"Francis Goes To West Point" -- A Pictorial Synopsis Starring Donald 0'Connor his famous talking mule pal, this is the third of the comedy series which has proved a box-office bonanza. Emphasizing youth in its cast and telling a story placing the mule in a likely and natural setting, it is the best of the series. Featured roles go to young U-I discoveries, Lori Nelson, Alice Kelley, Palmer Lee, William Reynolds. Screenplay is by Oscar Brodney, direction by Arthur Lubin, production by Leonard Goldstein for Universal-International. The story in pictures: Peter establishes another kind of record and soars to the head of his class. Corp. Ransom demands to know how he has done it, and when Peter insists it's the mule, Ransom orders the fresh Plebe to walk punishment in the Academy yard where first year men pay for their sins in shoe leather. September 15, 1952. (Photo by G. K. Austin).