Original subtitles

Most of the characters and events in this film are completely real.

Any resemblance to actual living persons is far from incidental.

''And if my nephew Matti Ojanper�, my only relative''--

--''fulfils this condition, let it be my will and testament''--

--''that he become owner o f my company''--

--''Elks & Stripes lnc.''

''l have made this decision''--

--''in full possession o f my senses.''

''Gundula Valley, formerly Laakso.''

Full stop.

Helsinki, Friday, 13th September 19 88.

l've got some good news for you.

--l'm a lawyer. --What's good about that?

--You've been le ft a legacy, a gift. --A mistake. l have no relatives.

But you do, in America. Miss Valley, formerly Laakso.

She emigrated 20 years ago, made a fortune in Finnish motif knitwear.

That old lush! lt was her that taught me to drink when l was 13.

--ls she still alive? --Not much longer.

--What's wrong with her? --A sort o f health shock, she say s.

--She's stopped drinking. --How much do l inherit?

--Have you got it with you? --Of course not. lt's about 1 million.

--But there is one condition. --That l booze up the money?

--lt's a deal! --On the contrary, you must change.

You must have a steady job, a family and a proper home.

And above all: you have to stop drinking.

A wholehearted change o f lifesty le.

Your aunt will visit soon to check if you qualify for the inheritance.

She can go jump into her grave with her money!

l don't need a health shock, it's bad enough already!

As you wish. ln any case, l have to present the will to you.

Who gets the dough if l don't get it?

lf you don't qualify as heir, the money automatically goes--

--to the organization ''Support for The Fallen''.

--Of which l am chairman. --l might reconsider, a fter all.

As you wish. Your aunt arrives in two weeks. l must be o ff now!

THE HONEST AND RELlABLE USED C AR DEALER

A million?!

A million...!

Do you realize what you can do with a million?

You could fill all Lapland with American cars!

You could be my partner.

Do you realize how much a million is? lt's...

--...a lot! --lt is a lot.

A lot o f hassle. And who knows what she's really worth?

lf l know her, the factory must be mortgaged as many times over...

--...as this business o f yours. --You know nothing about business.

Customers... Move aside. -- Welcome! P�ll�nen, director here.

Take a look, see if you find anything o f interest.

Perhaps a V2 or a V8... or some other fantastic machine...

Look around, see what you fancy. l'll be here when you need me.

lt can't be too hard to stop drinking and start a new life.

After all, l managed it. Sometimes it's even fun!

--Like when? --Well, l haven't got that far yet...

lf you want to spend your life drinking rotgut in an alley...do it!

--That's what l want. --But just look at me!

--l'm doing fine, l'm happ y enough. --That happ y l never want to be.

Right, do what you want, bozo! Just one thing:

--Get lost! --Okay, mr Director, l'll go.

But could you lend me...

l get the message.

Let's see now!

Ah, here's the perfect little car for you. Take a look inside...

S ANNA P�LL�NEN SOClAL WORKER

--Hi, darling. Are you finished? --Soon.

Sorry, l won't disturb you.

--Another new car! --l have to test drive my cars.

''The Honest and Reliable Used Car Dealer'', you know.

--Some car expert you are! --l don't have to understand them.

A dealer's job is just to get rid o f them.

Got any cash? We're out o f petrol.

--What's new in the world? --Downhill all the way.

Wars, stupidity, bankruptcies.

--The whole world is bankrupt. --Losers, every last one o f them.

--But they just don't know it. --And we're not going to tell them!

l'm hungry.

Stop zapping with the remote. Turn o ff now, it's bedtime.

Still alive, then? Not that it makes much difference...

l work long hours. Otherwise we wouldn't be able to a fford this.

Exactly. Sometimes l think Matti's wiser than you.

At least he has less debts.

lmagine, Matti's going to throw away a million!

He gets a big inheritance, and then turns it down.

All he has to do is live a respectable life.

Think o f what you can do with a million.

l could open the biggest car dealership in Helsinki--

--and be chairman o f the board.

And you wouldn't need to work any more.

