If you're looking for a typical Edward G. Robinson movie, you need to rent Mr. Winkle Goes to War. Yes, he got his start as a gangster, but he quickly mellowed into a likable guy always trying to improve himself, and some way or other, life spoils his plans. He just tugs at your heart, and in almost every one of his movies, I find myself opening my arms and wanting to give the television a hug.
Eddie starts the movie as a lowly banker, henpecked by his boss and his wife, who takes a bravery pill and quits his job. Following his true passion, he decides to open up a fix-it shop in his garage with Ted Donaldson, a little orphan boy he's bonded with. His wife, Ruth Warrick is livid, but Ted encourages him to follow his dreams. Then, when he gets drafted, all his dreams are put on hold.
Edward G. Robinson gives a wonderful performance, as usual, in this charming comedy-drama. One of my favorite scenes is when he goes through his physical examination. He thinks he'll be excused from the draft board, so he doesn't really take it seriously, then when he's selected, his face shows how serious the situation really is. This isn't your typical war movie, so if you're looking for one of those, you have hundreds of others to choose from. If you're just looking to "Awww!" your way through an Edward G. Robinson movie, look no further than Mr. Winkle Goes to War.