All talking mules apply here

If you were a kid growing up in the 1950s, you know all about Francis the Talking Mule . Starring Donald O’Connor – best known for “Singin’ in the Rain” – and boasting the voice of Chill Wills , the original six Francis movies began in 1950 with “Francis.” The series ended in 1956 with “Francis in the Haunted House” (a minor attempt at a sequel missing all the established stars).

A caller named Jody wanted to know how to get hold of any or all of the films. A quick look at the Internet Movie Database led me to Amazon.com , which told me all I needed to know. There are several VHS copies still available, and Universal Studios has at least one DVD out that includes “Francis,” “Francis Goes to the Races” (1951), “Francis Covers the Big Town” (1953) and “Francis Goes to West Point” (1955).