Suomi-Filmin sotilaspila 1

During the decisive weeks of the Winter War in February-March 1940, Suomi-Filmi produced four War Jokes, cheesy propaganda entertainment, by "those great grins" Tatu Pekkarinen and Matti Jurva. The first War Jokes is from the beginning of February. At the beginning, Jurva sings about the evil eastern direction. "The Iivanas are digging trenches on the Isthmus... Whoever starts with a shovel, ends with a spoon..." The second part is Jurva's bravura. In front of the trench, he performs a foxtrot with a balalaika in a red star cap: "Njet Molotoff, njet Molotoff, you lied more than Bobrikov himself..."

Directed by —, Suomi-Filmin sotilaspila 1 leans on a strong ensemble — Kosti Aaltonen, Matti Jurva — 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 comedy titles of 1940.