''Linnaisten vihreä kamari'' (''The Green Chamber of Linnais'') is a 1945 Finnish film directed by

Valentin Vaala Valentin Vaala (born Valentin Yakovich Ivanoff, Russian: Валентин Якович Иванов; 13 October 1909 in Helsinki – 21 November 1976 in Helsinki) was a Finnish film director, screenwriter and film editor. His career spanned sever ...

. Mixing elements of horror and romance, it is based on an 1859 novel ''The Green Chamber of the Linnainen Mansion'' (''Linnaisten kartanon viheriä kamari'') by

Zachris Topelius Zachris Topelius (, ; 14 January 181812 March 1898) was a Finnish author, poet, journalist, historian, and rector of the University of Helsinki who wrote novels related to Finnish history. Given name Zacharias is his baptismal name, and this ...

. The film represents the style of pure

escapism Escapism is mental diversion from unpleasant or boring aspects of daily life, typically through activities involving imagination or entertainment. Escapism may be used to occupy one's self away from persistent feelings of depression or gener ...

with its mansion settings filled with romances, wrong identities and centuries-old secrets. It was the most watched Finnish premiere film of 1945 and went on to win three

Jussi Awards The Jussi Awards are Finland's premier film industry prizes, awarded annually to recognize the achievements of directors, actors, and writers. History The first Jussi Awards ceremony was held on 16 November 1944 at the Restaurant Adlon in Hels ...

;

Rauli Tuomi Rauli Rafael Arvid Tuomi (15 July 1919 – 2 February 1949) was a Finnish film and stage actor. Career Tuomi appeared in 23 films since 1938. He won two Jussi Awards for Best Actor; first from the film '' Linnaisten vihreä kamari'' (1945) and t ...

for best actor in a leading role,

Eino Heino Eino Ilmari Heino (22 February 1912 – 10 May 1975) was a Finnish cinematographer. During his career, he received three Jussi Awards, two for feature films ''Linnaisten vihreä kamari'' (1945) and ''Loviisa – Niskavuoren nuori emäntä'' (1947 ...

for best cinematography and

Roy Roy is a masculine given name and a family surname with varied origin. In Anglo-Norman England, the name derived from the Norman ''roy'', meaning "king", while its Old French cognate, ''rey'' or ''roy'' (modern ''roi''), likewise gave rise to ...

for best production design.

Reception

''Linnaisten vihreä kamari'' received mixed reviews. It was noted for achieving to create a genuine historical-romantic atmosphere. Also the acting, cinematography and production design were praised. On the other hand, some critics mentioned that the film failed to modernize the themes of the original novel.

Main cast

as Kaarle Lithau *

Regina Linnanheimo Axa Regina Elisabeth Linnanheimo (until 1924 Leino, since 1948 Regina Mörner, 7 September 1915, Helsinki – 24 January 1995) was a Finnish actress and screenwriter. Her sister Rakel Linnanheimo (1908–2004) was also an actress. Linnanheimo w ...

as Anna Littow * Kaija Rahola as Ringa Littow * Paavo Jännes as Karl Sigismund Littow / Jaakko von Littow *Eine Laine as Winterloo *Reino Valkama as Eusebius Winterloo * Ture Junttu as Spiegelberg *Mailis Vaaja as Adelaide Triste-Ruban *Arvi Tuomi as Holming *Henny Waljus as Justiina *Erkki Kalakari as Rosengreni *Elli Ylimaa as Renata Weder * Arvo Lehesmaa as Weder

References

1945 films 1945 horror films Finnish horror films Finnish black-and-white films {{1940s-horror-film-stub