Francis (film)

Francis
Theatrical release half-sheet display poster
Directed byArthur Lubin
Screenplay byDavid Stern III
Dorothy Reid (uncredited)
Based onFrancis
1946 novel
by David Stern
Produced byRobert Arthur
StarringDonald O'Connor
Patricia Medina
CinematographyIrving Glassberg
Edited byMilton Carruth
Music byFrank Skinner
Walter Scharf
Production
company
Universal Pictures
Distributed byUniversal-International
Release dates
  • February 8, 1950 (1950-02-08) (New Orleans)
  • March 15, 1950 (1950-03-15) (New York)
Running time
91 minutes
CountryUnited States
LanguageEnglish
Budget$622,000
Box office$2.9 million (US rentals)

Francis is a 1950 American comedy film produced and distributed by Universal-International that launched the Francis the Talking Mule film series. The film was produced by Robert Arthur and directed by Arthur Lubin. It stars Donald O'Connor and Patricia Medina, with the distinctive voice of Francis provided by actor Chill Wills.

Six Francis sequels from Universal followed the film, all but one starring O'Connor; Mickey Rooney replaced O'Connor in the final film of the series.