

Laugh or Die
"Humor is a matter of death"
Overview
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.
Movie Details
Budget
$1.9M
$1,900,000
Languages
Finnish
+1 more
Studio
Ljudbang
+1 more
Key Crew
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
Jussi Lehtonen
Hannula
Marcus Hägg
Ramcke
Sökö Kaukoranta
Siikander
Eero Herranen
Lyhytkasvuinen vanki
Sami Ristiniemi
Luutnantti Winge
Mikko Reitala
Pastori
Jarmo Kääriäinen
Svinhufvud
Jari Lippo
Majuri Juvelius














