Kalle Järvinen is a clerk of a small office who's a big fan of Napoleon.Suddenly he's the Minister of War.Elina Karpio, the State Minister's daughter, becomes his secretary, teaching him everything he needs to know, like about girls.The little man with moustache would rather be anywhere else, at first, but then the power gets to his head.He starts playing the battle of Waterloo with tin soldiers and changes his hairstyle to look more like Napoleon's.He also starts maneuvers with men.But then he becomes scared and runs off.He finds him self in military court.Herra Sotaministeri (1957) is a satire directed by Aarne Tarkas.Pentti Siimes, who turned 80 this year, makes the character of Kalle Järvinen most tragicomic.He's a little man, who hasn't had any experience with women earlier.He has just lived his life with Napoleon fantasies.Heidi Krohn, who turned 75 this year, is fantastic as Elina Karpio.Elina Salo is wonderful as Leena Autio.Tarmo Manni is quite funny as the military type, Colonel von und zu Eisenbahn.Hillevi Lagerstam gives a terrific performance as War Minister's Maid.Arvo Lehesmaa is great as State Minister Unto Karpio.Uljas Kandolin plays Porter at the Ministry of War.Juhani Kumpulainen is Aapeli Kokko.Kaarlo Halttunen plays Anselmi Järvinen and Tyyne Haarla Mrs. Järvinen.Heimo Lepistö is Pentti Terva.Leo Riuttu portrays Prosecutor.Mai-Brit Heljo is Woman at the party.Helge Herala is American ambassador.Pentti Irjala plays Abel Kanerva.Eino Kaipainen is Judge.Arvo Kuusla plays Japanese ambassador.Irja Kuusla is Irja Jauro and Matti Kuusla is Soldier.Leo Lastumäki is seen as Officer.Åke Lindman, who passed away this year, plays German ambassador.Veikko Linna plays Minister.Mikko Niskanen is Messenger.Matti Oravisto is Bodyguard.Pertti Palo portrays Avustaja.Pentti Viljanen plays Esko Leskelä and Kaarlo Wilska Host.This movie does a great job laughing at all those politicians.It is most hilarious in many parts.It's awfully funny when Kalle's parents arrive, and his mother brings him something to eat.And when he meets all those foreign ambassadors saying the first things of their language that comes to mind.And when Kalle supports every proposition those politicians have, so they raise their hands to every proposition of his.This movie reminds me of some Charles Chaplin movies from time to time.At some points our hero is like The Great Dictator when running his army.He also makes a speech in the end, at the courthouse.And then he walks off with a girl by his side, like Chaplin often did in his silent films.The movie's ending was supposed to be different.There would have been the great Masa Niemi becoming the new Minister of War.I would have liked to see that.Nevertheless, this is a very fine satire and Pentti Siimes is excellent.
