Courage Mountain facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Courage Mountain |
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Theatrical Release Poster
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| Directed by | Christopher Leitch |
| Produced by | Stephen Ujlaki |
| Written by |
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| Starring |
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| Music by | Sylvester Levay |
| Cinematography | Jacques Steyn |
| Editing by | Martin Walsh |
| Distributed by | Triumph Films |
| Release date(s) | February 16, 1990 (US) |
| Running time | 99 minutes |
| Country |
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| Language | English |
| Money made | $1.4 million (US) |
Courage Mountain is an adventure and drama movie from 1990. It is also known as Courage Mountain: Heidi's New Adventure. This film is a sequel to the famous 1881 book Heidi by Johanna Spyri.
The movie was directed by Christopher Leitch. It stars actors like Charlie Sheen, Leslie Caron, Juliette Caton, and Jan Rubeš. The story takes place during the start of World War I. In this film, Heidi is a teenager, even though she was a young child in the original book.
What is Courage Mountain About?
The story begins in 1915, during World War I. Heidi, now fifteen years old, lives happily with her grandfather in the Swiss Alps. She gets an invitation from Madame Jane Hillary. Madame Hillary is the headmistress of Brookings School for Girls in Italy.
Heidi has money to go to the school. She received it from her friend Klara's grandmother. Her grandfather wants Heidi to have this chance. He hopes she will learn to take care of herself in the future. Heidi is not sure at first. But then she learns that her friend Peter has joined the army. So, she decides to accept the invitation.
At first, Heidi finds it hard to fit in at the school. She often has problems with Ursula, a more sophisticated classmate. Heidi's only friend is Ilsa. Ilsa often helps Heidi when Ursula and her friends are mean. Madame Hillary is also very kind and supportive. She understands Heidi because she also came from a simple background.
One day, Italian soldiers arrive at the school. They have a letter from the Governor. The soldiers take over the school building for military use. All the girls go home with their families. But four girls are left: Heidi, Ursula, Ilsa, and Gudrun. Madame Hillary wants to care for them.
However, Signor Bonelli, who runs a cruel orphanage in town, claims the girls. He has the Governor's support, so Madame Hillary must give them up. The four girls find the orphanage is a terrible place. It is run-down and forces children to work hard. Heidi wants to escape. Ursula, though, believes Madame Hillary will come for them.
Madame Hillary tries to get the girls back, but Bonelli stops her. Heidi then learns from another orphan, Clarissa, that they can escape through a drain. The four girls from Brookings, along with Clarissa and another orphan named Giovanni, escape. They hitch a ride on a cart to the countryside.
Signor Bonelli chases after them and catches Giovanni. The five girls run through the forest. They head for the mountains to cross into Switzerland. They briefly see soldiers riding horses. Madame Hillary hears about the girls from the soldiers. She knows Heidi will lead them to her grandfather. So, she decides to go to the Alps herself.
Heidi's grandfather learns about the girls from Peter. He asks Peter to find them and help them cross safely. The girls travel through the mountains. Peter finds them and brings them food. He leaves the next morning to get a sled. While he is gone, Signor Bonelli catches up to them. He plans to make it look like an accident. He wants the girls to fall off the mountain to keep his secrets safe.
Heidi calls for Peter. He arrives just in time to save them. Signor Bonelli struggles with Peter and falls off the mountain. The group finally crosses the mountains. Heidi is reunited with her grandfather. The Brookings girls are reunited with Madame Hillary. Grandfather, Hillary, Peter, and all the girls share a Christmas dinner. Clarissa is adopted by Grandfather. Signor Bonelli's orphanage is closed. The war is still going on. Peter says he must leave, but he promises Heidi he will return.
Who are the Characters?
- Juliette Caton as Heidi
- Joanna Clarke as Ursula
- Nicola Stapleton as Ilsa
- Jade Magri as Clarissa
- Kathryn Ludlow as Gudrun
- Charlie Sheen as Peter
- Jan Rubeš as Grandfather
- Leslie Caron as Jane Hillary
- Yorgo Voyagis as Signor Bonelli
- Laura Betti as Signora Bonelli
Where Can You Watch It?
The movie Courage Mountain was released on VHS in July 1990 by RCA/Columbia. Later, Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer released it on DVD.
