The Silent Mountain

The story begins in May 1915 in South Tyrol where Anderl Gruber attends the wedding of his sister Elisabeth (Lisl) with Italian Angelo Calzolari. During the celebration, Anderl meets Francesca, Angelo's sister, with whom he instantly falls in love. The day is marked by a celebration of love and impending conflict just as Italy declares war on Austria-Hungary.

On the same day as the wedding, Italy declares war, leading to immediate tensions between Austrians and Italians. This declaration triggers the escalation of the conflict that divides the village and mobilizes the young men into their respective armies. The atmosphere shifts from celebration to conflict within moments.

With the expulsion of Italians from the village, Francesca is forced to hide her Italian identity to avoid persecution. Fritz Weinberger, a local teacher with strong anti-Italian sentiments, exploits her situation and offers protection in exchange for sexual favors. Francesca faces moral dilemmas amidst wartime fears.

An Austro-Hungarian Army platoon occupying nearby mountains successfully tricks Italian forces into retreating by using deception and strategic positioning. Later, German Alpenkorps units reinforce their hold on the mountain, bolstering the Austrian defense against the Italian offensive.

Anderl is wounded in a massive battle between Austrian and Italian forces and ends up in the hotel Gruber, which has been transformed into a field hospital. His injury marks a crucial moment in his experience of war and sets the stage for his emotional struggles related to love, loyalty, and survival.

Upon discovering Francesca's affair with Fritz Weinberger, Anderl returns to the frontlines filled with rage. In a display of fierce determination, he single-handedly repels a massive Italian attack, showcasing his resilience and the personal toll of war on his character.

The Italian commander Nicola Quinziato orders Angelo to dig a tunnel beneath the Austrian positions with plans to launch an offensive through it or detonate explosives to destroy the mountain and the Austrian troops. Angelo, with his engineering skills, becomes integral to Italy's secret military strategy.

Angelo's involvement in the tunnel plans is uncovered by the Austrians after he reveals Italian strategies. He is captured and swiftly executed by Austrian troops in front of Elisabeth, highlighting the personal sacrifices and brutal realities of wartime espionage and betrayal.

Anderl secretly helps Angelo return to their village after his capture, showing his loyalty and love amid chaos. Angelo’s return is short-lived as his identity is soon discovered, resulting in further tragic consequences for him and the village.

The Austrian troops execute Angelo for his part in the Italian plans, and Elisabeth witnesses his death. This event marks a tragic climax in the story, underscoring the personal losses inflicted by the war and the harshness of wartime justice.

In the aftermath, Anderl searches for Francesca, forgives her, and leads her away from the village to the mountains. Their escape symbolizes hope and love amid the devastation caused by war, as they seek refuge away from the conflict.

Arriving near the Austrian positions, Anderl and Francesca witness an explosion that detonates the mountain, destroying the Austrian stronghold. The event signifies the climax of their struggle, bringing a sense of relief and the end of the military threat on that mountain.

After the explosion, Anderl and Francesca leave the war-torn valley, heading away from conflict. Anderl often reflects on the mountain without soldiers, symbolizing the enduring memory of peace and the personal scars left by the war, as they seek a new beginning.