No great art here, just lots and lots of fun. Donald O'Connor's Peter Stirling is endearing, sweet, gullible, and the perfect foil for the acerbic mule who has been called, among other things, Groucho on a bad day. O'Connor was always a top-notch comedien -- he had the ability to render an innocent word or phrase hilarious with an unexpected inflection or the lift of an eyebrow. O'Connor doesn't showcase his extraordinary dancing abilities in this series (more's the pity), but we are definitely treated to the eternally young looking actor's gifts as an actor and comedien. If you can talk your children into sitting through at least ten minutes of any of the movies in the Francis series, they'll be hooked -- and they might just gain appreciation for the talents of a bygone era. The comedy and pacing in "Francis" is slower than today's rapid fire movies, but once introduced, children -- and adults -- generally love them. I know I do!
20 Reviews
Francis is a good beginning for the series involving a talking mule
tavm2 August 2015
After years of only reading about this series, I finally watched the first entry starring Donald O'Connor with Chill Wills as the voice of the talking mule known as Francis. Donald tells his banker boss about his World War II exploits as the film flashes back to when he was a second lieutenant in the army. So he encounters Francis and when he tells his superiors how he got certain info, that's when the fun starts. I was quite guffawing at many of the scenes and lines even though the DVD I saw this on has some scenes skipping. (Thank goodness one of them wasn't the brief shot of Tony Curtis in one of his earliest appearances especially since I just watched his future wife, Janet Leigh, in Words and Music!) So on that note, I recommend Francis. P.S. Since I always like to cite when someone from my favorite movie-It's a Wonderful Life-is in something else, here it's Frank Faylen as a soldier who spits a lot!
Probably the Best Talking Mule Series Ever
Hitchcoc15 December 2016
When Mr. Ed appeared as a TV series, I thought to myself, "They're stealing Francis's thunder. We saw these movies in our local theater. It was about seven or eight years after they came out. That's the thing with small town theaters. But this was what made them great. Francis is an Army mule and he has insights into what is going on because he can eavesdrop on conversations without being suspected. Donald O'Connor, the great song and dance man, becomes Francis's foil. He receives information. After getting over the fact that the mule can talk, he is put in terrible situations where he may have to reveal where he gets his information. Of course, Francis ain't talking to anybody else. Poor Donald. He goes through this time after time after time. I guess I saw more of these movies. I just don't remember them. As a kid it was a kick.
A horse is a horse of course, but Francis is more than a mule...
swedensm28 September 2003
I remember watching this movie as a young child, and it is one of my sweetest memories. I used to rush to eat my dinner (or not eat at all) so I could sit in front of the television for the Sunday Matinée, which always played family movies. The Francis series is one of my favorites.
Who could resist a talking mule (particularly with that squeaky-gate voice supplied by veteran actor Chill Wills) or the innocent face of Donald O'Connor as they're coming to take him away one more time (for insisting that the mule could speak)? Not this child.
One of the best all-time children's series of the post WW2 era -- one I would share with any child -- or anyone who is a child at heart.
Who could resist a talking mule (particularly with that squeaky-gate voice supplied by veteran actor Chill Wills) or the innocent face of Donald O'Connor as they're coming to take him away one more time (for insisting that the mule could speak)? Not this child.
One of the best all-time children's series of the post WW2 era -- one I would share with any child -- or anyone who is a child at heart.
Endearing family entertainment
szekeong1233 June 2005
It is not hard to see why this film was so popular when it was released theatrically, and easy to understand why it failed to create a new generation of fans. Apparently, it is not a film worthy of being a classic, since there is nothing special about this film. In fact, it is inferior to a similarly-themed family classic released in the same year, "Harvey", starring James Stewart. In both films, the central character is accused of being mentally unsound for communicating with animals.
