Product Details

• Actors: Donald O'Connor, Julie Adams, Mamie Van Doren, Lynn Bari, Zasu Pitts
• Directors: Arthur Lubin
• Writers: David Stern, Devery Freeman, Dorothy Davenport, Herbert Baker, James B. Allardice
• Producers: Ted Richmond
• Format: Black & White, Closed-captioned, HiFi Sound, NTSC
• Rated: NR (Not Rated)
• Number of tapes: 1
• Studio: Universal Studios
• VHS Release Date: May 23, 1995
• Run Time: 95 minutes
• Average Customer Review: 3.6 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (8 customer reviews)
• ASIN: 6303072372
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #164,050 in Movies & TV (See Top 100 in Movies & TV)

Editorial Reviews

Donald O'Connor, Chill Wills, Julia Adams, Mamie Van Doren, Zasu Pitts and a mule star in this 1954 comedy classic.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

5 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Arguably the best Francis movie; lots of laughs, October 18, 2000

By 

Scott MacGillivray (Massachusetts, USA) - See all my reviews
(VINE VOICE)    (REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Francis Joins the Wacs [VHS] (VHS Tape)

Newspaper critics in '54 said this was the funniest Francis... and they were right. Donald O'Connor plays the mule's pal a bit more broadly than usual, and the script situations are amusing (you can imagine the complications when O'Connor is drafted into the Women's Army Corps by mistake). One of the best bits has Francis heckling the cast members when O'Connor has to masquerade as a WAC nurse -- it's very funny. Chill Wills dubs the mule's dialogue expertly, and you'll be amazed at how good the synchronization is when Francis talks. A fine cast helps: Lynn Bari, Julia Adams, Mamie Van Doren, and especially the fluttery ZaSu Pitts. The video opens with the original coming-attractions trailer, but it gives away some of the jokes, so the viewer might fast-forward past this part. Picture is excellent, sound is very good (a few parts sounded a little thin but still listenable). A fun show from Universal.

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

3.0 out of 5 stars Likable silliness., August 1, 1999

By A Customer

This review is from: Francis Joins the Wacs [VHS] (VHS Tape)

Donald O'Conner as Pter Sterling is re-called from the reserves to active duty. But an early computer error (we're talking a 1954 computer error) send him to a WACS unti. While there he is re-joined by his old army buddy, Francis. Suspected of being there to sabotage the women's unit during war game exercises, Peter must prove himself to the unit's commander. Francis gives plenty of advice to help Peter save his honor and get the girl. Chill Wills does double duty as the General and as the voice of Francis. As you might suspect, this mule makes a better general than a person! Emma liked seeing Chill Wills in order to put a face with the voice. She also liked the fact that the girls were able to beat the guys! Dad likes seeing the old military gear and uniforms. Dad gives it 2 1/2 stars and Emma gives it three.

5 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Stars in the rating don't matter. Look at the star(let)s!!, September 24, 2002

By A Customer

This review is from: Francis Joins the Wacs [VHS] (VHS Tape)

How did this movie escape my attention for so long?

Production values? Direction? Plot?

Feh.

Buffs and especially B-movie fans should examine the cast:
Julie Adams! Mamie Van Doren! Allison Hayes! Mara Corday!

Enough said.