Minna Canth

Minna Canth's tragic story, based on real events, about the life of a young girl, Anna Liisa. Burdened with heavy guilt, Anna Liisa struggles internally amid pressure from those around her. In the end, the only option left is to face the truth and seek reconciliation.

Maria Toikka is called to testify in a trial in which her husband Ville is charged. The assurances show the events that led to the trial from the previous fall, when Patron Oppman begins to approach Maria, offering her money in return for services.

18-year-old orphan Sylvi is unable to refuse the marriage proposal made by her guardian, Aksel. The young wife is unhappy with her elderly husband and loves her childhood friend Viktoria instead. Sylvi sinks into despair when Aksel refuses to grant her a divorce.

Set in the 1890s, Anna-Liisa and Johannes are young lovers. She agrees to his proposal because she is afraid that her crime will be revealed. Husso, along with her son Miko, threaten to reveal the young bride's past.

Niilo, a son of a rich estate owner, is in love with a poor crofter's adopted daughter Heleena. However, on his father's orders, Niilo instead becomes engaged to Loviisa, 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, who is said to be able to perform miracles.

In the rural landscape of southern Häme, the lost will of the recently deceased Ojala is being sought. In its absence, Olli, the master's nephew, takes possession of the house. The devious Olli tries to win over Anna, the daughter of the Roinila family, who is fond of Mauno, the farmhand.

Anna-Liisa carries a secret. Three years ago she killed the baby she had with Mikko, the old hired hand of Kortesuo. Now she's marrying Johannes, when suddenly Mikko comes back.

The first Finnish full-length feature film and the first film adaptation of Minna Canth’s play of the same name. Orphaned Sylvi is married to her older guardian Aksel Vahli, but is in love with her childhood friend Viktor Hoving. A difficult situation drives Sylv to desperate deeds. A approximately 27-minute version of the film’s surviving scenes, with the most explanatory text, has been reconstructed.