“Tukkijoella” (Log River – 1928). Films of this genre gave the Finnish cinema and the viewing public one of its most popular characters – the lumberjack (tukkijatka, tukkipoika, tukkilainen) who at his most heroic hour becomes the log-roller or the shooter of rapids (koskenlaskija). The significance of this character in Finnish film is comparable to that of the Cowboy on American cinema. He is the pioneer, the wanderer, the adventurer. He negotiates the frontier, he is an embodiment of the conflict between wilderness and civilization.
The Burglary (1926), a drama film directed by Harry Roeck Hansen, is based on a play by Minna Canth. Niilo (portrayed by actor Joel Rinne), a son of a rich estate owner, is in love with a poor crofter’s adopted daughter Heleena (Kaisa Leppänen). However, on his father’s (Emil Lindh) orders, Niilo instead becomes engaged to Loviisa (Ester Roeck Hansen), a daughter of a wealthy landowner. When Niilo wants to call off the engagement, his proud and rejected bride begins to interfere with the lovers’ relationship with the help of Penttula (Yrjö Somersalmi), who is said to be able to perform miracles.
The story, set in the 19th century, revolves around the hot-blooded Jussi, a young farmer, and his friend Antti and their brushes with the local nimismies (sheriff) and the häjyt (badmen). The film, shot on location on the plains of Ostrobothnia, conveys a good sense of its unique landscape. Both Järviluoma and the director, Jalmari Lahdensuo were from Ostrobothnia and the film successfully expresses a feeling of the true spirit of the province.
Anna-Liisa carries a secret. Three years ago she killed the baby she had with Mikko, the old hired hand of Kortesuo (Einar Rinne). Now she's marrying Johannes (Emil Autere), when suddenly Mikko comes back.
