Francis

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.

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.

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!

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.

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!