So what's wrong with living a respectable life?

Look at us! Aren't we the happiest people on earth, eh?

Sanna...?

''Now l lay me down to sleep... lf l should die...'' A million!

l've got it!

--What? --We could do with Matti's money.

Sure we could. That's what l've been say ing!

--l've got a plan. --Are you going to kill Matti?

--Great idea. Smart girl! --You idiots!

But we might give him a helping hand...

Matti!

Matti!

Wake up, you bozo.

Last week's. Those truths don' t hold any more.

--Wrong. They've become history. --Come on, get up.

Okay... No more sleep to be had around here!

--l can sue for violation o f privacy! --l need to talk to you.

You're disgusting!

We'd like to invite you to our place.

Well, not me... but Sanna would like to.

--ls she still as pretty? --You keep your dirty paws o ff her!

Alright, l'll come.

Hey, you! Hands o ff the car!

Kari, don't mess with my friends!

--Friends? lt's me that's your friend! --Stop fussing, so we can go.

--They stole my back seat! --Go.

--lt's my turn on the seat. --Oh, shut up.

--Now, this is the life! Or what? --You bet.

Siiri, look. Magic!

--You ought to visit us more o ften. --You ought to visit me more o ften.

--There's more room here. --And our guest room's free.

--You could have a wash every day. --Only dirty people need that.

--Can you do a handstand? --No, but l can still do this...

Greedy bastards! You'd take in a bum for a measly inheritance?

Hardly a measly sum! Have you any idea what living like this costs?

--lt's just for two weeks. --Half each. Then you just booze on.

For old times' sake. You could start painting again!

--Good God! --Kari's right. My painting sucked.

--We had such fun together. --Sure. Then you two got married.

The end. Finito ''vinito''.

We're so awful you can't live here for two weeks for half a million?

After ten years as a derelict, am l to do an about--turn in a week?

--l'll coach you. --Oh, sure!

--l'll coach you. --No, l will.

We will coach you. You live here, we tidy you up, teach you manners.

You'll be so decent that ''auntie'' will pay double to get rid o f you.

Just be like us. Let us be your example!

--Alright. On one condition. --Agreed.

--So what is the condition? --l live here and you at my place.

--No...! --Forget the inheritance, then.

And l run your firm. -- He needs to learn a thing or two.

--A fortnight. l'll visit regularly. --Oh no, you won't.

Are you being serious?

--l don't know... --lt was your idea. Let's go all out.

--''Fifty--fifty.'' --''lt's a deal!''

--No hanky--panky in the bedroom! --You can trust me.

Give me those key s. No cheating!

Don't forget newspapers, the nights are surprisingly cold already!

--So what next? --The course begins.

lf you'll be so kind...

--All today's papers, please. --You really gonna read them all?

l happen to be interested in current events. Will that cover it?

Siiri!

--Siiri! --What is it?

What does Dad drink when he watches TV?

--Warm milk. --He's crazy!

Sanna! A double warm milk, no ice. -- Well l never, puss ycat...

A million...

A million...

--Can you drive me to school? --Sure. ''lt's a deal''.

Matti? Are you any good at ly ing?

No, it's too much hard work. Nothing for lazy people like me.

--So how can you sell used cars? --l'll just be honest.

--Dad say s that doesn't work. --Where there's a will there's a way.

You went through a red light!

''Purchase price: 300, Sale price: 5,000.''

''Purchase price: 500, Sale price: 7,000.''

''Purchase price: free. Sale price: 8,000.''

S ALE F ANTASTlC B ARG AlNS

--New, eh? --Can't l go to the dogs in peace?

Vagrancy is an o ffence. And you seem too decent to live here.

--For God's sake...! --Have you any lD?

Don't you recognize me?

You've been up to no good. l'm taking you in!

But you misunderstand! l'm car dealer Kari P�ll�nen.

Explain at the station. Hurry up. Don't resist an o fficer!

Hands o ff my person!

--The green Mazda there. --What's the price tag?

--13,000. --lt's yours for 1,300.

--Director P�ll�nen. --Here.

