
In the 1940, Francis headed for Hollywood to start an acting career. His plans were initially interrupted by the Second World War, during which he served in the medical detachment of the 49th Field Artillery Battalion, 7th Infantry Division. He played minor parts in several films from the late 1940s to early 1970s. In 1959, Francis formed a partnership with Anthony Cardoza, a welder by trade, and together they created three films: The Beast of Yucca Flats (1961), The Skydivers (1963) and Red Zone Cuba (1966). Francis wrote and directed the films, while Cardoza handled production duties.

Dragnet
TV • 1951

Sergeant Preston of the Yukon
TV • 1955

Beyond the Valley of the Dolls
MOVIE • 1970

Cimarron
MOVIE • 1960

This Island Earth
MOVIE • 1955

The Lemon Grove Kids Meet the Monsters
MOVIE • 1968

Motorpsycho!
MOVIE • 1965

Mondo Hollywood
MOVIE • 1967

T-Bird Gang
MOVIE • 1959

The Beast of Yucca Flats
MOVIE • 1961

Stakeout on Dope Street
MOVIE • 1958

Red Zone Cuba
MOVIE • 1966

The Thrill Killers
MOVIE • 1964

The Dirtiest Game
MOVIE • 1970

Body Fever
MOVIE • 1969

The Skydivers
MOVIE • 1963

The Jailbreakers
MOVIE • 1960

Last of the American Hoboes
MOVIE • 1967