Humor is a matter of death
Parikka, the actor once called the Funniest Man in Finland, and his troupe are about to be executed for the atrocities committed during the Civil War in Finland. Jaeger Lieutenant Nyborg, an admirer of Parikka, suspects a definite miscarriage of justice. He wants to save the actors. The forthcoming visit of the German General von der Goltz to the prison island provides him with a suitable opportunity. Nyborg suggests that the actors prepare a comical performance for the visitor and not be shot. Instead, they will be given a new trial. Preparing a comedy in the horrible circumstances, in the midst of hunger and death, seems quite an overwhelming task. Only a handful of real actors are still alive, the rest of the troupe consists of stagehands. Parikka has to use all his inventive skills to be able to produce something funny.
Timo Hietala
Original Music Composer
Heikki Färm
Director of Photography
Klaus Heydemann
Producer
Mikko Reitala
Writer
Heikki Kujanpää
Director
Heikki Kujanpää
Writer
Martti Suosalo
Toivo Parikka
Jani Volanen
Hjalmar Kalm
Leena Pöysti
Helen Kalm
Paavo Kinnunen
Alfred Nyborg
Vesa Vierikko
Johansson
Jussi Nikkilä
Aulis
Tommi Eronen
Elo
Panu Vauhkonen
Rautio
Paleface
Äimälä
Rüdiger Klink
Von Der Goltz
Anton Kettunen
German soldier
Marko Pesonen
Prisoner cook
