Li'l Abner is a 1940 American comedy film based on the popular comic strip of the same name, created by Al Capp. It was the first film adaptation of Li'l Abner, followed nearly two decades later by Paramount’s 1959 musical version, which was based on the hit 1956 Broadway musical.
Plot
The story follows Li'l Abner Yokum, who becomes convinced that he is going to die within twenty-four hours. In his panic, he agrees to marry two different women:
- Daisy Mae Scraggs, who has been chasing him for years.
- Wendy Wilecat, who rescued him from an angry mob.
Their romantic complications culminate in the Sadie Hawkins Day race, where the final decision is made.
Cast
| Role | Actor |
|---|---|
| Li'l Abner Yokum | Jeff York (as Granville Owen) |
| Daisy Mae Scraggs | Martha O'Driscoll |
| Pansy "Mammy" Yokum | Mona Ray |
| Lucifer "Pappy" Yokum | Johnnie Morris |
| Lonesome Polecat | Buster Keaton |
| Cousin Delightful | Billie Seward |
| Wendy Wilecat | Kay Sutton |
| Granny Scraggs | Maude Eburne |
| Hairless Joe | Bud Jamison |
| Cornelius Cornpone | Edgar Kennedy |
| Montague | Johnny Arthur |
| Barber | Walter Catlett |
| Sheriff / Mr. Oldtimer | Lucien Littlefield |
| Earthquake McGoon | Charles A. Post |
| Mayor Gurgle | Chester Conklin |
| Marryin’ Sam | Dick Elliott |
| Cicero Grunts | Mickey Daniels |
| Hannibal Hoops | Doodles Weaver |
| Miss Lulubell | Marie Blake |
| Sarah Jones | Rene Riano |
| Joe Smithpan | Al St. John |
| Barney Bargrease | Eddie Gribbon |
| Bachelor (Sadie Hawkins Day Race) | Hank Mann |
| Bachelor | Eddie Borden |
| Fantastic Brown | Victor Potel |
| Undetermined Role | Louise Keaton |
Production and Reception
The title song for the film was co-written by Milton Berle, a well-known comedian and television personality.
Despite the popularity of the Li'l Abner comic strip, the film was poorly received. A major criticism was the use of rubber facial appliances worn by some actors to simulate Capp’s exaggerated character designs, which was deemed unconvincing and visually unappealing.
Legacy
Though the 1940 adaptation was unsuccessful, the Li'l Abner franchise saw a resurgence in 1956 with the Broadway musical adaptation, which led to a 1959 film version produced by Paramount Pictures.