The success of "Li'l Abner" (1959) ushered in the popularity of the TV sitcom "The Beverly Hillbillies" (1962-71). A then-unknown Donna Douglas appeared briefly in this film (about a half hour in) with the lines: "Yeah Mammy, we wants to get citified... we wants to broaden our horizons." She went on to play the role of Elly May Clampett, a character modeled in part after L'il Abner's Daisy Mae, in the TV show. The Dogpatch influences also extended to another "Beverly Hillbillies" character, Granny, played by Irene Ryan, who had much in common with "Mammy" Yokum.
Many of the actors and dancers from the 1956 Broadway version were cast in this film.
Billie Hayes, who portrayed Li'l Abner's mother "Mammy" Yokum, was only seven years older than Peter Palmer who portrayed Li'l Abner.