Francis (the talking mule)

Duration: 90

Year Published: 1949

Creator: SWANK

Format: 16mm

Color: B&W

Sound: sound

Description: This was the first of a series of comedies starring Donald O'Connor as a G.I. who teams up with a talking mule named Francis. In this film, set during World War II, second lieutenant Peter Stirling and Francis perform a number of heroic deeds against the enemy. When Stirling tries to tell his superiors about his mule's amazing abilities, he is summarily sent to the psychiatric ward. The truth is finally revealed when the general commands Francis to speak and the mule complies. Director Arthur Lubin went on to create another talking equine character for the television program, Mr. Ed. (Circulates)

Complete Record: This was the first of a series of comedies starring Donald O'Connor as a G.I. who teams up with a talking mule named Francis. In this film, set during World War II, second lieutenant Peter Stirling and Francis perform a number of heroic deeds against the enemy. When Stirling tries to tell his superiors about his mule's amazing abilities, he is summarily sent to the psychiatric ward. The truth is finally revealed when the general commands Francis to speak and the mule complies. Director Arthur Lubin went on to create another talking equine character for the television program, Mr. Ed. (Circulates)