The American Hobo is a 2003 documentary film

Documentary film

Documentary films constitute a broad category of nonfictional motion pictures intended to document some aspect of reality, primarily for the purposes of instruction or maintaining a historical record...

 by writer and director Bobb Hopkins

Bobb Hopkins

Bobb Hopkins, also known as Santa Fe Bo, is an American writer, director, actor, and producer.Hopkins is the founder and director of the National Hobo Association, an organisation devoted to the hobo lifestyle....

. The documentary examines the history and culture of American

United States

The United States of America is a federal constitutional republic comprising fifty states and a federal district...

 hobo

Hobo

A hobo is a term which is often applied to a migratory worker or homeless vagabond, often penniless. The term originated in the Western—probably Northwestern—United States during the last decade of the 19th century. Unlike 'tramps', who work only when they are forced to, and 'bums', who do not...

s. The documentary is narrated by Academy Award-winning actor Ernest Borgnine

Ernest Borgnine

Ernest Borgnine is an American actor of television and film. His career has spanned more than six decades. He was an unconventional lead in many films of the 1950s, including his Academy Award-winning turn in the 1955 film Marty...

. It features interviews with Pulitzer Prize

Pulitzer Prize

The Pulitzer Prize is a U.S. award for achievements in newspaper and online journalism, literature and musical composition. It was established by American publisher Joseph Pulitzer and is administered by Columbia University in New York City...

-winning author James Michener and musician Merle Haggard

Merle Haggard

Merle Ronald Haggard is an American country music singer, guitarist, fiddler, instrumentalist, and songwriter. Along with Buck Owens, Haggard and his band The Strangers helped create the Bakersfield sound, which is characterized by the unique twang of Fender Telecaster guitars, vocal harmonies,...

. The film received an honorable mention at the 2003 George Lindsey/UNA Film Festival.