Watch Li'l Abner

Li'l Abner is a fun and entertaining musical comedy that captures the spirit of the classic comic strip series created by Al Capp. Directed by Melvin Frank and starring some of the most talented actors of the time, such as Leslie Parrish, Stubby Kaye, and Peter Palmer, the film brings to life the colorful world of Dogpatch, a fictional town in the Appalachian Mountains where the story is set.

At its core, Li'l Abner is a satire on American society and politics in the 1950s, but it does so with a light touch and plenty of jokes that are still funny today. The plot revolves around Abner Yokum (played by Peter Palmer), a handsome and strong-willed young man who is also somewhat naive and lazy. He lives with his loving and overbearing parents, Mammy and Pappy Yokum (played by Marjorie Main and Billie Hayes), and spends most of his time fishing and lounging around with his friends.

But Abner's life takes an unexpected turn when he is chosen by the government to be the subject of an atomic bomb test. The officials believe that Abner's low intelligence and simple lifestyle make him the perfect candidate to survive the blast and provide valuable data about the effects of radiation on humans. However, when the test goes awry and Abner emerges unscathed, he becomes a national hero and a target for both the military and the media.

Meanwhile, Abner's girlfriend, Daisy Mae Scragg (played by Leslie Parrish), is worried about losing Abner to the glamorous and conniving city girl, Appassionata Von Climax (played by Stella Stevens). Appassionata is determined to make Abner hers and has the backing of the powerful Washington politician, General Bullmoose (played by Howard St. John), who wants to exploit Abner's newfound fame for his own purposes.

The rest of the film follows Abner and Daisy as they navigate their way through the various obstacles and temptations that come their way. Along the way, they encounter a cast of eccentric characters, including the comic relief duo of Marryin' Sam (played by Stubby Kaye) and Available Jones (played by Robert Strauss), as well as the beautiful and dangerous spy, Stupefyin' Jones (played by Julie Newmar).

One of the best things about Li'l Abner is its music, which is catchy and upbeat without being overly saccharine. The songs are written by Johnny Mercer and Gene DePaul and include such hits as "The Country's In The Very Best Of Hands," "Jubilation T. Cornpone," and "Put 'Em Back." The dance numbers are also well-choreographed and add to the overall fun and energy of the film.

Another highlight of Li'l Abner is its colorful and imaginative sets and costumes. The film captures the look and feel of the comic strip perfectly, with exaggerated characters and cartoonish backgrounds that transport the audience to another world. The effects used to depict the atomic bomb test are also impressive, considering the limitations of the special effects technology available at the time.

Overall, Li'l Abner is a delightful and entertaining film that is sure to appeal to fans of musical comedies and classic American satire. Its humor and charm have stood the test of time and continue to make audiences laugh and tap their toes today.