Settlement in Elly Mae Clampett Barbie doll suit

[December 30, 2011]  NEW ORLEANS (AP) -- The actress who played Elly May Clampett on the "The Beverly Hillbillies," toymaker Mattel Inc. and CBS Consumer Products Inc. have settled a lawsuit that claimed the companies didn't get the actress' approval to use her name and likeness for a Barbie doll.

Douglas played the critter-loving tomboy for nine seasons of the CBS television comedy about a backwoods family that strikes oil and moves to Beverly Hills.

A one-sentence order Tuesday in U.S. District Court in Baton Rouge said only that a settlement had been reached. Details of court settlements typically are kept private. However, Douglas' lawsuit sought compensation of at least $75,000.

In earlier filings, CBS and Mattel said they didn't need her approval because the network held exclusive rights to the character.

[Associated Press; By JANET McCONNAUGHEY]

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