Go over there.

--We ran a check. You're free to go. --Thank you.

l knew it had to be a misunderstanding.

--What have you done?! --Sold cars.

Honestly. Check the desk in the o ffice.

Oh, Jesus Christ!

--Nothing. This is peanuts! --But honestly earned.

You cretin... l'm done for, ruined.

The petrol in those cars was worth more than this!

Your future's in my hands, so go eas y now.

Excuse me... ls that grey Ford pick--up outside for sale?

Out! This instant!

Go away! Let people die in peace!

Well, you started it all... Be glad you got rid o f those wrecks!

And now with the inheritance, you can make a fresh start!

Yes...

--Good day. --Good day. Close the door.

--You're well over your credit limit. --But this is the chance o f a lifetime.

--l need money, at any price. --Alright then.

--How much? --20,000.

--For how long? --One... Two weeks.

The interest rate is 10 per cent... per day.

You'll never make a businessman, we'll find you something else.

You need a new sty le. Yanks have two loves: business and culture.

Let's try culture.

''Nowaday s only dandies cultivate an unusual beard.''

''Bald men no longer wear toup�es. Elegance is shown in small details.''

''The same applies to hairsty les and shaving.''

''A gentleman is never unshaven, but shaves at least once a day.''

''Very dark--skinned men should shave again in the evening...''

You'll be so cultivated, she'll have a heart attack.

Don't bother at the back there, what shows is the important thing.

Right.

TAlLOR'S

''For a single--breasted jacket, button only the middle button.''

''With a waistcoat, jacket is open, as is the bottom waistcoat button.''

''lt is also correct to wear the jacket buttoned.''

Quality calls for dignity and posture!

--lmagine l'm your lady partner. --l'm try ing, l promise.

''Cigars are not smoked at table, but over co ffee and brandy.''

''The end must not be bitten o ff, but cut with knife o f cutter.''

A final spurt, now!

Enough?

Sadist!

--Well? --Nothing.

Ready.

Smile for the camera.

Brilliant! A posh frame, and the old cow will really flip.

Lot number 10. What am l o ffered?

--5,000. --l have 5,000...

--Any more o ffers? --8,000.

--10,000. --11,000.

--13,000. --15,000.

--18,000. --18,000, thank you.

--20,000. --l have 20,000.

--Going, going... --30,000.

--Are you mad?! --Culture, brother. Culture!

--A French so ft cheese? --Brie.

--From Normandy? --Camembert.

--Genuine Swiss cheese? --Gruy �re.

A cheese from Northern ltaly?

Emile Zola...

--Gorgonzola. --South o f France. From ewe's milk.

Matured in deep ravines that give a special mould..?

Roque fort.

So let us now concentrate on the oy sters.

No knife and fork, eat them with your fingers.

They look like snot...

--And taste like snot, too. --Never talk with your mouth full!

''This was his first adventure.''

''Therea fter this brave man lived as if he were on another planet.''

--Why do good people alway s win? --You think bad people should win?

There are all kinds o f bad people. Can't they win sometimes?

lf you think like that you'll do well. Sleep now. Forget good and bad.

--ls Dad good or bad? --l don't think he's decided yet.

--What about Matti? --Same goes for him.

D ANGEROUS LlAlSONS

--What did you think o f it? --Uneven performances.

--The ending was loose. --Say exactly that to the old bag.

--And tomorrow it's... --Family shopping for new furniture.

--And l'm coming, too. --Naturally. You're pay ing.

Do you think my aunt would go for your furniture? You talk o f culture!

Okay, okay!

Can you give me a lift to the overpass?

Who are you any way? A bum with a chauffeur? ''Au revoir, monsieur.''

''Bonne noit.''

And here's an English 3--seater model, ''Avec''.

English leather, 3 millimetres thick. Very durable.

lncluding the dining table and chairs, that'll be 49,000.

--Have you gone mad? --l've never liked our furniture.

Here's an interesting detail, a waterproo f telephone.

--Do you realize what this costs? --Culture costs. -- This is great.

