Francis embarked on a journey to Hollywood in the 1940s, driven by an aspiration to establish a career in acting. However, his plans were momentarily sidetracked by the outbreak of World War II, during which he served with distinction in the medical detachment of the 49th Field Artillery Battalion, 7th Infantry Division. Following his military service, Francis resumed his pursuit of acting, albeit with limited success, as he secured minor roles in a few films from the late 1940s to the early 1970s.
In 1959, Francis collaborated with Anthony Cardoza, a skilled welder, to form a creative partnership. Together, they produced three films that showcased their talents: The Beast of Yucca Flats (1961),The Skydivers (1963),and Red Zone Cuba (1966). Francis took on the dual roles of writer and director, while Cardoza handled the production aspects of their joint ventures.
