Acting
A man mixed up in suspicious activity is murdered in the studio of photographer Ilmari Lavio. At the same time a charming woman has entered the studio, but Lavio does not want to report her to the police. The photographer begins to follow the beauty who calls herself Soile Mäntymaa and through her traces a league of spies.
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.
Elias, who is preparing for his wedding, dances drunk with a beggar in front of the church and dies of a heart attack. His fiancée Anna is devastated by grief and on the verge of suicide. In his despair, he experiences a religious awakening, which is supported by Antti, who is in love with Anna, and some of the villagers. The pastor sees the revivalist movement as a threat to himself, the church, and public order.
Timo plays a jealous husband who shoots his wife's lover on stage. The theater director urges the shy young man to gain experience with women and guns before the premiere. Both become familiar when Timo gets caught up in the schemes of his fellow actress Aili and a Russian spy ring.
At the request of author Zacharias, Fredrik begins composing an opera, inspired by a summer walk in Backas, Espoo. He falls in love with Ebba, who sings like a nightingale about a young mermaid on the shore of the lake. Fredrik's infatuation causes a scandal in Helsinki society circles, as he is married.
Olli Suominen fancies his teacher and other shenanigans.
