Sprung in den Abgrund review: Harry Piel's goofy mountain stunts are still a blast

If you are looking for a masterpiece, keep walking. But if you want to see a 1930s German daredevil jump off cliffs and look incredibly pleased with himself, Sprung in den Abgrund is actually a blast.

People who love old-school stunt work and cheesy mountain thrillers will have a great time. Anyone who expects clean audio or a plot that makes logical sense will probably turn it off after ten minutes. 😅

The whole thing is basically a vehicle for Harry Piel. He directed it, co-wrote it, and of course, he plays the hero who gets to do all the cool stuff.

He has this energy that reminds me a bit of the frantic pacing in Fearless Dick, where the main goal is just to keep the audience from getting bored. The plot has something to do with stolen secrets and a chase through the Alps, but honestly, who cares?

Cinematic perspective: Exploring the visual vocabulary of Sprung in den Abgrund (1933) through its definitive frames.

The Good Stuff (Mostly the Stunts)

There is this one moment where Piel is dangling from a rope and you can tell he is genuinely terrified but trying to smile for the camera. It’s so much better than modern green screen because the danger feels incredibly real.

The camera just holds on him as he swings. It goes on a bit too long, but it’s hard to look away.

Unlike the quiet, artsy films of the era like The Song of the Soul, this movie wants to make noise. Even when the sound quality gets all fuzzy and crackly, the sheer energy keeps you awake.

And then there is Elga Brink. She spends most of the movie looking beautifully worried while wearing some very heavy coats.

Cinematic perspective: Exploring the visual vocabulary of Sprung in den Abgrund (1933) through its definitive frames.

A Few Odd Details

I noticed a dog in the background of one cabin scene that keeps staring directly at the camera. Nobody seems to have noticed during filming, and it is honestly the best part of that whole sequence. 🐕

Also, the bad guys are incredibly polite. They wait for Piel to finish his little speeches before they try to grab him, which is very nice of them.

It has that same rough-around-the-edges charm you find in Dangerous Crossroads. It’s not perfect, but it’s got soul.

Sometimes the editing is so abrupt it feels like a reel got dropped on the floor and taped back together. But that just adds to the fun, I think.

If you can find a copy of this, grab some popcorn and just enjoy the ride. It’s a goofy, fast-paced relic that doesn't take itself seriously at all.