Still, this is a well-made movie with reasonably good writing and direction, featuring talented casts which elevated the film. In particular, Donald O'Connor displayed as much acting range here as James Stewart did in "Harvey". Both of them have this rare ability to emit boyish innocence, something which is even rarer nowadays. Best known for his comedic second-banana performance and exuberant dancing in "Singin' in the Rain", he has the opportunity to display his dramatic acting ability that is sadly overlooked.
This film is definitely a good option if you want to have an enjoyable time with the young children.
Still, this is a well-made movie with reasonably good writing and direction, featuring talented casts which elevated the film. In particular, Donald O'Connor displayed as much acting range here as James Stewart did in "Harvey". Both of them have this rare ability to emit boyish innocence, something which is even rarer nowadays. Best known for his comedic second-banana performance and exuberant dancing in "Singin' in the Rain", he has the opportunity to display his dramatic acting ability that is sadly overlooked.
This film is definitely a good option if you want to have an enjoyable time with the young children.
Arthur Lubin's Secret Weapon
wes-connors4 July 2014
Mild-mannered bank teller Donald O'Connor (as Peter Stirling) explains some strange behavior to his boss by explaining how he met "Francis" – a talking mule. We flashback to Mr. O'Connor's World War II service. In Burma, the wounded second lieutenant is stranded behind enemy lines. Francis carries O'Connor to an Army hospital, then disappears. Of course, of course everyone thinks O'Connor's crazy when he mentions befriending a talking mule. At a dance, O'Connor meets shapely Patricia Medina (as Maureen Gelder). Watch, here, for young Anthony "Tony" Curtis to appear briefly as a sex-starved soldier. Suddenly, Francis appears to whisk O'Connor away for an important mission...
Neither the best nor the funniest film in the "Francis" series, this first effort has lost a little freshness in comparison. Still, you have good chemistry between O'Connor and Francis (voiced by Chill Wills). The scenes with the duo, directed by Arthur Lubin, play well...
After the films ran their course, Mr. Lubin took the concept to TV with the series "Mister Ed" (starring Alan Young). Probably due to difficulty obtaining rights, "Ed" (a talking horse) replaced "Francis". Both were derived from literary works, where the horse preceded the mule. The preference of the talking animal for his human friend, his frequent attempts to take O'Connor (and later, Young) away from female companionship, adeptness with the telephone and other story elements are here. Lubin's series became charmingly more surreal over the years, fitting the 1960s perfectly.
****** Francis (the Talking Mule) (2/50) Arthur Lubin ~ Donald O'Connor, Patricia Medina, Chill Wills, Zasu Pitts
Neither the best nor the funniest film in the "Francis" series, this first effort has lost a little freshness in comparison. Still, you have good chemistry between O'Connor and Francis (voiced by Chill Wills). The scenes with the duo, directed by Arthur Lubin, play well...
After the films ran their course, Mr. Lubin took the concept to TV with the series "Mister Ed" (starring Alan Young). Probably due to difficulty obtaining rights, "Ed" (a talking horse) replaced "Francis". Both were derived from literary works, where the horse preceded the mule. The preference of the talking animal for his human friend, his frequent attempts to take O'Connor (and later, Young) away from female companionship, adeptness with the telephone and other story elements are here. Lubin's series became charmingly more surreal over the years, fitting the 1960s perfectly.
****** Francis (the Talking Mule) (2/50) Arthur Lubin ~ Donald O'Connor, Patricia Medina, Chill Wills, Zasu Pitts
Introduces a film series, featuring the novelty of a talking mule,with his friend, played by Donald O.Connor.
weezeralfalfa2 December 2016
Warning: Spoilers
Established the general format for the remaining 5 films in this series that costarred Francis the Talking Mule(with the voice of Chill Wills) and Donald O'Connor, all shot in B&W, and all directed by Arthur Lubin. This series was inspired by the writings of David Stern, who also wrote the screenplay for this first one, but not subsequent ones.
