The Golden Calf (1961 film)

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Kultainen vasikka
Directed by Ritva Arvelo
Written byRitva Arvelo
Based on Kultainen vasikka by Maria Jotuni
Produced by Mauno Mäkelä
Cinematography Esko Töyri
Edited by Ossi Skurnik
Music by Osmo Lindeman
Production
company
Release date
  • 24 November 1961 (1961-11-24)(Finland)
Running time
85 minutes
CountryFinland
LanguageFinnish

Kultainen vasikka (The Golden Calf) is a 1961 Finnish comedy film directed by Ritva Arvelo in her only feature film direction. [1] Based on the play of the same name by Maria Jotuni, the film combines elements of comedy and melodrama. Arvelo had previously directed the play in the theater. [2]

Contents

Plot

Set during the time of the First World War in Porvoo, the film follows a group of characters whose lives are driven by greed and the dream of quick wealth. Katariina Ahlroos and her husband, photographer Herman Ahlroos, are an older couple whose daughter, Eedit Honka, is married to Jaakko Honka but aspires for a better life. The younger daughter, Lahja Ahlroos, is an innocent and open-hearted woman infatuated with the shy Karhu. Both Katariina and Eedit value money over their relationships.

Reception

Upon its release, Kultainen vasikka was well received by contemporary critics. Erkka Lehtola of Aamulehti praised the film, noting: "Arvelo’s first film, Kultainen vasikka, pleasantly surprises the viewer." However, some reviewers criticized the theatrical nature of the film, with Matti Savo ( Kansan Uutiset ) calling the attempts to conceal it outdated. [3]

Later evaluations consider the film significant and well-acted, noting its comedic undertone despite its serious themes. The movie has been recognized as one of the highlights of Finnish cinema. [4] The music by Osmo Lindeman, regarded as one of Finland's most original film composers, is noted for its nuanced reflection of the film's events. [5]

Awards

Cast

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References

  1. "Kultainen vasikka". Finna.
  2. Arto Pajukallio, Elokuvat, Helsingin Sanomat 26.10.2010, page D7.
  3. "Press reviews, retrieved 17 February 2014". Elonet.
  4. HWR: Kultainen vasikka, Tv-maailma, 6/2014, page 11.
  5. HWR: Kultainen vasikka, Tv-maailma, 34/2014, page 10.

The Golden Calf at IMDb