Francis Covers the Big Town (1953) Online

At last! After three unsuccessful attempts at entertainment, this fourth entry worked well for me and is the best of the bunch so far. Francis the Talking Mule and his master, Donald O'Connor (or is it the other way around?) go to New York (the setting alone perks things up a bit) where they become mixed up in all sorts of trouble, including a murder trial. This installment is better written with more time devoted to the donkey, who's actually pretty funny for a change. The script also makes better use of its supporting characters and fashions a love affair for the bumbling O'Connor.

*** out of ****

This is the fourth of the Francis, the Talking Mule series entries. This time, Peter Stirling is in New York, working up to be a reporter for the newspaper there. At first, he's able to avoid revealing his source because writers of paper articles are supposed to be sworn to secrecy but one knows that won't last for long. It's also a matter of time before Francis (voiced once again by Chill Wills) reveals he vocabulary to anyone other than Donald O'Connor. This time he has two women to pick from: Yvette Duguay and Nancy Guild. One's cynical and sophisticated and one's more girl-next-door who also happens to be Italian (at least as a character in the movie). Guess which one wins? Anyway, this was another pretty enjoyable entry whenever Francis talks and when Peter tries explaining himself and not much else other than that. This will be my last review of the series even though three more eps were made since the DVD I saw this one only had the first four entries. Maybe someday...Actually, I may review Francis in the Navy which is on YouTube as of this moment...

Copyright 8 May 1952 by Universal Pictures Co., Inc. A Universal-International Picture. No recorded New York opening. U.S. release: 17 June 1953 (sic). U.K. release (on the lower half of a double bill): 4 January 1954. Australian release: 20 February 1953 (sic). 7,741 feet. 86 minutes.

SYNOPSIS: Ace reporter is framed for murder. Fortunately, he has a witness who can prove his innocence. Unfortunately that witness is a talking mule. NOTES: Number four of the seven-picture series.

VIEWER'S GUIDE: Despite a slight emphasis on criminal activity, suitable for all.

COMMENT: Produced on an astonishingly lavish scale, this one not only benefits from its huge budget in sets, extras and real New York locations, but from a fine roster of support players including the ultra-lovely Nancy Guild (pronounced to rhyme with "child"), news editor Gene Lockhart and smooth villain Lowell Gilmore.

Director Arthur Lubin makes good use of his players and his sets, often staging the crowded action with long tracking shots. Definitely the most stylish and best-produced entry in the series.

The script is pretty much the usual thing with the verbose Francis sounding off and the usual double takes ("Who said that?" - "He can talk!"), but Lubin keeps it pacing along, even though the suave Gilmore is not introduced till rather late in the piece. Other technical credits match Lubin's expertise, with attractive photography and props, plus people-crowded sets, and a breezy music score.

Having seen all 6 of the Frances + Don O'Connor series, I rate this as tied with "Francis Joins the WACs" as the most interesting of the series. The big town in the title is NYC. Don and Francis arrive with the idea that Don will become a newspaper reporter, after starting as a printer. Francis picks up news tips from street and stall horses and mules and unknown sources, transmits them to Don, who transmits them to reporters, who are skeptical at first. Don refuses to divulge his info source for a while, but eventually he has to, and is sent to a psycho ward several times. Eventually, Don is promoted to reporter, and soon becomes the star reporter, but people still think he is crazy. Finally, a psychiatrist agrees to go see Francis. Francis talks to him and queries him as he does his patients. Very funny.

Meanwhile, two women have become interested in Don. At first, the older sophisticate(Alberta) is in the lead. But, Don doesn't know how to romance her. Clearly, Francis doesn't like her and won't talk to her. Then, there's 17 year old Maria, daughter of a poor Italian immigrant. Clearly , she is implied to be the good girl underdog, appropriate for Don. Francis talks to her and gives her hints how to appear more attractive.

Alberta arranges for Don to meet the man(Garnet) Francis claims is the kingpin of a protection money racket, specializing in poor peddlers and small shops. They visit Francis, and while having a tussle, someone outside shoots Garnet dead(Were they actually targeting Don?). Don is blamed, as the gun was found in his hand. At his trial, Maria brings Francis who, after some delay, is sworn in and takes the stand. Very funny! Acquitted. Francis claims the murderer now is targeting him. That night a number of men congregate in the barn where Francis is, to await the possible appearance of the murderer. The murderer is caught and finally confesses. I won't reveal who it is. Any guesses? It's someone we have met.

Don says he wants to leave NYC. What about Maria? Francis says he wants to stay because he's found a girlfriend. Surprise who she is!