The Glass Mountain

A couple discovers an idyllic riverside cottage they cannot afford, and they marry. Years pass in their quiet life as the shadow of war looms. When the Second World War begins, their plans are interrupted.

Richard Wilder, a struggling composer and RAF observer, is shot down over the Italian Dolomites. He is found unconscious by Alida, who then nurses him back to health.

Alida shares the local legend of the Glass Mountain, where a ghost allegedly leads a faithless lover to his doom. She explains that if you call the name of the person you love, an echo will answer.

When the war ends, Richard returns to England to his wife Anne. He begins composing an opera based on the legend of Dolomite, a project that haunts his imagination.

On Anne's birthday, Richard sees a photograph of Alida and learns she has come to London to receive an honor. He tries to contact her, but discovers she has already left the country.

Richard confesses to Anne that he loves Alida, straining their marriage. Anne senses the rift and the future seems uncertain.

Richard travels back to Italy alone to be with Alida. The local Gino, who loves Alida, begs Richard to leave; when he refuses, a tense confrontation ensues.

The Teatro La Fenice seeks an opera for its festival. Richard's unfinished work is considered, and Bruce McLeod is brought in as lyricist. Bruce urges caution and tries to persuade Alida that it may be best if she and Richard part for the sake of the work.

Anne travels with her friend Charles to Venice to attend the premiere of Richard's opera La Montagna di Cristallo. On the journey, they pass near the real Glass Mountain and crash on the mountainside.

Richard conducts the premiere and receives a standing ovation as the audience is moved by the story of lovers and a perilous ascent. The music and staging mirror the legend and Richard's own turmoil.

After the ovation, Alida tells Richard that Anne has been injured, forcing him to confront whether the muse or the wife must come first. The mythical and modern tales begin to collide within him.

Richard appears to have chosen Anne and bids farewell to Alida. He hurries toward the mountain with Gino guiding him, hoping to reach the rescue party and save his wife.

A doctor confirms Anne is badly injured but expected to recover. Richard, realizing life would be meaningless without her, clings to the hope of reconciliation and the weight of love over art.