Francis

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.

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.

'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...

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 ****

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.

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 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.