The Vulture Wally (German: Die Geierwally) is a 1940 German drama film directed by Hans Steinhoff and starring Heidemarie Hatheyer, Sepp Rist and Eduard Köck. It was filmed partly at the Johannisthal Studios in Berlin and featured extensive location shooting in the Tyrol. The film sets were designed by the art directors Hermann Warm and Johann Massias. The film is based on a popular novel, The Vulture Maiden by Wilhelmine von Hillern, which has been adapted for the screens several times.
Synopsis
In the Tyrolean Alps, the headstrong Wally is banished to a remote mountain hut by her father after refusing an arranged marriage to the foreman Vinzenz, choosing instead to remain loyal to her unrequited love for Joseph. Living in isolation with a tamed vulture, she eventually returns as a wealthy heiress following her father's death, only to become consumed by jealousy over Joseph's perceived relationship with a woman named Afra. After Joseph publicly humiliates Wally at a village dance to defend Afra's reputation, a vengeful Wally orders Vinzenz to kill him. However, discovering that Afra is actually Joseph's daughter rather than his lover Wally rescues Joseph just in time for the two to reconcile.