Martti Saarikivi

A lone fisherman dreams of mermaids

In the summer of 1941, the Karelian youths Wist and Anttala decide to seek family silver hidden under Wist's home behind the border line of the truce.

Olli, a schoolboy from the Suominen family, accidentally causes two accidents, which he does not dare to confess to his father Väinö. He runs away from home in Helsinki and tries to get to the Savijärvi clearing camp with his friend Jaska. The journey, which began joyfully, turns into a nightmare when the boys, who have run into trouble, have to flee from the law and Olli's lively little sister Pipsa.

Taavetti, the young master of Rantasuo, refuses to give up, even though frost destroys his harvest, a crooked logger steals his forest money, and a dishonest bailiff takes away his freedom. The innocent Taavetti is sent to prison, and the indebted Rantasuo farm is put up for auction. The determined swamp clearer fights for his life, his loved ones, and his land.

Bohemian painter Lasse receives a million-dollar inheritance from his aunt who has moved to Australia, on condition that he finds a permanent job, a spouse, and an heir within a week. To top it all off, Lasse must find the will, which unfortunately disappears inside a framed movie star poster belonging to his roommate Jop.

Olli Suominen goes through the usual troubles of a teenager. After being in the war he is trying to find his place in the society. And the relations with his family is in turmoil. He also finds the sweet life in restaurants more exhilarating than being in the school and reading books for the forthcoming student exams.

Olli Suominen fancies his teacher and other shenanigans.

Pipsa catches the theater bug. The schoolgirl becomes obsessed with acting, which causes suffering for the whole family. Pipsa's brother Olli arranges performances for his sister and collects money for a poor war widow.