Acting
Wholesaler Paavo Markkanen faces a month in prison for drunk driving. Accustomed to an easy life, he avoids prison by switching places with his doppelgänger, the vagrant Knip, but ends up having to do strenuous physical training in his place. Meanwhile, Markkanen's new housekeeper Kaisa Kankkunen spends her days enjoying herself with her male friends.
Tanja Bulkova arrives in Finland under the name Toini Salonen and, with the help of spy chief Rosenberg, becomes the secretary of engineer Rautavuori and discovers the drawings of a secret invention.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
