Francis the talking mule

Francis the talking mule
photos of the famous mule

Francis was first talking... before Mister Ed the talking horse.
Francis the mule, was and is still a favorite comedy. The films were based on a popular book about a military man who meets a mule who can talk. Arthur Lubin, the producer, of the movies later went on to create the Mister Ed TV series. Francis was trained by Will Rogers and apprentice Les Hilton, Mister Ed's trainer. The same technical practice of teaching Francis when to move his mouth was later used on Mister Ed. Mules are very smart and will do what they are asked as long as you are kind and gentle with them.

Francis was the very first recipient of the American Humane Association Annual Patsy Award (1st place) in 1950. The award was given to the animals shown in motion pictures for an outstanding performance. A trophy was engraved with the winners name. The award presentation lasted until the 1980's then it was discontinued. It was similar, to the Golden Globe awards today. The Patsy awards were televised years ago. It had popular presenters and hosts such as Betty White and Doris Day. Amazing animals continue to do the job - but no award for them - maybe one for the trainer.

image Francis the mule - glasses - press hat

Francis continued winning Awards... 2nd place Patsy Award in the following years 1952, 1954, 1955, and 1956 then was 3rd place winner in 1957. The 1953 Award of Excellence was another honor for this talented mule.
The computer illusions of "fake animal talent" changed it all. For instance the commercials with horses who talk sometime use the computer to help it along. Also computer operated robots are used in place of the real animal in some scenes of dialogue, and puppets. So then the awards go to the special effects people.

Francis	*MOVIE TITLES* Francis in the Navy Francis goes to West Point Francis joins the WACs Francis in the haunted house	Francis goes to the Races
	Francis covers the big town

Chill Wills
was the original voice of Francis. Paul Fees
did the voice in last movie.

actor Chill Wills

a recording by Capital Records
a 78 rpm record

Francis the talking mule from the Universal-International pictures featuring
Chill Wills with the Starlighters.
The 2 songs are:

"Francis" & "A Mule Is A Fool"

Francis did 7 movies from 1949 to 1956 starring with character
"Peter Sterling" was
Donald O'Connor & in the last movie was
Mickey Rooney

some comic books by DELL
about Francis the talking mule

About the movies of Francis the Talking Mule

Universal Pictures

FRANCIS (1950)

This debut of the "Francis" series co-stars Patricia Medina, and the United States Army. While on a mission behind enemy lines in Burma, G.I. "Peter" Donald O'Connor is rescued by a talking mule named Francis. Peter's claim that his four-legged pal speaks. Peter is placed in a padded cell before the pair are recognized for their heroic deeds. Peter tries to explain that a talking mule rescued him from behind enemy lines, unbelieving superiors take Peter for a crackpot and put under military arrest. Francis comes up with new plans of heroic action. Peter tries to convince his commanding officers that Francis? gift of gab is a credit to the service. Francis stubbornly refuses to talk to outsiders. This makes Peter?s job of explaining the crazy situations to the five-star general impossible.
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FRANCIS GOES TO THE RACES (1951)

Peter goes back to his home town after getting out of the army with Francis. Peter is smitten by the owner?s granddaughter (Piper Laurie). of the horse breeding ranch where they stay. But a debt has come due that threatens the ranch. Francis meets a relative who happens to be a race horse. Francis uses connections with his equine friends at the racetrack to come up with some winners. Francis gives tips on the Santa Anita track to pal "Peter" (Donald O'Connor) in the big $100,000 race. Francis knows a thoroughbred who has the ability, but not the will, to win. So he helps the race horse get its confidence back. Francis convinces her she?s a born winner. Gamblers can?t believe that a mule knows who the winner will be. Cecil Kellaway and Jesse White co-star.
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FRANCIS GOES TO WEST POINT (1952)

Donald O'Connor is given an appointment to West Point, After stopping saboteurs at a nuclear plant. The new cadet brings Francis along to the Army-Navy football game. This comedy also stars Lori Nelson and appearances by David Janssen and Leonard Nimoy.
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FRANCIS COVERS THE BIG TOWN (1953)

When Donald O'Connor sets his sights on becoming a major metropolitan newspaper reporter, it's up to his big-eared talking buddy Francis the mule to come up with the scoops that he heard from the police horses in New York city to save O'Connor from a murder charge taking the witness stand. Gene Lockhart, Yvette Dugay, and Gail Gordon co-star.
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FRANCIS JOINS THE WACs (1954)

A clerical mistake lands "Peter", Donald O'Connor, back in the service, but as a WAC, and with equine pal Francis. The Army girls, who are used to strict protocol, soon grow accustomed to the wackiness. Stars Julie Adams, Mamie Van Doren, ZaSu Pitts and Chill Wills, shows up in person, along with the well known voice of Francis.
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FRANCIS IN THE NAVY (1955)

Francis the mule and his human buddy Donald O'Connor take to the high seas in the sixth Francis comedy. Francis ends up as post-war surplus and the Navy auctions him off. Peter has a look alike and gets the blame for what he does. Co-stars with Martha Hyer, Jim Backus, David Janssen, also this was Clint Eastwood's second film appearance of his acting career.
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FRANCIS IN THE HAUNTED HOUSE (1956)

A new team up with Francis the mule in this movie. Mickey Rooney played the character named "David Prescott" , Paul Frees took the place of Chill Will's voice over for Francis. This was the seventh and final film in the series. Francis gets Rooney out of a scary situation involving spooks and art forgers. With Virginia Welles, Richard Deacon. Today Mickey Rooney is a real friend of the equine world and other little furry creatures too.
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