Courage Mountain

In 1915, Heidi receives an invitation from Madame Hillary to join the Brookings School for Girls in Italy. She has just inherited money, which makes the journey possible, and her grandfather urges her to seize the opportunity. She agrees to leave after learning that her sweetheart Peter has joined the army.

Heidi faces a rough adjustment to modern life at the Italian school and clashes with her more sophisticated classmate Ursula. Her only steadfast ally is Ilsa, who defends her against bullying. Madame Hillary offers kindness and support to Heidi who comes from a modest background.

Italian troops arrive with a governor's letter and commandeer the school as a military post. All the girls are fetched by their families except four: Heidi, Ursula, Ilsa and Gudrun. Hillary prepares to care for them, but Signor Bonelli has the support of the Governor and claims the girls.

The four Brookings girls are handed over to a rundown orphanage run by Signor Bonelli, where conditions are harsh and labor is forced. Hillary's efforts to retrieve them are blocked by Bonelli's influence and the Governor's support. Heidi's friends are left to endure a grim living situation.

An orphan named Clarissa reveals a possible escape route through a drain beneath the orphanage. Heidi realizes the possibility of freedom for herself and the other girls if they can slip away unseen. The plan gains urgency as Bonelli closes in on their whereabouts.

The Brookings girls, along with Clarissa and Giovanni, escape the orphanage and head into the countryside. They hitch a ride on a cart to put distance between themselves and Bonelli. Bonelli pursues them through the town as the escape unfolds.

Signor Bonelli chases the escapees and catches Giovanni, while the others push on through the forest toward the mountains. Soldiers on horseback briefly cross their path, underscoring the war's reach. Heidi keeps moving toward the Swiss border and safety with her grandfather's help in mind.

Hillary learns of the girls' sighting from soldiers and heads toward the Alps to assist their crossing. Grandfather, informed through Peter, sends him to guide the girls across the dangerous mountains. Peter serves as protector and courier during the perilous journey.

Peter brings a sled and arrives in time to rescue the girls when Bonelli closes in. The confrontation on the mountainside leads to Bonelli's death as he struggles with Peter. The group continues toward safety with the danger behind them.

The group crosses into Switzerland and is finally reunited with Grandfather and Hillary. Their resilience and teamwork carry them to safety and to the family they left behind. The emotional moment marks a new chapter despite the ongoing war.

Back together, they share a Christmas dinner with Grandfather, Hillary, Peter, and the Brookings girls. Clarissa is to be adopted by Grandfather, bringing a sense of closure for the rescued group. The war looms in the distance, but hope remains in their restored family.

Peter declares he must leave to return to duty, but he promises to come back to Heidi. The ongoing war casts a shadow, yet their bond remains hopeful. The film closes with the promise of reunion despite the conflict ahead.