Francis the Talking Mule (1949)

61% of users liked it
(324 ratings)

One wonders if Donald O'Connor would have consented to star in Francis if he knew that a series was to follow. Adapted by David Stern from his own novel, the film stars O'Connor as GI Peter Sterling, who appears to be bucking for a Section Eight. Seems that Sterling keeps insisting that Francis, a… More One wonders if Donald O'Connor would have consented to star in Francis if he knew that a series was to follow. Adapted by David Stern from his own novel, the film stars O'Connor as GI Peter Sterling, who appears to be bucking for a Section Eight. Seems that Sterling keeps insisting that Francis, a cantankerous Army mule, has the power of speech. It turns out that Francis not only can talk, but is also a superb military strategist. With Francis' help, Sterling breaks up a Nazi spy ring and becomes a hero -- but this is only the beginning, as the future entries in Universal's Francis series would prove over and over. Providing able support to the hapless O'Connor are Patricia Medina, Ray Collins, and especially ZaSu Pitts as a bewildered Army nurse. The voice of Francis is provided by Chill Wills, who likewise showed up in most of the Francis sequels, and who, like O'Connor, bailed out before the final entry, Francis in a Haunted House (1956). ~ Hal Erickson, Rovi

Rating, Runtime: Unrated, 1 hr. 31 min.
Directed By: Arthur Lubin
Genres: Drama, Kids & Family, Classics, Science Fiction & Fantasy, Comedy

In Theaters: Feb 1, 1950 Wide
On DVD: Jun 1, 2004

Critic Reviews

Bosley Crowther, New York Times
It holds a few good laughs -- especially for mules.
, TV Guide's Movie Guide
These goofy comedies made more money than anyone expected and director Lubin went on to create another successful talking equine for television in Mr. Ed.
, Time Out
With information culled (as near as dammit) from the horse's mouth, raw second lieutenant O'Connor becomes a hero of the Burma campaign and, not unnaturally, a candidate for the funny farm.
Douglas Pratt, DVDLaser
The film is funnier in concept than it is in demonstration, but it has endured over time and is pleasant, repeatable entertainment.

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Cast

            Donald O'Connor as Peter Stirling

            Patricia Medina as Maureen Gelder

            Zasu Pitts as Valerie Humpert

            Ray Collins as Col. Hooker

            John McIntire as Gen. Stevens

            Eduard Franz as Col. Plepper

            Howland Chamberlain as Maj. Nadel

            James Todd as Col. Saunders

            Robert Warwick as Col. Carimichael

            Frank Faylen as Sgt. Chillingbacker

            Mikel Conrad as Maj. Garber

            Loren Tindall as Maj. Richards

            Charles Meredith as Banker Munroe

            Al Ferguson as Capt. Dean

            Harold Fong as Japanese Soldier

            Tim Graham as Lt. Bremm

            Harry Harvey as Correspondent

            Jim Hayward as Capt. Norman

            Judd Holdren as 1st Ambulance Man

            Marvin Kaplan as 1st M.C. Lieutenant

            Joseph Kim as Japanese Lieutenant

            Mickey McCardle as Capt. Addison

            Chill Wills as Francis the Talking Mule

            Duke York as Sgt. Poor

            Tony Curtis as Capt. Jones

            Howard Negley as Correspondent

            Jack Shutta as Sgt. Miller

            Peter Prouse as Correspondent

            Roger Moore as M.C. Major

            Robert Anderson as Capt. Grant
See full cast

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