The main setting of the screenplay is the Burmese jungle, in the midst of WWII, with Japanese military threatening, with occasional excursions in various parts of the US. It opens with Don(Peter) a bank teller whom the customers avoid, presumably because he claims he can talk to a mule. He then relates to the bank president how he discovered this mule in the Burmese jungle. Frances helps save Don from a Japanese ambush, then gives advice on several subsequent military operations. Each time, Don is congratulated on his amazing exploits, then sent to the psycho ward for a spell, because he claims he got his info and strategy from a mule.
Patricia Medina, as Maureen, strikes up a friendship with Don and learns that Francis really can talk. However, she has a secret that isn't revealed until near the end.
Francis initially refused to talk to others, but eventually talked to the general( well played by John McIntire). Reluctantly, he eventually talks to a room full of army brass and news reporters, and is flown to the Pentagon for further observation.
The whole story is absurd, but sort of fun. It's not as good as the 2 later films I've seen: "Francis joins the WACS" and "Frances in the Navy".
Included are several well-recognized character actors. Zasu Pitts is the nurse in the psycho ward. She would return for the same role in "Francis Joins the WACs", where she talks about Burma.....Ray Collins, as the disbelieving Colonel, appeared in about 90 films, usually as some type of authority figure... John McIntire, as the general, I find the most memorable. His shocking discovery that Francis can ,indeed, talk, when he wants to, and subsequent defense of this ability to nonbelievers is simply hilarious. .. Tony Curtis supposedly has a small part, but I missed him.
Don, of course, was an excellent dancer and singer, as well as comedian: skills not utilized in this series. He would gain wide fame in "Singing in the Rain", although he danced and sang in many Universal films long before that.
This film cost only $150,000. to make and returned several $millions. I believe all the Frances films were quite profitable, but eventually Don got weary of being second best to a mule.
The main setting of the screenplay is the Burmese jungle, in the midst of WWII, with Japanese military threatening, with occasional excursions in various parts of the US. It opens with Don(Peter) a bank teller whom the customers avoid, presumably because he claims he can talk to a mule. He then relates to the bank president how he discovered this mule in the Burmese jungle. Frances helps save Don from a Japanese ambush, then gives advice on several subsequent military operations. Each time, Don is congratulated on his amazing exploits, then sent to the psycho ward for a spell, because he claims he got his info and strategy from a mule.
Patricia Medina, as Maureen, strikes up a friendship with Don and learns that Francis really can talk. However, she has a secret that isn't revealed until near the end.
Francis initially refused to talk to others, but eventually talked to the general( well played by John McIntire). Reluctantly, he eventually talks to a room full of army brass and news reporters, and is flown to the Pentagon for further observation.
The whole story is absurd, but sort of fun. It's not as good as the 2 later films I've seen: "Francis joins the WACS" and "Frances in the Navy".
Included are several well-recognized character actors. Zasu Pitts is the nurse in the psycho ward. She would return for the same role in "Francis Joins the WACs", where she talks about Burma.....Ray Collins, as the disbelieving Colonel, appeared in about 90 films, usually as some type of authority figure... John McIntire, as the general, I find the most memorable. His shocking discovery that Francis can ,indeed, talk, when he wants to, and subsequent defense of this ability to nonbelievers is simply hilarious. .. Tony Curtis supposedly has a small part, but I missed him.
Don, of course, was an excellent dancer and singer, as well as comedian: skills not utilized in this series. He would gain wide fame in "Singing in the Rain", although he danced and sang in many Universal films long before that.
This film cost only $150,000. to make and returned several $millions. I believe all the Frances films were quite profitable, but eventually Don got weary of being second best to a mule.
Don't Ask; don't tell
Handlinghandel2 April 2007
"Francis" is extremely entertaining on the surface. It has likable characters and Chill Wills is great as the voice of the mule. It's a must for lovers of animals.
