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Mr. Winkle Goes to War

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Mr. Winkle Goes to War (1944) starring Edward  G. Robinson

review of an excellent patriotic war movie, Mr. Winkle Goes to War, where Edward G. Robinson gives a truly wonderful performance as the title character

I’ve long been a fan of Edward G. Robinson. He’s been a fixture for gangster movies for many years, such as the villainous Johnny Rocco in Key Largo, one of the villains in The Ten Commandments. But he’s a much more versatile actor than that; and he proves that here in Mr. Winkle Goes to War.

Mr. Winkle Goes to War, starring Edgar G. Robinson

In this movie, Edgar G. Robinson plays the title role. Mr. Winkle’s a quiet bank teller, who hates his job. He longs to work with his hands and produce things of value.  Early in the film, he finally quits his job in order to start a small fix-it shop out of his garage. Its a dream that he’s held for years.  His wife, however, will have none of it, and insists that he return to his job.  And avoid hurting their “image” among their friends. Before the point can be resolved, Mr. Winkle is drafted to serve in World War II.

Although an older man, approximately 40, Mr. Winkle goes to basic training. He is willing to do his part for the Allied effort. But he’s broken-hearted when the Army wants to use him as a bookkeeper again.  Mr. Winkle believes that he can be more useful as a mechanic. He even follows his sergeant into town to plead his case.  Eventually, Mr. Winkle wins his chance to be a mechanic. He successfully completes the tougher training required, and eventually becoming a mechanic.

Back home …

Back home, his wife is having trouble understanding her husband. There are several vignettes of the orphan boy that Mr. Winkle has befriended reading Mr. Winkle’s letters home to his neighborhood friends help to set the stage for the emotional underpinning. And then Mr. Winkle is injured while in the line of duty.

Mr. Winkle Goes to War serves as a patriotic film, but it’s frankly more powerful as a character study.  In addition to the vignettes with the orphan boy, another recurring theme is the song Oh, Genevieve. Mr. Winkle first plays it in his shop, reminding him of his love for his wife. And later again at boot camp.

The only negative thing that I have to say is that, unfortunately Mr. Winkle Goes to War isn’t available on DVD at this time.  I was fortunate to see it being played on Turner Classic Movies, and recommend it.

(Editor’s note: the good news is, Mr. Winkle Goes to War is now available on DVD – enjoy!)

Cast of characters

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