The Rapids-Rider's Brides ( is a 1937 Finnish drama 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 sev ...

, based on the novel '' Koskenlaskijan morsian'' by Väinö Kataja. The film features themes of family feuds, love, and conflicts between log drivers and farmers. Key scenes, including the dramatic log-driving sequences, were filmed at the Mankala Rapids in

Iitti Iitti (; ) is a municipality of Finland. It is located in the province of Southern Finland and is part of the Päijänne Tavastia region. The municipality has a population of () and covers an area of of which is water. The population density ...

, with stunt doubles used for safety.

Plot

Set in the late 19th century in the Torne River Valley, the film depicts tensions between two neighboring families. Paloniemi's patriarch, Heikki, faces financial struggles and decides to arrange a marriage between his son, Juhani, and Hanna, the heir to the prosperous Nuottaniemi estate. However, an earlier accident that caused the death of Nuottaniemi's son creates distrust. Hanna seeks to reconcile the families while navigating her own feelings.

Reception

Upon its television release, critics praised the film's action sequences and director Vaala's ability to use natural symbolism effectively.Arto Pajukallio, Elokuvat, Helsingin Sanomat, 7 June 2011, p. D5Päivän elokuvia, Tv-maailma, 22/2011, p. 17 Known for his comedic works, Vaala successfully transitioned to serious drama, delivering a strong rural narrative. The film's portrayal of religion, especially through the character Kero-Pieti (played by Ossi Elstelä), was particularly noted for its emotional depth.HWR: ''Koskenlaskijan morsian'', Tv-maailma, 4/2013, p. 13

Cast

* Jalmari Rinne — Iisakki, Nuottaniemi's patriarch * Ansa Ikonen — Hanna, heir to Nuottaniemi *

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 ...

— Niilo, Iisakki's son * Eino Jurkka — Heikki, Paloniemi's patriarch *

Tauno Palo Tauno Valdemar Palo (born Tauno Brännäs; 25 October 1908 – 24 May 1982) was a Finnish actor and singer in what some consider the golden age of Cinema of Finland, Finnish cinema. In ''Guide to the Cinema of Sweden and Finland'' Peter von Bagh ...

— Juhani, Heikki's son * Anton Soini — Koskenalusta's patriarch * Kaarlo Kytö — Antti, Koskenalusta's son * Ossi Elstelä — Kero-Pieti, preacher * Vilho Auvinen — Kulku-Matti *

Elli Ylimaa Ellen "Elli" Johanna Ylimaa, née Linnanheimo (1900–1982) was a Finnish stage and film actress.''Hella Wuolijoki kulttuurivaikuttaja: vuosisata Hella Wuolijoen syntymästä''. Jyväskylän yliopisto, 1988. p.191 She was the sister of the actress ...

— Maija, Iisakki's wife

External links

References

Finnish drama films Films based on Finnish novels Finnish black-and-white films Films directed by Valentin Vaala 1937 films 1930s Finnish films {{1930s-drama-film-stub