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Poster for Francis Goes to the Races

Francis Goes to the Races

Seen it?

1951 | 88 min | Comedy, Family, Fantasy

Monday Morning Maybeearly rating

Why it’s a Monday Morning Maybe

With almost no lasting buzz and soft box office, this one could be a tough watch. Keep your phone handy.

Based on critics, audiences, awards, box office and buzz. Details below.

Is it for you?

Who'll love it
Best for anyone who loves an underdog and anyone who's ever talked to their pet. The sport matters, but the people playing it matter more. Fans of My Little Pony: A New Generation or Madagascar 3: Europe's Most Wanted should feel right at home. An animal steals a fair few scenes.
The mood
Light and funny, feel-good.
The pace
Lively and easy to follow, at 1 hr 28 min. Short enough for a weeknight.
What might put you off
  • Made in 1951: an older pace and style.
  • Not the pick if you want something heavy or meaningful.

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.

How it earned its rating

  • CriticsNot counted

    Not enough reviews on record yet

  • AudiencesNot counted

    Not measured yet: not enough ratings

  • AwardsNot counted

    No major awards or nominations

  • Reach & staying powerBelow par

    Streaming release that reached a small audience so far; still draws a steady audience long after release

  • Buzz & cultural impactWeak

    About 4K people sought it out in the past year

Trailer

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Cast & crew

Directed by Arthur Lubin

  • Donald O'ConnorPeter Stirling
  • Piper LaurieFrances Travers
  • Cecil KellawayColonel Travers
  • Jesse WhiteFrank Damer
  • Barry KelleyRoy Square Deal Mallory
  • Hayden RorkeRogers
  • Vaughn TaylorChief Inspector Carrington
  • Larry KeatingHead Steward
  • Chill WillsFrancis (voice) (uncredited)