
The documentary, intended as an election film, covers the key events of Urho Kekkonen's first presidential term. The President of the Republic of Finland makes state visits all over the world and travels frequently in Finland. The President's spouse Sylvi Kekkonen is also featured in the documentary. The President also comes to Tampere in July 1961, when King Olav of Norway visits Finland. President Kekkonen's first term was a time of many crises, but they are not really featured in the film. Instead, the ending is heartwarming: Urho picks a fallen autumn leaf from the ground and hands it to Sylvi.
Directed by Harry Lewing, Orvo Saarikivi, Armas Laurinen, Allan A. Pyykkö, Urho Kekkonen leans on a strong ensemble — Urho Kekkonen, Sylvi Kekkonen — to carry a story that balances spectacle with character.
The film landed with audiences for its craft and performances, and remains one of the most talked-about documentary titles of 1961.
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