Turning American

In this video memoir, Gerhard Geyer recalls what it was like growing up in Nazi Germany. Born in 1936, Geyer's childish infatuation with the Hitler Youth league--which only his tender age barred him from joining--all too soon gave way to the harsh reality of aerial bombings, civilian deaths, and the loss of his father in the fighting. The "frightening and exciting" war years were succeeded by the pain of being fatherless, pangs of postwar deprivation and hunger, black market intrigue, and an initial fear of Germany's new conquerors, the American GIs. But with care packages, school lunches, and the Marshall Plan, Geyer--like many Germans--grew to appreciate and trust Americans, and in 1957 emigrated to the U.S., where (after a lonely trial and error period) he attended college and eventually realized the American dream of a good career, home ownership, a happy marriage, kids, and a Florida retirement. Geyer reflects on collective guilt and the Holocaust, and what it means to become an American (although he regretfully recalls how his zeal to assimilate led him to miss quality time with his children), while downplaying his German heritage. Unfortunately, while it offers some valuable tolerance lessons and "feel good" vibes (particularly after the events of 9/11), Turning American also suffers from a lack of organization, and ends abruptly without reaching a satisfying conclusion. Optional. Aud: C, P. (S. Rees)