Riding the Rails (1997)

Riding the Rails plunges into the hidden depths of the Great Depression, shattering the romantic illusions of life on the move while revealing the harsh truths of an era that reshaped America. As the nation's economy crumbled from opulence to destitution, a staggering four million citizens were driven from their homes, their only refuge the unforgiving railway tracks. Among these desperate wanderers, an alarming 250,000 were mere children. The film weaves together the poignant narratives of these now-aged survivors, their tales echoing with the brutal realities of their youth. Born out of necessity rather than wanderlust, their journey was far from the idyllic freedom often associated with the hobo life. Through the survivors' tear-fringed recollections, Riding the Rails uncovers the grim survival tactics they adopted, the stark loneliness they endured, and the brutal encounters with imprisonment, death, and dispossession that characterized their formative years. Six decades later, the filmmakers accompany these survivors on a haunting return to the rails. The rush of sounds and sights awakens dormant memories, revealing the scars of a broken adolescence and challenging initiation into adulthood. Riding the Rails is a compelling exploration of resilience in the face of adversity, offering a unique perspective on a pivotal chapter in American history.

Riding the Rails is a documentary movie featuring Richard Thomas and directed by Michael Uys.

Riding the Rails is currently streaming on Hoopla.

It is also possible to buy Riding the Rails on Amazon Video.