We'll take it. The phone, too. He's pay ing!

--Fix it, Kari. --lf you'll come this way...

--l don't have that much on me... --No problem.

We'll set up monthly instalments.

Believe it or not, l'm expecting a legacy o f one million!

A project like this requires a certain amount o f capital.

--Don't you see the mess you're in? --But this is an investment.

--You can't let me down now! --Oh, really?

Okay. But this is the last time. You know the terms. How much?

HELSlNKl STOCK EX CHANGE

--Good day. Ojanper�. --Kempele. You're very punctual.

l can start by presenting our business philosophy...

A hostile takeover! lnteresting. -- P�ll�nen, a 5--iron.

--l assume you know the s y stem. --Of course. Who doesn't?

l've taken it further, developed it into an art form.

l bought Union Bank at 80 / 8 7, and Valmet at 30 / 50--

--just be fore their new issue. So l held the balance o f power.

l sold them a fter a month, at a net pro fit o f 20 %.

--Not bad. --No, but one never tops 30 %.

--And who's satis fied with 30 %? --''Mon Dieu!''

What are you working on right now?

Simple: l hold on to the shares. Finally, l get the whole company.

Understand? Others sell their shares, but l hold on to them.

--How much do you want to invest? --50,000.

50,000?

You know what 50 % o f 50,000 is? Are you satis fied with so little?

--Perhaps 100,000. --Why not... to start with.

Excuse me.

Kempele. Ah, hello!

Not at all, it's all part o f the job.

How much do you want to invest?

--What's with you and that swindler? --Business.

--But he's just full o f lies! --l'll be needing 100,000.

Not from me. You're crazy! l'm the experienced businessman here!

Yeah? What have you achieved? You sell scrapheaps to old ladies!

Without Sanna you couldn't even manage the mortgage!

--Has Sanna told you that? --Plus a lot more.

Oh?! You get your 100,000. After this, never set foot in our house!

And don't come cry ing to me when he cons you out o f the lot!

--What got into him? --Don't know...

Perhaps he had to take a leak.

l'm beginning to think he'll never make anything o f himself.

Don't bet on a number. Choose red or black, that's sa fest.

No more bets.

--Red 3 2. --What did l tell you?

Place your bets, please.

--You've been drinking! --Just one, a pick--me--up.

Squeal to Sanna if you want, see what l care.

What's eating you? You've been so irritable and aggressive lately.

--Just when l began to enjoy this. --That's just it!

You've become quite the dandy nowaday s, haven't you?

--l'll pay you back every penny. --You will. lf you value your health.

But it's not...

--...just a matter o f the money. --What is it, then?

--Why can't l live in my own home? --Because.

--Have a good day at school. --B ye!

Why are you here during working hours?

--What was he doing here? --''Temporary financial problems.''

--''Same here.'' --Anything else? l have to work.

--l just wanted to see you. --That's not allowed, actually.

At least for the time being.

--How are you doing? --Fine.

--The first week's already over. --Sanna...

--l think we should call if all o ff. --What?

lt's not quite working out as we planned.

--l have no complaints. --Exactly! You seem to be thriving!

Don't pretend to be jealous, now. lt's all going as it should.

Oh, not that face. A few more day s and it'll all be over.

And we'll be rich. Just think o f that!

--And Matti has come along so well. --Exactly! A little too well.

Oh, stop it!

l have work to do, go now.

We thought we'd go to the opera tonight, will you drive us?

--I am supposed to coach Matti! -- We are. You don't like opera.

--Enjoy your opera. --P�ll�nen, pick us up ten to twelve.

--Go jump in the... --P�ll�nen! Watch your language!

--There you go. --Thanks.

MlLLlON SWlNDLE -- SECURlTlES SHARK FLEES TO ANDORRA

What do you think o f women?

Women are...

Well, better not said, there are ladies present.

So what do you think o f men? o f their best friends, actually.

Bastards every last one o f them.

You can't even trust your own mother any more.

But why on earth do l bring my Mum into this?

God rest her soul.

Do you know what women want?

