One thing that confuses me about the Francis series is why didn't the filmmakers ever try to liven things up? It's literally the same weakass story told over and over with very little change. By this 6th installment the jokes are running thin, but yet, the idea of a talking mule still makes me smile. I legit laughed out loud when Francis started bidding on himself during the auction. The dude (Chill Wills) who does Francis' voice does an excellent job. I honestly wish all of the movies were more about Francis and less about Peter, but whatever. It is what it is.
Quick pace, dumb as hell story, Francis talking shit, Peter being so stupid that I don’t even know how he stays alive, a strong supporting cast (including a lil’ baby Clint Eastwood), a few scenes of Peter hugging Francis (I really enjoy the scenes of them being loving towards each other), vintage cars, zero nudity, vintage clothing and best of all: in the final scene it shows Francis and Peter together. That was sweet.
Overall, FRANCIS IN THE NAVY (or "Francis Join's the Navy" as that one confused newspaper ad below says) is an alright film. Probably one of the better ones of the series, but that isn't saying much since none of them really stand out. That said, I got a few giggles out of this installment.
Part 1 - Francis (1950)
Part 2 - Francis Goes to the Races (1951)
Part 3 - Francis Goes to West Point (1952)
Part 4 - Francis Covers the Big Town (1953)
Part 5 - Francis Joins the WACS (1954)
Part 7 - Francis in the Haunted House (1956)
