Life seems very mirthless at the outskirts of Helsinki.A social worker, Helmi Heino, comes to this part of the city, which they call Sin Alley.There she meets all sorts of people, like Sokea-Hanski and Kupletti Fransu.And also a criminal called Jukka Kyrö.Something starts happening between Helmi and Jukka, even though he's married to Aliina, a woman who doesn't talk.He also has a son, Reino, who's on his way of becoming a criminal himself.At the end we're at the courthouse.Laitakaupungin laulu (1948) is an ambitious movie directed by Edvin Laine.It has taken some influences from French cinema.The script was written by Olavi Vesistö and some work was done by Laine's cousin Toivo Kauppinen.Everybody's favorite couple, Ansa Ikonen and Tauno Palo play Helmi and Jukka.Edvin Laine's wife Mirjam Novero does a fantastic job as the wife of Jukka, Aliina Kyrö.Veli-Matti Kaitala is just the right boy to portray Reino Kyrö.Aku Korhonen, the man behind many comedic roles, does memorable work in a dramatic role as Sokea-Hanski.Also brilliant is Trina Taipale as his daughter Raili.Ella Eronen, the lady of many theater roles, does a great movie role as Juudit, Jukkas's jealous lover.Arvo Lehesmaa is terrific as Fransu Byman, who can also be very funny, especially with all those kids.Fine work done by Wilho Ilmari as President of the court.Elna Hellman is great as the marketplace seller, Matilda Kivinen.Ansa Ikonen's husband plays Prosecutor.Uuno Montonen plays Constable Muhonen.Rauha Rentola is Esteri.The part of the doctor is played by Helge Ranin.Tarmo Manni plays Constable Virtanen.Eino Kaipainen narrates the story.Also in this movie are seen Martti Katajisto, Aarne Laine.The movie won two Jussi awards for best supportive actor and actress.Aku Korhonen and Elna Hallman were the winners.The playing of the accordion by Sokea-Hanski sets the atmosphere of this movie.His daughter, Raili, speaks the most bautiful poetry, in which she describes how beautiful everything is.This movie shows us that even in the worst conditions there can be seen some ray of light.
