Yrjö Somersalmi

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.

Fisherman Eerik Storm (Wilho Ilmari) is in danger of losing his home and agrees to get money to be piloted by smugglers (Axel Slangus, Uuno Aarto, Sven Relander, Armas Fredman, Berndt Lindahl). When the customs officers (Yrjö Somersalmi, Kosti Hypén, A. Virtanen) surprise the smugglers, a chase and a firefight ensue, in which the customs officers are confronted with water. By trading his life, Erik saves the customs officers. The film ends with an engagement party for Eerik and the pilot's eldest daughter Kirsti (Irja Lindström).