You don't? Let me tell you.

Women want to turn the men against each other, so they--

--can buy new furniture, or sleep through an opera. lt's true!

Their men end up sleeping under the overpass.

That's the battle o f the sexes.

And we all end up under the overpass.

And it's under the overpass we all belong, in your eyes.

At least...Matti.

l'm gonna kill that traitor!

The singing too out o f tune for you, ''sir''?

l just needed to visit the gents'.

You're nothing but a damned bum!

--You're drunk! --Shocked, you wife--snatcher?

--What the hell do you mean...? --Don't play innocent with me!

Give me another.

You're so wrong there.

You know l like Sanna, but you've known that all along.

And who stole Sanna from me? Do you recall that, ''sir''?

Guess how that felt.

lt was Sanna's choice. A man has to look a fter his interests.

We've been through all this be fore, don't start it up again!

--Who was it that started? --Me. l'll beat the shit out o f you!

Calm down!

--Want any more? --No. You're out o f your mind!

--Let's have a drink, then. --No, Sanna's waiting.

--You've said l mustn't drink! --Drink, or feel my fists again!

--You'll have to explain to Sanna. --Sure.

Bloody hell! Kari...!

--Miss, two more o f those. --Go away!

--l can't serve you more. --Then l'll help my self!

--Thank you, miss! --You mustn't...!

Matti, come on!

--What the hell's going on here? --l'm innocent.

You've been drinking, you bastard! You promised never to drink again!

--You've ruined the whole thing! --Stop that!

--And you cheered him on?! --lt was too late for that.

--Do we drive him home? --Sure we do. To the beach!

--Get in! --''Get in!''

--Aren't you being cruel now? --He's not allowed indoors drunk.

We agreed on it when Siiri was born. You know what he's like drunk!

He's not a pro... like some o f us.

A memorable evening at the opera.

--l want to drown that memory. --How about me, then?

You've already been drinking, so what does it matter?

Moselwein. German white wine, dry.

3 2:50.

Your aunt would be proud o f you.

--And you? --l don't know...

--This is all so strange, unreal... --Yes.

But it's really fun to see you again a fter such a long time.

lt must be all o f ten years since we were alone together.

--Kari's been sober for 8 years. --And l've been drinking.

--You know what? --What?

l've been faithful to Kari for ten years...

The bastards!

The bastards!

--Oh, God! --Bastards! You've ruined it all.

--Believe me, nothing happened! --Shut up, you whore!

--Nobody calls me a whore. --l can see that...

--What's going on here? --Good question.

lf he wakes up, tell him l never want to see him again.

A million...

--You still here? --l wanted to talk to you.

--What could you have to say to me? --Sanna was right, nothing happened.

You just ''happened'' to be in bed together?

l wanted to, but not Sanna. l was in my p y jamas, you never saw that!

So you never touched Sanna...

--...in that way? --No.

--No! --So nothing happened, then.

That's what l've been try ing to say all along.

A legacy from America... We're rich and doing fine!

The door was open. But l could have climbed in the window...

--Say what you want and be o ff. --Miss Valley arrives tomorrow.

--ls everything alright? --All's well. You can go now.

lf my aunt wants me, l'll be under the overpass. Forget the legacy.

Really..? That's a surprise. Alright, then!

lf you should change your mind, give me a call.

l suspected as much. This mess was all my aunt's intention!

So nothing happened, then...?

Nothing happened, you numskull!

Then we'll show the American hag who gets the last laugh.

--How? --Don't ask. Move!

Hey! Wait up!

We want the money a fter all! Come back tomorrow!

Let me go first. An emergency.

Well, l'll be...!

--Hi! --Please take a seat.

--Name, occupation and address. --Stop it, Sanna!

Don't waste the taxpayers' money on nonsense. Be brie f, please.

Alright.

P�ll�nen, Kari.

Bullfinch Road 8 B, 2.

Occupation: bankrupt car dealer.

Deserted by the whole world... particularly by my wife.

--And what is it you seek here? --Love.

--Help, friends, money. --Nothing else?

