- Joined
- Feb 8, 1999
- Messages
- 18,424
- Real Name
- Robert Harris
Donald O'Connor first appeared in films in 1937, and appeared in a number of Paramount productions, inclusive of Beau Geste (1939), before moving to Universal in 1942.
Always a delightful musical performer, he appeared in a non-musical, which was a turning point in his career -
Francis the Talking Mule, directed by Arthur Rubin, and released early in 1950. While Francis was actually a mule, few knew at the time that he really didn't speak. It was all Hollywood trickery. His voice supplied by Chill Wills.
Francis was followed by Francis Goes to the Races in 1951, and Goes to West Point in 1952, the same year that Mr. O'Connor appeared in a Technicolor musical over at M-G-M, and continued there for I Love Melvin, before returning to Universal in 1953 for Francis Covers the Big Town.
While Mr. O'Connor moved about a bit giving stellar performances at Fox (There's No Business Like Show Business, nd Call Me Madam - 1953-54), he was back for more Francis in 1954 for Joins the WACS and 1955 for Francis in the Navy.
The final film in the Francis series came in 1956 - Francis in the Haunted House, with Mickey Rooney taking over the human side of the duo. Chill Wills was replaced by Paul Frees.
Before anyone makes note of the fact that films about talking mules sounds like less than an event, it's rumored that the series kept Universal in the black for a number of years, as it was a very popular series.
It remains so today, especially for young children, who can get away from the animated world and luxuriate in a bit of good natured comedy.
Kino is offering the series as part of their Universal deal, which is currently available for $80 on preorder for the seven films, plus commentaries.
The films are short and b/w. The first four films are 1.37. The fifth and sixth are 2.00, and the seventh, at 1.85, uses all of the real estate, so they fit comfortably on three discs, and all look just fine.
Image – 4.25 - 5
Audio – 5
Pass / Fail – Pass
Works up-rezzed to 4k - Beautifully
Upgrade from DVD - Yes
Recommended
RAH
Always a delightful musical performer, he appeared in a non-musical, which was a turning point in his career -
Francis the Talking Mule, directed by Arthur Rubin, and released early in 1950. While Francis was actually a mule, few knew at the time that he really didn't speak. It was all Hollywood trickery. His voice supplied by Chill Wills.
Francis was followed by Francis Goes to the Races in 1951, and Goes to West Point in 1952, the same year that Mr. O'Connor appeared in a Technicolor musical over at M-G-M, and continued there for I Love Melvin, before returning to Universal in 1953 for Francis Covers the Big Town.
While Mr. O'Connor moved about a bit giving stellar performances at Fox (There's No Business Like Show Business, nd Call Me Madam - 1953-54), he was back for more Francis in 1954 for Joins the WACS and 1955 for Francis in the Navy.
The final film in the Francis series came in 1956 - Francis in the Haunted House, with Mickey Rooney taking over the human side of the duo. Chill Wills was replaced by Paul Frees.
Before anyone makes note of the fact that films about talking mules sounds like less than an event, it's rumored that the series kept Universal in the black for a number of years, as it was a very popular series.
It remains so today, especially for young children, who can get away from the animated world and luxuriate in a bit of good natured comedy.
Kino is offering the series as part of their Universal deal, which is currently available for $80 on preorder for the seven films, plus commentaries.
The films are short and b/w. The first four films are 1.37. The fifth and sixth are 2.00, and the seventh, at 1.85, uses all of the real estate, so they fit comfortably on three discs, and all look just fine.
Image – 4.25 - 5
Audio – 5
Pass / Fail – Pass
Works up-rezzed to 4k - Beautifully
Upgrade from DVD - Yes
Recommended
RAH
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