El país de la alegría

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!

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!

as well as a knowledge of history to appreciate the political satire of this film. But I believe all it takes is an understanding of human nature, which is immutable. "Li'l Abner" does reflect the mores of its time, but so does everything. To judge it against today's work is useless and immature.

Al Capp was a satirist, and this movie is the best visual representation we have extant today of his genius. His books are mostly out of print; a sad lack for us. But this film contains timeless and true reflections of life. The one that tickles me most is "Put Them Back," when women wanted "perfect" men (buff, cut and all those other adjectives of current popularity) only to realize that people who are self-absorbed in their own perfection have nothing to provide to others. Talk about a telling statement of today!

The production design was perfect for its goal: to recreate the cartoon-like atmosphere of Capp's strips. The colors, costumes and sets draws one into the strip itself.

I'm an unabashed fan of the American musical as an artform. "Li'l Abner" fills all the slots of the musical in a superior achievement. Is it dated? Of course it is - it's over 40 years old. Is it obsolete? Absolutely not, just as human nature in all its good and bad can never be obsolete.

If you don't take the time to learn about the ebbs and swells of the human tide, you'll never understand what life is about. Instead of being negative about a time and place you didn't experience, try learning about it. After all, those who don't learn from history are doomed to repeat it. (Can we say "weapons of mass destruction?"

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.

What a treat! Every character is wonderfully and colorfully realized. The songs are indeed a breath of fresh air, similar to "How to succeed in Business without really trying". A great film for the whole family and those that loved the strip.

Watch out for Jerry Lewis [cameo role], Donna Douglas [Beverly Hillbillies], Valerie Harper [Rhoda from Mary Tyler Show and from the program of the afore mentioned name], as well as stand-out performances by Stubby Kaye as Marrying' Sam and Al Nessor as Evil Eye Fleagle.