Almost from the start, though, I felt a subtext. Maybe this was conscious at the time. Maybe it wasn't. In 1950 when the movie was released, there were things more common than saying you were talking to a mule that could land you in the "psycho ward." (Hero Donald O'Connor is shown in scene after scene weaving increasingly elaborate baskets.) His superiors and fellow soldier deride him. The mule is of undetermined gender. The mule speaks in a wittily sarcastic way that presages the tone from "All About Eve." (Or Thelma Ritter's lines, anyway.) One of the two women in the movie is a temptress, maybe not so nice. The other is ZaSu Pitts. Pitts plays a rather plump nurse who is very understanding of O'Connor.
It spawned several sequels, which were doubtless aimed at children. But this seems in many ways like an allegory about the love that in those days dared not speak its name.
Almost from the start, though, I felt a subtext. Maybe this was conscious at the time. Maybe it wasn't. In 1950 when the movie was released, there were things more common than saying you were talking to a mule that could land you in the "psycho ward." (Hero Donald O'Connor is shown in scene after scene weaving increasingly elaborate baskets.) His superiors and fellow soldier deride him. The mule is of undetermined gender. The mule speaks in a wittily sarcastic way that presages the tone from "All About Eve." (Or Thelma Ritter's lines, anyway.) One of the two women in the movie is a temptress, maybe not so nice. The other is ZaSu Pitts. Pitts plays a rather plump nurse who is very understanding of O'Connor.
It spawned several sequels, which were doubtless aimed at children. But this seems in many ways like an allegory about the love that in those days dared not speak its name.
Pure Entertainment
ubootsmann14 June 2005
JoeKarlosi, if you didn't like this movie, then you most certainly won't like the remainder of the series.
I grew up watching the entire Francis series, as well as the Ma and Pa Kettle movies. The object of these movies was nothing more than entertainment. In that vein, the directors did quite well. This includes Francis Joins the WACs, Francis Joines the Navy, and Francis at the Races.
Sit back, clear your mind, and enjoy the movies. View them as nothing but mind candy. Thinking is not required. In today's era of mega-budget movies with dark overtones, these are quite refreshing. Think back to the days of our youth, when we were concerned not with the problems of the world, but with how to spend that quarter burning a hole in your pocket.
I grew up watching the entire Francis series, as well as the Ma and Pa Kettle movies. The object of these movies was nothing more than entertainment. In that vein, the directors did quite well. This includes Francis Joins the WACs, Francis Joines the Navy, and Francis at the Races.
Sit back, clear your mind, and enjoy the movies. View them as nothing but mind candy. Thinking is not required. In today's era of mega-budget movies with dark overtones, these are quite refreshing. Think back to the days of our youth, when we were concerned not with the problems of the world, but with how to spend that quarter burning a hole in your pocket.
20 Mule Team laughs
bkoganbing10 October 2013
Talking animals have been a big draw for the big screen and small. From the Francis the talking mule series to the current Dog With A Blog there is something perverse in the human spirit where we enjoy seeing animals outsmart humans, especially verbally. I guess it was the secret of the success of the series.
In this first film which I don't think Universal thought would turn into a series, Donald O'Connor is back from the war and telling his boss at the bank he works at Charles Meredith about his interesting experiences in the China-Burma-India theater of the late war. After being separated from his outfit young 2nd Lieutenant O'Connor gets back to his base when a talking army mule named Francis showed him the way.
That gets him assigned to G-2 Intelligence and he pulls off quite a few coups. But when asked to reveal his source O'Connor tells his superiors it was a talking mule. That lands him in the Psych ward under the tender care of nurse Zasu Pitts.
The human players must truly have had to suck it in and realize that the mule with Chill Wills's voice was upstaging them. Some real recognition goes to John McIntire who plays a general who is the only other person that Francis the Talking Mule ever talked to in the series besides O'Connor and Mickey Rooney in the last film. McIntire may have been one of the greatest actors who ever lived, managing to keep a straight face while dialoging with a jackass.
