Eastern Finland in 18th century. Farmer Juha has raised an orphan girl Marja and married her. Karelian trader Shemeikka visits the farm and starts to make advances to young and beautiful Marja, tempting her to run away with him.
A couple move to an isolated house where – according to local legend – an ancient curse is rumoured to assail its inhabitants. Based on the novel by Väino Kataja (1914).
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.
