Riewer: Hanover Street

The meaning of the word “hero” and all that it embodies has been an underlying theme for countless movies throughout history. Hanover Street is no different. In it, Paul Sellinger tries to prove himself as a brave man to his wife by trying to become a “hero.” He uses the term to describe David Halloran, a man he only knows as his partner in this very risky war crime upon which they are embarking together. When Sellinger proclaims Halloran as a hero, he is likely referring to the fact that he would die for his country seemingly fearlessly. In fact, as a fighter pilot during World War II, he does exactly this on a daily basis.

What Sellinger does not consider, however, is why Halloran is so very brave. According to Pfeiffer, “[Halloran] is courageous only because his loneliness prevents him from having a fear of death” (84). This quote from Pfeiffer seems to embody Halloran’s transformation as a character and his subsequent heroic title at the end of the film. During the film, Halloran even says of himself, “Whatever I did, I did because I was too scared to die.” In Sellinger’s eyes, Halloran perfectly encapsulates what it means to be a hero. A man who will die for his country and exude bravery and fearlessness while doing it. To Sellinger, Halloran becomes the perfect example of what he needs to become to prove to his wife, Margaret, that he is a brave man.

The irony comes through in Halloran’s affair that he maintains throughout the film with the same woman. Margaret does indeed, at least for a time, want a man exactly like Halloran. Although Halloran is not aware of Margaret’s husband’s identity until the final scenes of the film, he still attempts (and, at first, fails) to combat his love for her so that she may live a fulfilled life with her family. However, Halloran’s courageousness falters when he decides to turn back on a mission, claiming something to be wrong with his plane. Audiences can conclude, however, that Halloran is thinking of Margaret and the love that they share when he decides to abort this mission, effectively saving his own life and the affair that they share.
At this point in the film, Halloran does not exhibit the characteristics that Sellinger would describe as heroic. However, the two working together moved both of them into heroic status in the eyes of audiences, but for different reasons. Sellinger becomes a war hero and proves himself to his wife. Halloran’s transformation is a little more complicated. While he is also a war hero throughout the film, his heroic actions in the final scene of the film are those of bravery and selflessness. He proclaims to Margaret, “I love you enough to let you go.” Here, he becomes the greatest hero of the film by selflessly saving Margaret’s marriage and family by doing what he and audiences know is right.