If you don't blink you'll see Tony Curtis in a small role as another officer. And Patricia Medina lends her beauty as a fetching lady spy.
If you like Dog With A Blog or Mister Ed, you'll enjoy the Francis series.
In this first film which I don't think Universal thought would turn into a series, Donald O'Connor is back from the war and telling his boss at the bank he works at Charles Meredith about his interesting experiences in the China-Burma-India theater of the late war. After being separated from his outfit young 2nd Lieutenant O'Connor gets back to his base when a talking army mule named Francis showed him the way.
That gets him assigned to G-2 Intelligence and he pulls off quite a few coups. But when asked to reveal his source O'Connor tells his superiors it was a talking mule. That lands him in the Psych ward under the tender care of nurse Zasu Pitts.
The human players must truly have had to suck it in and realize that the mule with Chill Wills's voice was upstaging them. Some real recognition goes to John McIntire who plays a general who is the only other person that Francis the Talking Mule ever talked to in the series besides O'Connor and Mickey Rooney in the last film. McIntire may have been one of the greatest actors who ever lived, managing to keep a straight face while dialoging with a jackass.
If you don't blink you'll see Tony Curtis in a small role as another officer. And Patricia Medina lends her beauty as a fetching lady spy.
If you like Dog With A Blog or Mister Ed, you'll enjoy the Francis series.
A Mule Wiser Than the General
LA_Songs31 May 2005
A young soldier Peter Stirling was saved from the Bermese jungles in war time by a talking mule, but nobody believed him until the intelligence information from the mule saved the whole base from Japanese bombers. The truthful soldier Stirling didn't know how to lie about his source of information, the talking army Mule, Francis, so he was treated as a lunatic and led to one after another hilarious situations where the mule is the only one that appears sane. In the process of all this, the mule assisted in uncovering a spy, Mareen, who pretended to be lost among the jungles, but was actually...
Perfect family film, even amusing to the adults. If people all have enough sense as this talking mule does, the world will be a much better place than its present condition.
Perfect family film, even amusing to the adults. If people all have enough sense as this talking mule does, the world will be a much better place than its present condition.
Francis the Talking Mule (1950) **
JoeKarlosi4 July 2004
Just got through the first entry in this series. So-so, but not all that much to rave about. Some fun watching the "Talking Mule" interacting with a young Donald O'Connor as a GI, but I hope the franchise managed to strike some funnier chords as it progressed. This talkative jackass isn't very nice, but I suppose that in itself presents some humor as he insults people and comes across as knowing more than we do. In this first installment he's guiding Americans through the war against the "Japs" and helps O'Connor become a War Hero. I think I'd have preferred a more "domestic" setting. Oh well, maybe for the rest of the series... ** out of ****
Great to see this again after so long
garyts29 April 2012
I just saw this again. I can't remember exactly when I saw it first, must be 45 years ago. This movie is just plain silly fun. I thought I might be disappointed, it being so long since I saw it last I figured childhood memories would be mystical and bright, and I was partially correct. I remember thoroughly enjoying this, and tonight I laughed again. My wife saw it for the first time and loved it also. Don't expect an intense or intricate plot. If you like silly, fun family movies, then watch this. My 3 year old watched it with us. I hope to eventually see the others. This is a classic I am glad I saw again. IMDb wants more lines, what more can I say? A hilarious fun flick the whole family will enjoy.
Disappointing, but I suppose I would've loved it as a kid
muzikman110424 July 2021
Warning: Spoilers
I'd heard about this series but I'd never seen any until I bought a DVD set of 4 films in the series, starting with this one (which is titled "Francis the Talking Mule" on the packaging). It was cute sometimes, never offensive, and occasionally clever; and I enjoyed Chill Wills's loping, relaxed style of talking -- perfect for a mule. But the timing always seemed to be a little off -- pauses too long, sideways glances too late, etc. -- which isn't unusual for a movie at that time, but it made the jokes a little less funny. I enjoyed John McIntire's performance. I'm sure that if I'd seen this as a kid I would've loved it, but the conspiracy aspect of the plot, with Patricia Medina as a lying spy felt very dark, and left me with a feeling not usually associated with light comedy. I'll watch the other three eventually, with an open mind.
