A biographical film about Finnish singer J. Alfred Tanner and his path through a failed career as a construction master to become a highly successful couplet singer - the "king of couplets".
Set in turn of the century Helsinki, author Arvo Helavalla's novel makes an indelible impression on adolescent Auli Ranta. She idolizes the author of a work that can never be forgotten.
Once a naïve, love-struck girl now forsaken by her lover, Maija leaves her island home to work as a housemaid in the city, only to be seduced by her employer's son Erkki, then forced to leave the household in order to avoid the scandal of a pregnancy. With few prospects for a decent job, Maija is...
Pastor Samuel Bro has lost his faith in God. He is in conflict with the Church Council and is rejected from his priesthood. He moves away to a different life.
Irmeli worships the memory of her deceased composer father, but falls in love with her mother Ruuti's new fiancé, Dr. Hallamaa. Unhappy love depresses Irmeli, and she tries to run away to Sweden. Antti, an engineering student who lives as a tenant in the family's home, sets off after Irmeli to...
Joonas, a perpetual student living in a small town and working odd jobs, wants to spend May Day in Helsinki with his classmates from 30 years ago. His old friends are successful, but they have grown apart and are unhappy. Joonas helps them rediscover friendship and the joy of living.