Gender in Hitlerjunge Quex

In Hitlerjunge Quex, gender becomes another vehicle for the subtle propaganda against the Communists. Overall, the Communists are depicted as chaotic and degenerate, in contrast to the National Socialists, who are depicted as self-restrained and orderly. This contrast is especially noticeable in the ways that femininity is demonstrated by the two parties. For the Communists, Gerda represents everything that would have been perceived as wrong. Gerda flirts with all the boys and she uses her sexuality to lure Heini and the other Hitler Youth, Gunther. She also drinks, smokes cigarettes, and wears pants. The National Socialist feminine ideal is shown by Ulla. Ulla is loyal to her brother Fritz, and to the Hitler Youth. She’s also quiet, sympathetic, a good cook, and wears moderate clothing (and never pants). What is interesting about the movie is the role that Heini’s mother plays. She fits neither Ulla’s nor Gerda’s image, she represents something else. She and her husband represent the German people, the older generation of men and women who suffered the humiliation of the German people at the conclusion of the First World War. She is confused and doesn’t know whether to support the Communists or the National Socialists.