Laugh or Die

Humor is a matter of death

Parikka, the actor once called the Funniest Man in Finland, and his troupe are about to be executed for the atrocities committed during the Civil War in Finland. Jaeger Lieutenant Nyborg, an admirer of Parikka, suspects a definite miscarriage of justice. He wants to save the actors. The forthcoming visit of the German General von der Goltz to the prison island provides him with a suitable opportunity. Nyborg suggests that the actors prepare a comical performance for the visitor and not be shot. Instead, they will be given a new trial. Preparing a comedy in the horrible circumstances, in the midst of hunger and death, seems quite an overwhelming task. Only a handful of real actors are still alive, the rest of the troupe consists of stagehands. Parikka has to use all his inventive skills to be able to produce something funny.

Cast

Martti Suosalo

Toivo Parikka

Jani Volanen

Hjalmar Kalm

Leena Pöysti

Helen Kalm

Paavo Kinnunen

Alfred Nyborg

Vesa Vierikko

Johansson

Jussi Nikkilä

Aulis

Tommi Eronen

Elo

Panu Vauhkonen

Rautio

Paleface

Äimälä

Rüdiger Klink

Von Der Goltz

Anton Kettunen

German soldier

Marko Pesonen

Prisoner cook