Emperor of the North (1973)

Author: Old Mother Hubbard

“Emperor of the North” (1973) is set in 1933 at the height of the depression. Hobos would ride trains to look for work. The train known as the “19” is run by a brutal and sadistic conductor known as “The Shack” (Ernest Borgnine). The Shack has no tolerance for hobos riding his train and shows zero mercy to anyone that tries to. No hobo has ever ridden the 19 without getting severely injured or ending up dead. A hobo who goes by the name “A Number 1” (Lee Marvin) is determined to ride the 19 to Portland. Along the way A Number 1 runs in to a pesky little asshole who calls himself “Cigaret” (Keith Carradine). Young Cigaret thinks he’s hot shit and thinks he has the juice to become “Emperor of the North Pole,” a term used to describe a hobo that is an expert at riding trains. A Number 1 decides to show Cigaret the ropes when it comes to riding trains. Eventually the little asshole Cigaret, who is full of piss and vinegar and full of shit, doesn’t take A Number 1’s advice and ends up becoming the “tenderfoot” everyone knew he was. The inevitable duel between The Shack and A Number 1 is pretty violent and bloody. It’s worth watching but it does get bogged down with some stupid parts from time to time, like when the cop chases Cigaret in to the hobo camp. 3 and a half stars.

If you watch this film, you will see that A Number 1 is more like how OMH is (wise, mature and thoughtful) and Cole and Meow are more like Cigaret (jealous, petty little assholes). Watch it and tell me what you think.