"The Headquarters"
Päämaja (Högkvarteret)
L'état Major (French title)
Hauptquartier (German title)

Finland 1970 B/W 88 min Filmi-Jatta Oy/Suomi-Filmi Oy

***

War, drama

cast: Joel Rinne (Marshal Mannerheim), Tamara Lund (Mrs. Markovilla), Jussi Jurkka, Leif Wager, Ossi Ahlapuro, Heikki Kinnunen, Matti Kassila, Anssi Mänttäri, Carl-Erik Creutz (radio voice), Veijo Pasanen, Kapo Manto, Matti Pihlaja, Martti Pennanen
credits: dir. Matti Kassila (also script with Risto Juhani, based on a novel by Ilmari Turja), assistant director Anssi Mänttäri, DOP Esko Nevalainen, music Jaakko Salo

A true story about marshal Mannerheim. This war film happends in rooms of the headquarters, but some winds from the battle field appears occasionally. The film seems then very realistic. Only the figure of Mr. Mannerheim seems at times too immortal and high although Joel Rinne is perfect in this role. Also Jussi Jurkka does good work as Mannerheim's friend and companion. Singer Tamara Lund has too wide role for her acting talents, but she sings lovely. The movie is well made, only its old fashioned language disturbs.

TRIVIA: Joel Rinne's last big role on the big screen. Young Heikki Kinnunen in brief role as an soldier!

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