Laugh or Die
Suomen hauskin mies
2018, Film, 103 min, Drama, History, War, Finnish, Finland, MoviePedia score 64
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.
Directed by Heikki Kujanpää
Cast
- Martti Suosalo as Toivo Parikka
- Jani Volanen as Hjalmar Kalm
- Leena Pöysti as Helen Kalm
- Paavo Kinnunen as Alfred Nyborg
- Vesa Vierikko as Johansson
- Jussi Lehtonen as Hannula
- Jussi Nikkilä as Aulis
- Tommi Eronen as Elo
- Panu Vauhkonen as Rautio
- Paleface as Äimälä
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