Hobo (1992) - John T. Davis.

Hugely compelling documentary about grizzled philosophising Hobo Beargrease and his no less charismatic, rail-riding companions. Hobo remains one of the great works of American cinema, while the director clearly has an eye for a spectacular vista or three, it never feels intrusive, or gratuitously staged. Beargease is such an engaging narrator, a wise, even tempered, peace-loving, fearlessly freight-hopping fellow. A cliché, perhaps, but much of John T. Davis's 'Hobo' feels akin to a Dylan, Tom Paxton, or Woody Guthrie song come to vividly locomotive life. Hobo's many accolades are well deserved, since it remains such a memorably immersive experience. I experience very little in the way of nostalgia watching older documentaries, as the dates may change, people remain the same, and, sadly, the divide between rich and poor is no less conspicuous.