This series should've ended after the exits of Donald O'Connor, Arthur Lubin and Chill Wills.

That's not to say that this is any worse than what that trio created together though; I'd say 'Francis in the Haunted House' is better than 'Francis Goes to West Point', in fact.

Mickey Rooney is actually a fairly decent replacement for O'Connor, though it never feels right that the other geezer isn't involved; it's his lead spot, for better or worse. No-one else on the cast sticks out - if I had to pick one: James Flavin.

Finally, six follow-ups later: the end of the 'Fr... read the rest.