Francis is quite sure one the most creative movie on the fifties !!!
elo-equipamentos26 September 2019
What a remarkable, creative idea and fresh concept, Francis the talking Mule, this picture surprise me entirely, there are a lot of funniest picture in that period of time, the plot summary is about a clumsy soldier Peter Stirling (Donald O'Connor) lost on Burmese jungle under heavy bombing, saves by a strange talking mule, aftermath that he has been received several secrets information concerning the Japanese on those nearby area, he becomes a hero, nevertheless when their superiors asking the source of all valuable info, he tells the truth, coming from Francis the talking mule, he was sent back many times to hospital ward for psychological distress, fabulous and underrated farce comedy, the casting are amazing with Patricia Medina, John McIntire and Chill Wills as the voice of the Francis, also Francis is a smart mule, your smarter commentaries are fully of pure sarcasm and double sense, simply priceless, afterwards this successful entry it began a series which l never saw, highly recommended by any ages, pure entertainment provides by Francis!!!
Resume:
First watch: 2012 / How many: 2 / Source: DVD-R / Rating: 8
Resume:
First watch: 2012 / How many: 2 / Source: DVD-R / Rating: 8
Why was this popular?
HotToastyRag4 January 2019
Believe it or not, Francis and its six sequels were pretty successful in the 1950s. Francis, the precursor to Mister Ed and voiced by Chill Wills, is a talking mule who befriends a young soldier, Donald O'Connor. For some reason never explained, Francis the army mule has knowledge of many military secrets and strategies. He repeatedly tells Donald how to be a better soldier during the war, but he never speaks in front of anyone else, so when Donald tells his superior officer where he got the information, he's sent to the mental ward.
Yes, you read correctly: this film franchise was successful. While Donald enjoyed continued fame after his teen musicals in the 1940s, acting alongside a donkey got a little long in the tooth after a while. He actually contracted an illness from Molly, the mule who played Francis, which prevented him from taking the second lead in White Christmas. Instead of watching the singing and dancing talents of Donald O'Connor every Christmas, audienes can catch him talking to a mule in six movies.
I tried to watch this movie with an open mind and awareness of the time period, but it was just too silly. I'm sure kids would love watching it, but grown-ups will probably roll their eyes for ninety minutes. It's more awkward than funny, and it's mostly mindboggling as to why 1950s audiences were so entertained by talking animals.
Yes, you read correctly: this film franchise was successful. While Donald enjoyed continued fame after his teen musicals in the 1940s, acting alongside a donkey got a little long in the tooth after a while. He actually contracted an illness from Molly, the mule who played Francis, which prevented him from taking the second lead in White Christmas. Instead of watching the singing and dancing talents of Donald O'Connor every Christmas, audienes can catch him talking to a mule in six movies.
I tried to watch this movie with an open mind and awareness of the time period, but it was just too silly. I'm sure kids would love watching it, but grown-ups will probably roll their eyes for ninety minutes. It's more awkward than funny, and it's mostly mindboggling as to why 1950s audiences were so entertained by talking animals.
satisfying comedy ++++
Abby-92 June 2017
Warning: Spoilers
"I suppose in all of us there's a trace of a mother complex." These thoughtful words of U.S. Army mule Francis ("That's spelled with an 'i'.") are an example of the charm of this Hollywood concoction. The voice of Chill Wills is deep and warm, just as the equine star's voice should be, and is equal to the deep voice of the Commanding General. Their scenes together late in the film pack a real punch. But meanwhile you have the 2nd Lieutenant Donald O'Connor, making frequent trips to the "Neuropsychiatric Ward"--having been befriended by Francis, and compelled by higher authorities to disclose that his source of military intelligence is a mule that talks. The war story is actually a story-within-a-story,told by O'Connor's character to his post-war employer, as he tries to save his job at the bank. This movie is well-paced and full of cheerful surprises. Zasu Pitts appears as a psychiatric nurse holding her own in an environment of half-baked military psychiatry. Choreography of encounters in Burmese jungle and on the army base moves smoothly and too soon it's a wrap. Hence several sequels.
