Nationalism, Compassion and a Star-Spangled Tattoo: Wings

Isn't he just the funniest "German" you've ever seen?

Wings is a story, a film, about World War One, in a time before it was known that there would be a "World War Two". During that perilous time of conflict nationalistic ideologies were on the rise as anti-"blank" sentiments heated up, mostly due to the "monstrosities" each side was perpetuating in their propaganda. The American characters, both main and side, use deragatory terms to refer to the German forces, and steal trophies from their destroyed vehicles. It is in the midst of this hatred that the film's comic relief figure, Herman the German (played by El Brendel), is introduced. While not the focus of the film, it is Herman's personality and actions which help to truly show the positive aspects of what it means to be an American. Being of German descent and having a German name, Herman is looked down upon at best and physically assaulted at worst multiple times for being a percieved "spy" when trying to enter the armed forces. It's only when he can reveal his right bicep, which has a tattoo of the stars and stripes on it, that the others are convinced of his patriotism. Throughout the film he is the target of slapstick humor, constantly being punched and shoved, and in one of the film's more serious moments, gets kicked out of the Air Force. Despite all of this, he always gets back up, ready to take more if needed, and after losing his chance to become a pilot becomes a mechanic instead so that he would still be involved in the aviation program. His determination and "never-give-up" attitude help show the reader the core behind the American spirit, along with his willingless to always help others. In the last scene he is featured in, one of the most dark in the film, he discovers the lost good luck charm, a small teddy bear, that one of the protagonists drops before he goes off to fly. Running as if for his life, he only just barely misses the pilot as he flies off, but makes it in time to hand the teddy bear off to the second protagonist of the film, an item that becomes extremely important later on. His compassion and patience with others is easily seen in his interactions with the rest of the cast, and with his inclusion the film moves from a dreary drama of the horrors of war to having a sun beam of hope as the audience feels the beauty behind the American Dream.

Wings is a film that starts bright and cheerful and ends in sorrow, albeit with a spot of hope, and in this review I wanted to do the opposite. To be truthful, there is no character in this film that I would ever more want to be than Herman the German. Where others might look towards the resourceful and playful Jack, or the rich but humble friend David, or for the ladies the deterministic and stereotype subverting Mary, I see Herman as the best source for inspiration in this film. I wish I could have even a smidge of his patience and good nature as I go about my time here on Earth, and I hope that one day I can help another like he helps everyone he meets.

Image Credit: "El Brendel" obtained via Wikimedia Commons