Tuija Töyräs

Parikka, the actor once called the Funniest Man in Finland, and his troupe are about to be executed for the atrocities committed during the Civil War in Finland. Jaeger Lieutenant Nyborg, an admirer of Parikka, suspects a definite miscarriage of justice. He wants to save the actors. The forthcoming visit of the German General von der Goltz to the prison island provides him with a suitable opportunity. Nyborg suggests that the actors prepare a comical performance for the visitor and not be shot. Instead, they will be given a new trial. Preparing a comedy in the horrible circumstances, in the midst of hunger and death, seems quite an overwhelming task. Only a handful of real actors are still alive, the rest of the troupe consists of stagehands. Parikka has to use all his inventive skills to be able to produce something funny.

Matti Hunttala is a businessman who buys, sells, exchanges, and steals—whatever best suits his plans. The men of Hukansalmi municipality do not suspect Hunttala's grand promises. Business representative Koistinen, municipal manager Kiiskinen, and bank manager Ruotsalainen believe they have met someone who can boost the municipality's poor economy and factory projects. Hunttala buys Hukanharju from the municipality for free, promising to build factories there to create jobs for the municipality, but Hunttala sells the ridge to the gravel magnate and flees Hukansalmi himself.