The 25 Year Old Tony Curtis
The Novelist18 April 2002
As a stock actor, the 25 year old Tony Curtis appeared in a series of films like 'Francis' which were dull and tacky. It served to pad out his c.v. and pay his bills because his audience thought he was too good looking to be doing a proper job.
Incredibly, it's the first of seven films
r96sk2 January 2022
'Francis' is exactly what you'd expect it to be.
It isn't something I'd consider worthy of a watch due to many things, with one being the repetitive nature of the story. It's a poor flick, lacking in interest, from 1950; showing all the signs of a film from that era too, distastefully.
Donald O'Connor's performance is solid enough, he is definitely the reason why I'm not rating this film lower. Chill Wills voices the titular character and suits the role well, while Patricia Medina shows glimpses; despite a lousy accent. It's more so the plot that sticks out most, if not necessarily positively. It's as dumb as you'd predict and the film, for the most part, knows that in fairness.
Incredibly, it's the first of seven films from this series. One down and all that...
It isn't something I'd consider worthy of a watch due to many things, with one being the repetitive nature of the story. It's a poor flick, lacking in interest, from 1950; showing all the signs of a film from that era too, distastefully.
Donald O'Connor's performance is solid enough, he is definitely the reason why I'm not rating this film lower. Chill Wills voices the titular character and suits the role well, while Patricia Medina shows glimpses; despite a lousy accent. It's more so the plot that sticks out most, if not necessarily positively. It's as dumb as you'd predict and the film, for the most part, knows that in fairness.
Incredibly, it's the first of seven films from this series. One down and all that...
I cannot believe I liked a talking mule movie THIS much...or at all!
planktonrules4 February 2023
The idea of "Francis" is clearly ridiculous and cannot possibly work. After all, Francis is a mule that talks!!! Amazingly, while a thoroughly ridiculous idea, Universal Studios managed to make it work for two reasons. First, Chill Wills' voice and dialog was perfect as Francis. Second, the writing was terrific and they made the very most of what material they were given.
The story is told in a flashback, as Peter (Donald O'Connor) tells his boss about his war exploits. During this long story, Peter recounts how he discovered a talking mule while on duty in the Pacific during WWII...and Francis not only can talk, but he's a heck of a lot smarter than Peter! Using Francis' help, Peter manages to impress his commander when again and again, he manages to know exactly what the Japanese are going to do next! But Peter makes the huge mistake of telling them where he got in the information...and they naturally think he's flipped his lid! What's next? Well, see the film.
Whether or not you enjoy "Francis" depends on whether you see it in the first place. I think the concept seems so goofy that most folks wouldn't try the film on a dare! Well, I dare you to try it...and don't be surprised if, like me, you really like it!
The story is told in a flashback, as Peter (Donald O'Connor) tells his boss about his war exploits. During this long story, Peter recounts how he discovered a talking mule while on duty in the Pacific during WWII...and Francis not only can talk, but he's a heck of a lot smarter than Peter! Using Francis' help, Peter manages to impress his commander when again and again, he manages to know exactly what the Japanese are going to do next! But Peter makes the huge mistake of telling them where he got in the information...and they naturally think he's flipped his lid! What's next? Well, see the film.
Whether or not you enjoy "Francis" depends on whether you see it in the first place. I think the concept seems so goofy that most folks wouldn't try the film on a dare! Well, I dare you to try it...and don't be surprised if, like me, you really like it!
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