Blue Light, The

1525. THE BLUE LIGHT (1931 -Germany). With LENI RIEFENSTAHL, MATHIAS WAIMANN. Directed by LENI RIEFENSTAHL. Leni Riefenstahl was a beautiful actress and brilliant filmmaker whose career was forever tainted by her artistic and political union with Adolph Hitler after the Nazis came to power in Germany. Her two best-remembered works are ÒTriumph Of the Will,” a record Of the 1934 Nuremberg Party Convention that is one Of the most potent propaganda films Of all time; and “Olympia,” a documentary record Of the 1936 Olympic Games in Berlin. The Blue Light is Riefenstahl’s first film as director; she is the leading lady as well, and also served as producer, editor and co-author (with the Hungarian film theorist and director BELA BALAZS (whose name is spelled incorrectly in the credits)). It is one Of the last and best Of the “mountain films,” a genre derived from nature, while depicting the trials Of climbers attempting to master mountain peaks. This is an intriguing allegory about a mysterious, mystical woman called Junta. She arrives in a mountain village intent upon scaling the summit Of Mount Cristallo, an especially treacherous peak, where a blue light is known to shine at full moon. The source Of the light is a cave Of crystals, which may be reached by a secret route that is only known to Junta. Tragedy comes when a painter in love with Junta discovers the route. The film is enhanced by some luminous cinematography, and stunning views Of the ice-capped Dolomite Alps, where it was shot on location. Title cards in English. “Silent” film with original organ score, correct projection speed. 53 minutes. ÒSilentÓ Drama