rode off into the sunset, but Chance decided to stay with his family.
One final gesture that I thought was a nice touch was when Chance gave Cincinnati Harold the scarf he had received from his family for Christmas when they parted. As the train slowly started to leave, you could faintly see Cincinnati Harold looking back at Chance.
It is a sentimental film, much like "It's a Wonderful Life," but it does say a lot about the importance of human relations to our lives.
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