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Francis Joins the WACS
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Wikipedia article
'Francis Joins the WACS' is a 1954 American black-and-white comedy film from Universal-International, produced by Ted Richmond, directed by Arthur Lubin and starring Donald O'Connor, Julie Adams, ZaSu Pitts, Mamie Van Doren and Chill Wills in two roles, including that of the distinctive voice of Francis in voice-over.
This is the fifth film in Universal-International's Francis the Talking Mule series.
Plot
A computer error mistakenly assigns junior officer Peter Stirling to the Women's Army Corps. Peter's old friend Francis helps him through his various military and personal problems, including several familiar stays in the base's psychiatric ward.
Cast
*Donald O'Connor as Peter Stirling
*Julie Adams as Captain Jane Parker (as Julia Adams)
*Mamie Van Doren as Corporal Bunky Hilstrom
*Chill Wills as General Benjamin Kaye / voice of Francis
*Lynn Bari as Major Louise Simpson
*ZaSu Pitts as Lieutenant Valerie Humpert. Pitts played the same character in the first film of the series.
*Joan Shawlee as Sergeant Kipp
*Allison Hayes as Lieutenant Dickson
*Mara Corday as Kate
*Karen Kadler as Marge
*Elsie Holmes as Bessie
Production
Donald O'Connor's contract with Universal had expired, so there was some doubt that he would reprise his role before he agreed to make another film.
Leonard Goldstein did not return as producer, being replaced by Ted Richmond.
Although 'Francis Joins the WACS' was announced in late 1952, filming did not start until February 1954.
Reception
According to 'Variety' the film outgrossed the second, third and fourth in the Francis series.
Home media
Universal released all seven Francis films as a set on three Region 1 and Region 4 DVDs, 'Francis the Talking Mule: The Complete Collection.'
References
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