--Why did your wife leave you? --Because l'm stupid.

lf women le ft their men just for that, there wouldn't be any couples le ft!

Perhaps she fell in love with someone else...a pretentious jerk.

She might have good reason to! A new broom sweeps clean...

Or perhaps she just doesn't love me any more.

--And how do you feel towards her? --l sometimes feel l don't...

...really know her any more.

We so seldom do things together.

--Has it alway s been that way? --No, but...

l've tried to be a good husband, and that's not alway s so eas y.

Have you ever asked your wife what it is she wants?

No, but she's never really complained, either.

l see.

l can't say what you ought to do.

l'm a nice enough guy, really.

No worse than anyone else.

Just an ordinary person.

--You stink. --That's a good start.

So what did she say?

''You stink.'' Come on...

That's it...

--Must have been a big animal. --There's all sorts around just now.

''A million, million, million roses...''

And remember you're a couple. -- So Matti, Sanna is your fianc�e.

l and Siiri will be waiting outside and come in a fterwards.

Just remember all the fine jargon, all the culture...

...you know, all l've taught you, and nothing can go wrong.

Oh sure! You don't know my aunt.

Five, four, three, two, one...

Here they come! Good luck. l'm out o f here.

Go on!

--Good Lord, what a sight! --Nice to see you, aunt. ''Bonjour!''

--Oh, yes? And what are these? --Well, they're very sturdy...

Auntie dear -- my fianc�e Sanna.

Enough o f the ''Auntie dear'', l'm hardly the endearing type.

--You never mentioned a woman... --lt was all so sudden...

--ls it a shotgun wedding? --No.

--Are you sleeping together? --No!

So idiotic... And what's this?

--That's me. --Considering a career in politics?

Dad, there are some men here!

--What is it you want? --To reclaim unpaid furniture.

--Here's the repo order, all o fficial. --This must be a misunderstanding.

--Can't you wait fifteen minutes? --We're in a hurry!

Fifteen minutes.

Ten!

--No taste whatsoever. --Modern Finns live like this today.

Oh, do they?

Matti!

Your eyes are clear. You really have stopped drinking.

--Was it hard? --Oh, no...

Yes it was! Really hard. ''Tr�s difficile.''

--So what's your line o f work? --l'm a businessman.

First in the car business, and now l concentrate on culture.

He started from scratch. Now he's got no time for golf, even.

--Does he wash himself? --Auntie!

How come you have such nice teeth? At your age l already had dentures.

--He's changed an awful lot. --Yes, he really has!

--And you're waiting for my money? --You bet! Just put it all up front!

--For God's sake, Sanna! --Enough o f this pretence!

Excellent. The first honest words l've heard since l arrived.

--''Mon Dieu.'' --Right. So that's that, then!

Yes, that's that. You really have changed.

--He deserves to get the money. --As everyone is aware...

--the legacy is in fact miss Valley's company in US A, Elks & Stripes lnc.

The company is valued at one million.

From that we deduct the company's debts o f 300,000.

The knitwear market took a blow when the Swedes moved in.

Then there's tax to be deducted, plus my modest fee.

Making the final sum 2 35,000 Marks.

This envelope contains 2 35 1,000--Mark bills. Count it...

--So you really don't sleep together? --No.

So idiotic.

You seem to have accumulated some debts, mr P�ll�nen.

So l have an order to repossess property for 250,000 Marks.

But there's nothing here to take. And the house is mortgaged.

--l'll have to take y ou mr P�ll�nen. --ln here there's...

--...2 35,000. --And outside there's a grey Chevy.

A Ford. lt's a Ford .

A grey Ford. Worth at least 20,000.

So may l now please ask you to leave.

Ah well... l'm hungry.

May l invite you to dinner?

''Madame!''

--''Merde!'' --Stop talking French.

--Culture, my friend, culture! --Now this is the life!

--Know what? l've got an idea... --No...!

We noticed that the ears looked big and we even emphasized them.

ln some shots we made them more apparent.

lt was like Nos feratu, a vampire sneaking home.

