

Movie spotlight
Neljästoista vieras
Anna-Lisa, the daughter of the Sandkulla estate, hires a man she believes to be a vagrant, Mr. Hirninen, as an extra guest for her engagement party. In reality, he is the son of Jussi, the sawmill owner, who falls in love with Anna-Lisa at the party. However, misunderstandings and the manor's financial problems make it difficult for the couple to be together.
Insights
Plot Summary
A group of people gather at a remote manor for the reading of a will. As the lawyer begins to read, a storm isolates them from the outside world. Tensions rise as it becomes apparent that one of the attendees is not who they claim to be, and a dark secret from the past begins to unravel, leading to suspicion and fear among the guests.
Critical Reception
While not widely distributed internationally, "Neljästoista vieras" (The Fourteenth Guest) was a notable domestic production in Finland, appreciated for its atmospheric suspense and solid performances. It's often cited as an example of early Finnish studio filmmaking attempting genre elements.
What Reviewers Say
Praised for its engaging mystery plot and effective use of a confined setting.
Noted for strong performances from the Finnish cast, particularly in building suspense.
Appreciated as an early example of Finnish crime/mystery filmmaking.
Google audience: Audience reception in Finland generally viewed the film positively for its suspenseful narrative and skillful direction within the constraints of early cinema.
Fun Fact
The film is an adaptation of a play by the renowned Finnish playwright Hella Wuolijoki, written under the pseudonym "Juhani Tervapää."
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