The Littlest Hobo The Complete First Season   Starring: London Mediumrare Entertainment RRP: £29.99 FHED2685 Certificate: PG Available 26 April 2010

Are you a '70s child? Did you grow up watching the cult classic TV show, The Littlest Hobo? If, like me, you watched it religiously then there is no introduction needed.

For those of you who haven't a clue what I'm talking about, The Littlest Hobo was a Canadian series which followed the adventures of a wandering Alsatian. It's appeal? Every episode had a reassuring repetition that saw the lovable dog on a mission to rescue people and solve crimes.

I only have to hear the first note of this classic tune, 'Maybe Tomorrow', and my heart skips a beat as I reminisce about my childhood. So you can imagine my delight when I found out that the complete first season (you mean there was more than just one season? In fact there were six!) was available on DVD.

With six episodes on each disc and four discs in total, there are plenty of episodes to get lost in. Each tale has a gripping storyline from conspiracies to helping out friends but all have one theme in common that the dog leaves once he has solved his case, to carry on his travels. Every episode has its own synopsis which I love; Hobo Helps Rescue a Prima Ballerina Who Wants to Defect from Her Iron Curtain Captors is just one classic example.

I like that this series is so dated, with extreme facial close ups, tight and high waisted trousers, which could give Simon Cowell a run for his money and such hammy acting. Although, I'm sure back in the day the acting was pretty good, especially when you have the likes of Hollywood guest stars such as Alan Hale, Jr., DeForest Kelly, Leslie Nielson and my particular favourite; a young Mike Myers appearing in Boy on Wheels.

Music plays a big part in each episode, playing throughout the background is a soundtrack to show off different emotions for each story, from happy and scared to gripping cliffhangers and finally the sad farewell. Some soundtracks are too repetitive and begin to get annoying whilst others are comical especially in the episode Willy & Kate.

As well as 24 episodes to watch there is also a sing along feature which plays the whole song in karaoke style. I dare you to not be able to watch and sing along, it's just too catchy not too. There are also some stills of the dogs which are played out over the theme tune, this is quite a cute touch to put on the DVD.

There is also meant to be a short feature; How to train a dog like London by the dog trainer Chuck but I couldn't find this anywhere on the discs

I have to say I am surprised at how much I still like this programme. Although, as mentioned, it is now very dated, it gives it a warm nostalgic feel and transports you back to the day when things were less complicated and the world seemed a happier, nicer place.

I would definitely recommend this Season for all the Hobo lovers out there! "So if you wanna join me, for a while, Just grab your hat, we'll travel light, that's hobo style."

9

Helena Rea