FRANCIS

US, 1950, 90 minutes, Black and white.
Donald O' Connor, Patricia Medina, Zasu Pitts, Ray Collins, John Mc Intyre, Eduard Franz, Robert Warwick, and Chill Wills as the voice of Francis.
Directed by Arthur Lubin.

Francis the talking mule made a great impact in the late '40s and was the beginning of a very long series until the late '50s. Generally the star was Donald O' Connor - though he took time out with Mickey Rooney taking his place.

The film was originally intended as a short feature, Universal B-budget. Donald O' Connor was popular in this kind of film. Patricia Medina took time out from her swashbuckling epics to be a French spy in Burma. Zasu Pitts has a brief role as a twittery and friendly nurse. However, the star is Chill Wills who provided the voice of Francis the talking mule.

The film uses the atmosphere of World War Two, American action in Burma, the place of the mule in helping the hero to safety and heroism - as well as to the mental ward. The film pokes fun at the American military, at the press. It also highlights spies in Burma.

The film is of historical interest as it created the very popular series. It relates, of course, to the television series Mr Ed with Alan Young.