Francis Goes to the Races

1/5/1951 1h 28m 6.5/10

Overview

In this funny sequel to the popular Francis the Talking Mule, the talkative Mule and his pal Peter get a job working on a horse-breeder's ranch. They end up saving it from financial ruin when Francis, who has the inside track with the racehorses, provides Peter with names of the winners before the races are run. Sure enough Peter finds himself with a fistful of cash and uses it to buy a racehorse for the farm. Unfortunately, the horse he chooses is suffering from a debilitating lack of confidence. When not dealing with the mare, Peter finds time to court the horse breeder's niece and trying to avoid the gangsters who want in on the winnings.

Director

Arthur Lubin

Top Billed Cast

Piper Laurie

Frances Travers

Jesse White

Frank Damer

Hayden Rorke

Rogers

Donald O'Connor

Peter Stirling

Cecil Kellaway

Colonel Travers

Barry Kelley

Roy Square Deal Mallory

Reviews

r96sk

1/3/2022

6/10

The one where Francis does the <a href="https://knowyourmeme.com/memes/bottle-cap-challenge">Bottle Cap Challenge</a>. Take that, Statham! <em>'Francis Goes to the Races'</em>, while still a lacklustre and repetitive affair, surprisingly manages to improve upon the poor original. The main reason for that is the fact that the racing setting actually fits much better with the silliness of a talking mule, as opposed to the setting of war as seen before. Donald O'Connor continues the make the films more bearable than they'd otherwise be. Elsewhere, Chill Wills, Piper Laurie, Cecil Kellaway and Jesse White are all alright. It's a tough sell for the cast these films, so I respect their commitment to be fair! There's another to come, just don't tell <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H6-IQAdFU3w">Brenda from Bristol</a>!