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First of all if you are a railfan,this is a movie for YOU. If you are a Steam fan even better. Actually, the original title of this film was en- titled, "Emperor of the North Pole",and there are references in the film script,that relate to the original title. The movie takes place during the Depression period of the 1930's when persons, (Hobo's) of all ages would "hitch" a ride,or jump a freight train for a free ride to what they thought would be a better job or a better life in another part of this country. Unfortunately, for many of these men,this lifestyle was dangerous even though some felt a personal freedom,of traveling from area to area to improve their lives. This movie has it serious side and displays its humorous side from time to time. However, I do caution,this movie should not be viewed by youngsters,or those faint of heart. Even if you are a railroad buff,this movie is very graphic and violent at times. Lee Marvin stars as hobo,"A#1",who is an experienced railroad hobo traveler,riding the rails,and Ernest Borgnine as "Shack",a very cruel sadistic railroad conductor,who treats his own railroad crew poorly, and who will go out of his way,even becoming so obsessive as to put his train and crew in danger of a near head on collision with another train,while he feels justification in injuring or even to kill any hobo who tries to jump his train for a free ride. This is a very exciting and well done movie,shot in Oregon in 1973. Paul S.Read full review
Even though this film has limited appeal, primarily to railfans and steam train enthusiests, it still has a cult following. Lee Marvin and Ernest Borgnine both play excellent roles in this film, David Carrodine also plays a good part, I've been a fan of this movie since the days when it played in the theatre. The scenerio takes place at the height of the great depression, 1933, the evil conductor of The 19, (Ernest Borgnines), Shack, does everything in his power to keep bums, (Lee Marvin, David Carrodine), from hitching a ride on his train, that action gets rough, there are humorous parts, like when A#1 gets baptised, (Lee Marvin), Old Cigarette, (David Carrodine), steals all the clothes of the folks gathering at the river to be baptised. This is a well done movie, with an all star cast, yet with only a cult following, if your a railfan or steam fan, then this movie is definitely for you.Read full review
I had seen this in the original theatrical release and it was a long time before it made it to home video. This is one of those superb character study action flicks that is too often ignored. No superfluous love story, it's the tale of man against man, corporate against the downtrodden and a great story. Lee Marvin as A#one, a hobo who takes on riding the rails of a train overseen by Ernest Borgnine, who has no compunction against maiming or killing anyone that tries to ride for free. Throw in Keith Carradine as an up-and-comer hobo who is almost as unscrupulous and you have a portrait of America at a time of the Great Depression that is relevant in today's context as well. Yeah the title song is horribly dated and schlocky but the ideas and performances make it well worth the watch.
Saw this movie when I was a teenager. I'm not a teenager any more, but the movie remains entertaining and a great showcase for two old pros. Note: Some wanted to title the movie "Emperor of the North Pole," a term used at the period in which the movie is set for the "King of the Hobos." The point being that "Emperor of the North Pole" is the grand, exalted ruler of...absolutely nothing! Don't know why they shortened the title; I'd have liked it the original way.
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Great cast, great plot and very accurate, the railroad conductors during the Great Depression we’re responsible for the safety of the train and crew. Hobos were notorious for starting a fire in a open box car to keep warm then setting the box car and train on fire, many Hobos were just trying to stay alive and look for work, adventure seekers and others were railroad haters and vengeful because they had been thrown off a train, in those days conductors didn’t stop a train to throw off a “Bum” they just threw them off moving or not.
Verified purchase: Yes | Condition: New
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