Rotten Tomatoes
Cancel Movies Tv shows FanStore News Showtimes

The Billion Dollar Hobo

Play trailer Poster for The Billion Dollar Hobo G Released Nov 20, 1977 1h 36m Kids & Family Comedy Play Trailer Watchlist
Watchlist Tomatometer Popcornmeter
Tomatometer 0 Reviews 38% Popcornmeter 100+ Ratings
An endearing guy without much common sense, Vernon Praiseworthy (Tim Conway) is in line to inherit a huge sum of money from his uncle, Choo-Choo Trayne (Will Geer), a hobo who became a billionaire. In order to get the money, though, Vernon has to experience the hobo way of the life. While on his extended railway adventure, Vernon travels with a bright dog and gets into numerous mishaps. Not surprisingly, the mutt seems to have a better handle on things than his human companion.

Audience Reviews

View All (10) audience reviews
Peter D Poorly produced comedy despite having a great cast with Conway and Greer. I think perhaps the studio expected Tim Conway to ad-lib some wacky shtick the way he did on the Carol Burnet Show, but unfortnately that never happens and the audience justs wastes 95 minutes sitting through this mess of a film. The source material story should have lent itself to a lot of Laughs with Tim Conway piloting the proceedings. Unfortunately the script, directing and even editing all work against any humor being generated by this film. We are not even treated to a classic Disney-style romp ( a wacky chase scene at the end of film with lots of stunts and physical comedy). Sadly, after distinguishing himself on the Waltons and films like Seconds, this is Will Greer's last movie. Gus and That Darn Cat are far superior films within the genre of kids comedies featuring animals. Rated 2 out of 5 stars 07/26/23 Full Review tx m The dog Bo steals the show. It's a decent G-rated comedy of errors. If you accept it will be zany and ridiculous at times and embrace the camp it isn't bad. Rated 3 out of 5 stars 03/31/23 Full Review Audience Member LOL, the funniest 01 hour: and 36 minutes ever!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Rated 5 out of 5 stars 02/11/23 Full Review Audience Member I love Tim Conway, but this was pretty meh. Tim stands to inherit billions from an uncle who was a self made man, so he makes Conway live life on the rails for a time, just as he did, before he can inherit anything. While riding the rails, Conway then become embroiled in a dognapping plot and communist China officials. It's all pretty dumb and not very funny, even in a so-bad-it's-good way. Rated 1 out of 5 stars 01/31/23 Full Review Audience Member A fun "poor man turns filthy rich story". Tim Conway is amusing in this, but at points take it to far sometimes and turns amusing into annoying. Rated 3 out of 5 stars 02/15/23 Full Review Audience Member Funny and there is a lovable dog. Rated 4 out of 5 stars 02/03/23 Full Review Read all reviews
The Billion Dollar Hobo

My Rating

Read More Read Less POST RATING WRITE A REVIEW EDIT REVIEW

Cast & Crew

Movie Info

Synopsis An endearing guy without much common sense, Vernon Praiseworthy (Tim Conway) is in line to inherit a huge sum of money from his uncle, Choo-Choo Trayne (Will Geer), a hobo who became a billionaire. In order to get the money, though, Vernon has to experience the hobo way of the life. While on his extended railway adventure, Vernon travels with a bright dog and gets into numerous mishaps. Not surprisingly, the mutt seems to have a better handle on things than his human companion.
Director
Stuart E. McGowan
Producer
Lang Elliott
Screenwriter
Simon Abbott, Roger Beatty, Tim Conway
Production Co
International Picture Show Company
Rating
G
Genre
Kids & Family, Comedy
Original Language
English
Release Date (Theaters)
Nov 20, 1977, Limited
Release Date (Streaming)
Aug 31, 2020
Runtime
1h 36m