Li'l Abner

This film preserves one of the great musical theatre treats from the Broadway stage. A funny, off-beat musical version of Al Capp's comic strip effectively transfered to the screen. The songs are splendid and match the mood of the show perfectly. They are satirical, witty and droll and the score is first class. Another Panama and Frank classic.

This is one of the finest musical comedies around! It's an eclectic mix of political satire, music and wry humor. Al Capp's satirical genius comes through loud and clear. Listen to the words of "Jubilation T. Cornpone"! You can't help but appreciate this show in light of the political climate in the past decade. Al Capp's insight into the political machinery is as relevant today as it was over 50 years ago. The satire in this movie may be lost on Generation X'ers, but those of us who have lived through more than 3 national elections can appreciate it's relevance. It crosses all political boundaries and indiscriminately pokes fun at both sides of the aisle. Give this movie a chance, and look at it with the right frame of mind, and you're in for a real treat!

Li'l Abner is a fine example of the American musical. After all, it has Stubby Kaye in it, so it must be good. Stubby Kaye is probably the highest profile actor in this musical, although his legacy seems to have been forgotten in the last couple of decades. In Li'l Abner, he plays Marryin' Sam, an itinerant preacher whose route has brought him back to Al Capp's Dogpatch in time for the annual Sadie Hawkin's Day race. Through the first half of the film, he is continually discussing the various grades of weddings he offers; "the four dollar wedding, now with that I start by giving yo' a haircut, clipping yo' toenails, and giving yo' a bath, iff'n yo' needs one. And confidentially, yo' needs one...." Based on Al Capp's weekly comic, writers Norman Panama and Melvin Frank manage to capture something of the cheerful lunacy and social satire that the original strip was famous for. Capp was a true satirist, cheerfully savaging anything that came within his gaze, inverting everything he touched, and sparing nothing and no one. The film can't quite lay the same claim to fame, but does at least try to follow in Capp's footsteps.

As with any musical, it is the song and dance numbers that either carry the film or let it fall. Here, Gene de Paul gives us big brassy music with memorable melodic hooks. But it is Johnny Mercer's lyrics that really stand out. When Stubby Kaye leads the town in a song celebrating their founder, that "beloved man a'settin' up there on that beloved horse," Jubilation T. Cornpone, Mercer best captures Capp's spirit:

"They say that General grant was pretty good with a jug Who went drink for drink with him And wound up under the rug? Why it was Jubilation T. Cornpone

[...]

When a Northern spy came into town for a night Who was it snuck in her room And lost a glorious fight? Why it was Jubilation T. Cornpone"

It might be obvious that this is my favourite song in the film, though many of them are eminently hummable-"Put 'Em Back ", Stubby Kaye (again!) leading the assembled in "Dearly Beloved" at the wedding of Daisy Mae and Earthquake McGoon ("Dearly beloved/ we is gathered here today/ to put this unfortunate sinner away..."), and "The Country's In The Very Best Of Hands" (showing that current concerns about big government and globalization were alive and well back in 1959). Leslie Parrish is satisfying as Daisy Mae (showing miles of leg), Peter Palmer is acceptable as Li'l Abner (lots of muscles, a great smile, and a decent voice), Stubby Kaye is, well, Stubby Kaye, and Julie Newmar doesn't get a word, but is the center of every scene she's in as Stupefyin' Jones. Overall, Li'l Abner is something unusual for the American musical; a fine, fun film with a point to make.

Sure, it's hokey, brash, and fairly simple. It's a living *cartoon*! The songs and jokes are very dated ... which is fantastic! Li'l Abner is actually a fabulous political satire from the 50's. Not only that, but thankfully Michael Kidd's original athletic choreography from Broadway has been captured for posterity. And, hey. Any film that features Valerie Harper, Beth Howland, and Julie Newmar before they were stars ... plus Leslie Parrish (author Richard Bach's wife!) as Daisy Mae ... jeesh. It's a national treasure!

Li'l ABNER is among the most exuberant '50s musicals around. What is possibly wooden about the performances? Just look at Julie Newmar! The cast and music is first rate from start to finish. It's so easy to trash a film; this one does not deserve such treatment. Li'l ABNER has high energy, a stylish production design and certainly worth a look.