Der Grosse Sprung (aka The Great Leap) (1927)

Set in the mountains of Northeast Italy, a young girl (Leni Riefenstahl) is courted by two men: a visitor (Hans Schneeberger) from Berlin and a local mountain climber (Luis Trenker). Directed by Arnold Fanck (THE HOLY MOUNTAIN), who was noted for his "mountain" films. This romantic comedy is a treat. It's a bit overlong for something so slight but the stunning (and I don't use that word lightly) cinematography is awesome as is the stunt work. Visually, this is a remarkable example of silent cinema and Fanck's technique (he also edited the film) feels so fresh that he puts many a contemporary film maker to shame. I've always found the term "German comedy" an oxymoron of sorts but this one is genuinely amusing. The pace is quick, the sight gags jocular but it always comes back to the images which would justify the film's existence even if it were a mediocre film. With Paul Graetz and a scene stealing goat (she even skis!).