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My Easy Marketplace - Francis in the Navy
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List Price: $9.98
Our Price: $12.95
Your Save: $ ( % )
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Manufacturer: Universal Studios
Starring: Donald O'Connor, Martha Hyer, Richard Erdman, Jim Backus, Clint Eastwood
Directed By: Arthur Lubin
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Average Customer Rating:  
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Audience Rating: NR (Not Rated)
Binding: VHS Tape
EAN: 9786303072364
Format: Black & White
ISBN: 6303072364
Label: Universal Studios
Manufacturer: Universal Studios
Number Of Items: 1
Publisher: Universal Studios
Release Date: 1995-05-23
Running Time: 80
Studio: Universal Studios
Theatrical Release Date: 1955-08-24
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Spotlight customer reviews:
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Customer Rating:
Summary: Last of the series falls a bit short of its predecessors.
Comment: This is the sixth and final film of the series produced by Universal that included Donald O'Connor, and director Arthur Lubin, who created the sequence. It would be charitable to state that this entry is up to the best of its antecedents, as O'Connor's tongue-tied routine as the chowderheaded sidekick of Francis the talking mule has become rather exhausting for audiences by the time of this release. Army lieutenant Peter Stirling (O'Connor) is advised by Francis that the mule has been "drafted" into the Navy and is positioned as surplus to be auctioned at the Coronado (Calif.) base. While attempting to regain Francis' freedom, Peter is mistaken for a lookalike bosn's mate, Slicker Donovan, is captured by the Shore Patrol and must then reestablish his correct identity while disinvolving himself from various examples of pulchritude with which the rakish Slicker has supplied him by default through their personality exchange. These latter include several of the studio's most highly considered contract starlets, including Martha Hyer, Leigh Snowden and Myrna Hansen, with the always enjoyable Virginia O'Brien attempting a comeback of sorts while restricted to a single scene. The ever efficient Lubin obtains maximum mileage from the dual performance of O'Connor, who stated after the film's completion that he found troubling the larger volume of fan mail received by the mule when compared with his own. Perhaps more telling is the failure of the popular actor to develop his character, a lack made clear by his adroit variant as Slicker. There is also a significant reduction in the use of Francis, and the minimal dialogue given to Chill Wills (his voice) lacks wit and is consequently delivered with scant spirit. Contributing most to the movie's potential appeal are early appearances of subsequently well-known actors, including Paul Burke, David Janssen, Martin Milner and, in his first credited role, Clint Eastwood. Despite the potentially interesting identity crisis involving O'Connor's two roles, it is plain that termination of involvement in the series by the director and star is a move to guard against further erosion of the lead characters' appeal.
Customer Rating:
Summary: Donald Shines Twice in Navy
Comment: Donald O'Connor had wearied of the Francis series by the time he made this film, but it certainly doesn't show -- his acting is as wonderful, fresh, and funny as ever (could his weariness have had something to do, at least in part, with the fact that he missed out on making White Christmas with his friend Bing Crosby because in real life he'd contracted an illness from the mule??). In this installment, Peter is a victim of mistaken identity. When the young second lieutenant tries to rescue Francis from being sold as surplus, he is mistaken for his doppleganger, Slicker Donovan, a Navy war hero, and carted off to sea. Peter and Slicker may look exactly alike, but they couldn't be more different. O'Connor's whole face changes when he plays Slicker, the sophisticated womanizing gob. Seeing O'connor do double duty in this film really gives us a chance to appreciate his acting ability. He may not have enjoyed it, but you will!A great highlight is the mandatory psycho ward scene. Peter has given up trying to convince people he's sane -- now he just goes along with the game with a touch of cynicism, and it's wonderful!
Customer Rating:
Summary: Ahoy There Mate! Pipe me On Board!
Comment: The Grand Puba (that's Mister Puba to You!) loves Francis! These videos really are great if you are in to family fare! Something that you can let the kids watch without fear of comprimising your values. If you liked Mr. Ed - you'll love Francis! Barney? Ppphhorgetaboudit! Get Francis instead!
Customer Rating:
Summary: Of the series, this is Emma's favorite.
Comment: Francis ends up as post-war surplus and the Navy auctions him off. Donald O'Conner as Peter Sterling is Francis' innocent and likeable pal who tries to save him. But enter "Slicker", a notorious, tough womanizer who happens to look exactly like Peter. Slicker's friends (look for a very young Clint Eastwood) and naval commanders get the two mixed up and Peter ends up in a Navy uniform. An old plot (even for 1955) Peter, with the help of Francis, save the day. Emma's favorite scenn is where Slicker, Slicker's sister, and Peter all meet together for the first time. Dad enjoyed seeing some of the young stars (Eastwood, Martin Milner) who went on to bigger things. Emma gives it five stars, but Dad ony give it three.
Customer Rating:
Summary: Of the series, this is Emma's favorite.
Comment: Francis ends up as post-war surplus and the Navy auctions him off. Donald O'Conner as Peter Sterling is Francis' innocent and likeable pal who tries to save him. But enter "Slicker", a notorious, tough womanizer who happens to look exactly like Peter. Slicker's friends (look for a very young Clint Eastwood) and naval commanders get the two mixed up and Peter ends up in a Navy uniform. An old plot (even for 1955) Peter, with the help of Francis, save the day. Emma's favorite scenn is where Slicker, Slicker's sister, and Peter all meet together for the first time. Dad enjoyed seeing some of the young stars (Eastwood, Martin Milner) who went on to bigger things. Emma gives it five stars, but Dad ony give it three.
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