Francis was the smart, sassy talking mule who led a bumbling but sincere human sidekick into and out of trouble in seven films for Universal Pictures from 1949 to 1956. For all but the last film, the sidekick was played by singer/dancer Donald O'Connor, and the voice of Francis was supplied by character actor Chill Wills. The special effect of talking was achieved by feeding a strong thread from the bridle to the mule's mouth. A gentle off-camera tug on the thread caused the animal to try to dislodge the annoyance by moving its lips. The film series was considered silly by the critics, but moviegoers enjoyed the antics of a mule who not only talked but who was more intelligent than his owner. As the first non-cartoon talking movie animal, Francis paved the way for television's talking horse, Mister Ed.

Further Reading:

Edelson, Edward. Great Animals of the Movies. Garden City, New York, Doubleday, 1980.

Rothel, David. Great Show Business Animals. San Diego, A.S. Barnes, 1980.