Der Ochsenkrieg (1920)

Berchtesgadener Land, 1420: The obstinacy of the monastery’s bailiff, Someier, leads to a conflict between Berchtesgaden Monastery and the people of Ramsau, while Lampert, the bailiff’s son, and Jula Runotter discover their affection for one another. The dispute flares up over the grazing rights of Runotter’s 17 cows, which graze on the Hängmoos. According to the stubborn bailiff Someier, only oxen and calves belong on that alpine pasture. When Runotter’s alpine hut is burned down, his deaf-mute, crippled brother is killed, and Jula is abused, the peasants rise up. The conflict spreads ever wider until it becomes a full-fledged war. In this war, which began over a trivial matter, everyone involved has no choice but to fight on the side fate has assigned them. Runotter fights against the monastery alongside his daughter Jula, disguised as a man, and the mercenary Malimmes. On the monastery’s side stands the bailiff’s son, whom Jula loves. In the decisive battle, Runotter is able to take revenge on the monastery’s canon, Aschacher, but at the same time saves the provost of the abbey, Pienzenauer, without being recognized—and dies.