Films Starring Leni Riefenstahl

DER WEISSE RAUSCH (1931)

English title translation: The White Frenzy/Ecstasy or The White Flame

Directed by Arnold Fanck

Seeming more comedic ski flick than a serious entry into the mountain film genre, Der Weisse Rausch placed Riefenstahl with Fanck again. She reports developing at this time the need to develop her own films. This was in no small part due to her emerging independence and perspective as an artist. The arguments between actress and director appeared to seal her drive toward striking out on her own.

Riefenstahl took the money she made from this "rather silly part, really" for White Flame and put it towards her own project, Das Blaue Licht.

The simple story line of White Ecstasy follows young folks on an annual ski run. As Hanns Schneider (co-writer of the film) and Riefenstahl step up their competition on the slopes, so does their love interest for each other grow.

Released in Germany 1931 Weisse Rausch eventually managed a U.S. distribution in 1938. Running time varies widely, with programs indicating a 74 or 94 minute running time, a recent European cinemateque noting 80 minutes, and the German DVD release (2004) at 75 minutes.

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