The shape o f the head, with matches behind ears.

After Helsinki Napoli All Night Long

Swedens Film lnstitute bought the distribution rights for it.

Willmar Andersson helpt us with the contacts...

... to producers like Klas Olo fsson and Katinka Farag�.

They were interested in supporting our films -

and we made a deal on five movies.

My films were Cha Cha Cha and Paperstar -

and Akis were Leningrad Cowboy s go America, The Match Factory Girl...

...and the one a fter that.

Filminstitutet financed the films with a certain sum.

l didnt have productions ready to be made.

l had my mind elsewhere, but then came this deal.

l started with the scripts, from scratch and the pace was quick.

l had an urge to co-operate with -

Kari V��n�nen and Matti Pellonp��.

l was try ing to conceive a comedy with them in leading roles.

Both o f my favourite actors in the same movie.

They had been in the my movie but hadnt acted together.

The inspiration came from a true story.

V��n�nen and Pellonp�� had been in theatre school at the same time.

Sanna Fransman had dated both o f them.

First with Matti and with ''V�n�'' she started a family.

So there was a triangle that was true in real life.

We asked Sanna to join the cast and she happily accepted.

l dont think there was that much drama, they were all friends.

They all have their own names in the film.

People who know them have noticed that its based on reality.

Not deeply o f course, but the basic idea -

o f a love-triangle was there.

Second important thing was that...

...Matti Pellonp�� was having a hard period in his life.

Hed lost his interest in acting and doing oddjobs like lighting.

He wasnt well phy sically either and going worse.

l thought that something must be done.

He had grown a long moustache to hide his teeth -

which were in bad shape and couldnt even talk properly.

And mouth is quite important for an actor.

He couldnt open his mouth because o f the teeth.

We thought o f a role in which his teeth would be fixed.

We had to straighten-up ''Peltsi''.

lt happens in the movie:

A hobo turns into a model citizen.

We came up with scenes like going to a dentist.

And really fixed his teeth, that was part o f the movie.

Tidied him up, went to manicure, barber, bought clothes...

lt was a comedy from the beginning.

At some moments its almost a farce.

lm a great admiror o f Lubitsch.

So there is lots o f verbal, sophisticated humour.

We were aware o f some scenes almost turning to farce.

We went to New York, where Aki was filming Leningrad Comboy s Go America.

So we had the whole crew and equipment there any way.

We could film this American aunt then without too much expenses.

lf Aki wouldnt have been there, l doubt that we had gone.

So we got to film in real New York.

lt was clear that wed work together with Antti Tikanm�ki.

He composed the music like he normally does:

The music was just about ready when we started filming.

l knew what the main theme would sound like.

Anssi had thought about the themes a lot -

with certain themes for certain characters and situations.

The music was prepared well.

ln the eighties we did films in a frantic pace -

with the same crew that had formed a tight group.

We could start the production quickly.

We started Cha Cha Cha right a fter Helsinki Napoli, -

and then Paper Star. And Aki was making a film, too.

Villealfa Filmproduction was quite pro fessional at that time.

The crew, actors included, was like a family in the 80s -

and in the end even more.

Like Soli Labbart, who had been in The Clan already, and Hannu Lauri.

Juhani Niemel�, Antti Litja, both in small roles...

l had great actors in supporting roles.

l was happ y to have them and they were keen to make the movie.

All this certainly helped in starting the film -

to have actors ready and willing to join the cast.

Siiri Nordins first role was also an important thing.

l dont know if she has been in a movie since.

But now shes a well-known rock singer -

one o f the founders o f the band Killers.

l think she did well. There are theatre people in her family -

and she became very fluently one o f us.

The name o f the film is Cha Cha Cha...

Originally, the Work in progress name was The Legacy.

l knew that we were going to change it.

And we had this part in the film -

in which Matti is trained by Kari -

and hes taken to a dance lesson.

The teacher, Esko Salminen was famous also for his cha cha cha skills.

He accepted the role -

and from then on the film was called Cha Cha Cha.

Translation: Janne Kauppila, Saga Vera