For some reason, I used to really like this film. I can't have been more than 6 or 7 years old when I first saw it, and I still have fond memories of it.. It's based on Hella Wuolijoki's play titled 'Justiina'
Young Tauno Palo playing Robert Harmelius and young Regina Linnanheimo playing Justiina the maid, have a brief passionate affair in Harmaalahti, which happens to be an estate owned by Robert's uncle. Their happiness is short-lived as Robert's uncle sends him back to town and when he learns that Justiina is pregnant, he drives the girl away as well. However, the uncle lets Justiina return to the estate as a maid after her child is born. Justiina raises her son Olavi by herself.
Many years later Robert returns. He is a lawyer now, and he has also changed his name to Harmaalahti - to make it sound more Finnish. However, Robert also has a wife and daughter. Robert has to face the fact that he is the father of Justiina's son Olavi and that he still loves Justiina.
This film is Finnish melodrama at its best. Tragic characters, desperate deeds, tears and suffering. Recommended, this film is crying for a DVD-release.
