Customer Reviews

Li'l Abner [VHS]

5 star:		(4)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(5)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(4)

 

 

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.

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 defectiveLi'l Abner (1940)

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

this dvd did not end the way the story should have end. the story did not finish and went back to the beginning. i exchanged this dvd and the second was the same as the first.

When LI'L ABNER was made, in 1940, Al Capp's comic strip of the same name was one of the U.S.'s favorites, with his hayseed creation finding himself in one jam after the other, without trying at all. A story by Capp is the foundation for this film, which holds a unique spot in cinema history, as it is the only attempt to precisely recreate comic illustration, utilizing makeup, costumes and exact phrasing (without interpretation). The plot and subplots generally revolve about the annual Sadie Hawkins Day celebration in Dogpatch, which presents area females with just about their only opportunity to catch a husband, by literally running down and snaring one of the town's fleeing bachelors. For those who remember the silent film era, this effort provides small roles for many pre-talkie stalwarts, including Buster Keaton, Edgar Kennedy, Chester Conklin, Al St. John, Lucien Littlefield, Hank Mann and Edward Brady. At times very reminiscent of Capp's drawing, the very tall Jeff York, billed as Granville Owen, is effective as Abner. Martha O'Driscoll, Kay Sutton and Billie Seward, as the three women most vigorously seeking marriage with Abner, do their hearty best with the thin scenario. More silly than cute, this picture is not marked by outstanding work from cast and crew, its significance coming only from the mentioned verisimilitude.

This is one really strange film. The people who made tried to make humans into cartoon characters through the application of pounds of makeup. Everyone has the look of a postnuclear mutant tribe. The dialog was really hard to follow because of the way they talk (I can't even describe it). Its almost like a warhol film from the 1960s. Everything about it just seems strange and off. But for whatever reasons, its compelling to watch. One virtue is that its not boring like other adaptations of Lil Abner (the musical in particular) and there is always something stranger to see every few minutes.

I think the film as a film probably works better with people who understand the source material really well. If you don't know it, its really difficult to follow whats going on.

But regardless, this film will be an interesting experience for almost anyone. I dont think its ever shown up on DVD unfortunately and the VHS print isn't all that great.

This 1940 version of Li'l Abner is and will remain a classic (but not to all). I think it really captures Al Capp's Characters to a T. All the girls chasing Abner were great. Jeff York could of used about 30 more pounds of muscle to really look like Abner(those skinny arms just didn't cut it). At least he wasn't sloppy and overweight as he was in the 1950's when he appeared in "Old Yeller". This movie is now being sold on DVD at stores like Walmart for $1.00, what a shame as some of this high budget trash they make today and sell for 20 bucks isn't even worth a nickel! This is a movie that reaches down into the town of "Dog Patch" and carries a great story to the end of the show. Some of the folks in the movie like Mammy Yokem look like they escaped from the set of the "Wizard of Oz" that was made a year earlier in'39(she would of made a Great munchkin). Bottom line get this movie classic, you will really get a kick out of it,
"Enjoy"

Li'l Abner, 1940 film

The film begins in a rural hamlet, a horse wanders in the dirt road. Daisy Mae awakes to a new day. The characters from the comic strip are here, with make-up to match the cartoon reality. Porkchops for breakfast? There is a reward for "Earthquake McGoon". [Can a cigarette lighter be found in such a primitive backwoods community?] The young women wear clothes that are impractical for rural life even today. The script was taken from the comic strip, and suffers for that. The "Sadie Hawkins Day" celebration is explained. The comedy seems dated. Was it ridiculous even then? Li'l Abner muses about the important things, like a skunk in a woodshed. [Nobody has any worries about the weather or the economy.] Li'l Abner makes a sandwich, but has stomach pains. The "doctor" diagnoses him!

A kiss is a marriage proposal in "the code of the hills". Daisy Mae and Li'l Abner will be married the next day. Li'l Abner goes to Skunk Hollow to capture Earthquake McGoon for the huge $25 reward. A fight breaks out, McGoon is captured. Wendy Wilecat shows up to help - for a price. Li'l Abner imagines himself in heaven! Can he keep his promises? The Mayor makes a decision. Is it better to be a hound dog than a rabbit? And so the race begins. The event are comic and unbelievable, like a cartoon. Will Daisy Mae ever catch Li'l Abner? There was never a sequel to this simple-minded story which lacks an ending. Did the audiences dislike it?

The only reason to watch this film is to get an idea of what was once a popular comic strip. In June 1972 just after Watergate newspaper reported that Al Capp was arrested for trying to rape a teenager. His comic strip was dropped by the newspapers and he died a few years later.

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.)


"Li'l Abner" is available on DVD.


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

What a strange coincidence!

Compare the mfr.'s editorial here to the one posted on their red box edition of ONE WEEK:

"One Week (1920) is a classic movie directed by Edward F. Cline; Buster Keaton, and starring Edward F. Cline; Buster Keaton. It is widely considered to be one of the top 100 greatest classic films of all time. This great film will surely attract a whole new generation of classic movie fans. And for seasoned cinematic connoseuirs, One Week (1920) will rekindle an era of film making at its best. For others who simply enjoy watching timeless pieces with icons such as Edward F. Cline; Buster Keaton, One Week (1920) is highly recommended. Re-released by Reel Classic Films this movie would make an ideal gift and it should be a part of everyone's personal DVD library."

A cookie cutter blurb used for ALL their products, perhaps? NEITHER movie is Top 100 material-- as to the rest of the pitch: debatable.


This non-musical version of the Al Capp comic strip is remarkable for the uncanny likeness these actors bear to the cartoon folks they portray. Buster Keaton is a stand-out in his small role of Lonesome Polecat, legendary brewer of Kickapoo Joy Juice. Mammy and Pappy Yokum (given names: Pansy and Lucifer) are also a delight.

Many silent era clowns appear (Conklin, Littlefield, St. John, Jamison and former Our Ganger, Mickey Daniels). One is "slow burn" specialist Edgar Kennedy (as Cornelius Cornpone).

If you're a fan of Al Capp's work, this picture won't disappoint.
Also recommended is the 1959 LI'L ABNER adapted from the Broadway musical.


Parenthetical number preceding title is a 1 to 10 viewer poll rating found at a film resource website.

(4.9) Li'l Abner (1940) - Jeff York/Martha O'Driscoll/Mona Ray/Johnnie Morris/Buster Keaton/Billie Seward/Kay Sutton/Edgar Kennedy/Charles A. Post/Bud Jamison/Dick Elliott/Lucien Littlefield/Chester Conklin/Mickey Daniels/Doodles Weaver/Al St. John/Heine Conklin