Li'l Abner [DVD]

Musically it's no Rodgers & Hammerstein; but it is an exceptional adaptation from comic strip to cinema, the more so considering its meager budget. Leslie Parrish, Peter Palmer (reprising his Broadway role as Abner), Billie Hayes and Al Nesor are dead ringers for their Dogpatch counterparts, and so is everyone else ...except for Earthquake McGoon (though no one notices). Cult legend Julie Newmar has a minor role as Stupefyin' Jones, and Jerry Lewis makes a stupified cameo. Only Salomey is missing!Script and sets have a trace of Al Capp's sharp pen and wit ("'Afternoon, I'm Moonbeam McSwine; sleepin' out with pigs is mah line"), and even the choreography resembles the strip's manic tempo and outlandish draftsmanship -something the much more lavished "Dick Tracy" tried hard to achieve years later, but didn't.Given today's infatuation with putting comics and graphic novels on film, it would be interesting to see a LI'L ABNER remake done with state of the art technology, but only if they repeat what makes this forgotten movie a gem: good script and good casting. One can put all the eye-popping visuals money can buy on screen, they won't amount to much if those two basic ingredients are missing. Remember PEARL HARBOR, and that SUPERMAN RETURNS bomb!

This is great because it is so unpretentious-- a crowd pleasing musical farce based on Al Capp's popular comic strip. The gorgeous 50's pin-up style women are especially true to their source (and Julie Newmar really earns the name "Stupefyin' Jones"). Leslie Parish makes a luminous Daisy May, and Peter Palmer is the biggest, brawniest baritone Abner you could imagine. Mammy and Pappy are also great, but the weirdest impersonation has got to be Eagle-Eye Fleagle-- that guy moves like a cartoon! The plot is as kooky as one of Capp's Sunday half-page strips. Kind of corny but lively, with very athletic dancing by various hillbilly-clad young Broadway performers. The only flaw is its stagey-ness and flat lighting with multiple shadows on the studio floor. Still, with Gen. Bullmoose, Marryin' Sam (Stubby Kaye), Mooshine McSine, the Scraggs and a lot of plot convolutions, it is a very satisfying fable.

I haven't seen this musical in over 40 years. I took a chance and ordered a used copy. It's in excellent condition! I was thrilled at hearing all the songs and seeing many celebrities who were unknown then! Honest seller whom I would do business with again. Thank you!

It's so silly, and brilliantly presented, you can't help but love it. The beautiful cast sells it well, especially Peter Palmer. Whatever happened to him? Much of the Broadway cast was here to bring life to this endearing Al Capp opus. Leslie Parrish is gorgeous; one of Stella Stevens' first roles; the singing is great and the very athletic dancing, on a smaller scale, is reminiscent of "7 Brides" (also choreographed by Michael Kidd). Stubby Kaye, as usual, is wonderful. The adapted Score was Oscar nominated. I was 10 years old when I first saw this in a theatre in 1959."The country's in the very best of hands". Government deception could never happen, huh? This play and film was made in the 50's, the "comfortable" Eisenhower years, and after Joe McCarthy's disgrace. Think about the thoughts at that time. How're we doin' now? This was one of the first films/plays to suggest government "ambivilence"...in a humorous way.

The musical is based upon the newspaper cartoon that came out daily until the 70s. It's creator, Al Capp, used the hicks and hillbillys of Dogpatch to make subtle points about the U.S. and its government and big business. This musical follows along those lines. In this era of multi-national corporations and rampant greed, it hits a cord. The song, "Whats Good for General Bullmoose is Good for the USA" is funny, but right on target for today's corporations and right wingers. Gen. Bullmoose is the CEO of his business, not a military leader and it is sung by a chorus of "yes" men. Perhaps it was supposed to be a play on General Motors, I don't know, but there is a lot of that type of satire. Our friend's younger children loved it and have watched it over and over. The choreography is frantic, think "Seven Brides for Seven Brothers" at double speed. There are several nice tunes, and the story does not seem contrived like today's juke box broadway plays such as Mamma Mia. Overall, a great choice for children, and just ok for adults.

The video was great although it stopped for just a moment in one spot

This not a color movie is does has a different version of Lill Abner .No Stubby Kay No Leslie Parish no Julie Newmar No Jerry lewis .A buch of other older actors of the 1930s.This is not the Lill Abner you are looking for .John

I love this musical. It's a colorufl hilarious satire on government, big city folk versus country folk, great music and lyrics, amazing dancing --Michael Kidd choreography ( recreated I believe) and features Jerry Lewis, Julie Newmar in small roles.In major parts are Peter Palmer and Stubby Kaye recreating their Broadway roles. Also wonderful are Billie Hayes as Mamie Yokum and the beautiful Leslie Parish. The supporting roles are all perfectly filled-Earthquake Muggoon and Pappy YokumSome complain that it is too much like a Broadway musical --filmed. But that's what I love about it. It preserves much of the original Broadway musical with some of the original cast and amazing original choreography. It's lots of fun and if you are in a silly mood --all the better. It is the perfect live cartoon musical.Great music- "I'm Passed my Prime", "Put em Back" (love this number) "Jubilation T Corpone:", "Namely You", and the opening," A typical Day" is just great. Musical lovers will eat this up. Watch it watch it watch it and dig that Yokumberry Tonic.