Other titles:SHEET-LIGHTNING AROUND BARBARA [Translation]
Summary: Clandestine Nazi activity in an Austrian valley on the eve of the Anschluss.
Description: Story shows the growing conflict between the increasingly violent Militia commandant who is sequestrating the farms of the peasants and the Nazis who are dedicated to preserving the peasant community whose traditional values they extol. Martin Stamme returns home to his farm with his new wife, Barbara, a stranger to the valley. Gradually she establishes her right to be part of the community, overcoming the suspicions of the locals and risking her life for Martin to take illegal pamphlets to the doctor who is defending the peasants' cause. One night at the Stammerhof when the doctor is telling the peasants that the essence of the Volk is in their eternal custody, the farm is raided by the Militia and Martin flees to Germany after shooting a Militiaman. Martin is sentenced to death in absentia but returns and escapes across the mountains with Barbara and their neighbour Toni, who sacrifices his life to save his friends. Simultaneously the doctor and peasants hear the radio announce the formation of a new government which calls on Germany to intervene. Film ends with Austrians welcoming German soldiers and Martin and Barbara returning to the Stammerhof.
Alternative Title:SHEET-LIGHTNING AROUND BARBARA [Translation]
