Born in Texas, she began her acting career on the Broadway stage in the mid-1920s, before moving to Hollywood at the beginning of the sound film era.

Originally cast in films for her song and dance abilities, when musicals began to fall out of favor, she became better known for her tough girl characters.

[2] Her debut film was in a featured role in the Fox's big budget musical of the year, New Movietone Follies of 1930.

[16] Not satisfied with the caliber of work she was getting, Francis attempted to resurrect her Broadway career,[2] returning to New York, where she starred in Satellite, which lasted a single performance in November 1935.

[17] After her failure to re-launch her stage career, she returned to Hollywood, where she starred in two more westerns with Jones in 1937, before retiring.