9 of 9 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Excellent adaptation by no-name cast., October 31, 2001
The thing about this adaptation of Li'l Abner is that it manages to capture the light-hearted feel of the strip at the time. Unencumbered by any political or social leanings (in either direction) it gives a sense of Al Capp at his finest. When Li'l Abner and the citizens of Dogpatch were celebrated heroes of America.
The cast is mostly unknown. But they bring a sense of excitement to their roles that more than makes up for their lack of experience. That's not to say this is a flawless film. It's cheaply produced and it was sad to see film great Buster Keaton in such a small role. But it is funny (despite Maltin's opinion) and well worth the price.
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5 of 5 people found the following review helpful:
1.0 out of 5 stars
Li'l Abner 1940, October 12, 2009
The video is defective as it plays half way through then starts over from the beginning. I spoke with the producer & he advised that the master in the hands of Amazon (publisher) is probably defective
Li'l Abner (1940)
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3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:
3.0 out of 5 stars
Non-musical Abner, September 12, 2009
The first LI'L ABNER movie brought Al Capp's Dogpatch characters vividly to life and is in many respects superior to the screen adaptation of the 1950s "Abner" Broadway musical.
After costuming and much makeup, this picture's cast were dead ringers for the newspaper comic folks they portrayed. In particular, Buster Keaton as Lonesome Polecat deserves mention. He is perfect and hilarious as the strange little Indian that brews cauldrons of Kickapoo Joy Juice. Also seen are many other silent era comics. (Doodles Weaver, of Spike Jones "Feitelbaum" fame, cameos as a local yokel.)
Here, an average plot is assisted by spot-on performances. Fans of Capp's work will definitely NOT be disappointed in this little comedy that's still as yummy as "poke chops fo' brekfiss, poke chops fo' lunch, and fo' suppah....MO' poke chops!!"
(Note that as of 9/09, Mona Ray, who played Abner's mom, Pansy Yokum was still alive at age 104. "Abner" was her final movie.)
Parenthetical number preceding title is a 1 to 10 imdb viewer poll rating.
(4.8) Li'l Abner (1940) - Jeff York/Martha O'Driscoll/Mona Ray/Johnnie Morris/Buster Keaton/ Edgar Kennedy/Lucien Littlefield/Chester Conklin/Bud Jamison/Al St. John/Doodles Weaver
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