Reviens, Gabriel

A man who calls himself Gabriel Vihervuori, makes two middle aged sisters fall for him.But all he's interested in is the money they have.The similarities between Gabriel and Ruben Oskar Auervaara aren't purely coincidental.Gabriel, Tule Takaisin (1951) is directed by Valentin Vaala.It's based on Mika Waltari's play from 1945.I read it just before seeing this movie.They had made a few changes from the play, added a couple of characters.Tarmo Manni is the right guy to play Gabriel.Emma Väänänen and Salli Karuna are wonderful as Kristiina and Ulriika Anger.Ilmi Parkkari is terrific as Raili.Same thing with Sakari Jurkka, who plays her boyfriend Eero.It's great to see Ansa Ikonen playing Rosa Pakkala.There's a lot of good in this movie.It could be a little funnier, though.But it is rather funny to watch those middle aged women falling for this sweet talking fraud.This 60 year old movie hasn't dated too much, even according to some real critics.

"Gabriel, tule takaisin" is a dark comedy about Gabriel Vihervuori, a handsome young man who cheats tender women by first charming them and then getting their money.

The movie tells the story so ruthlessly that one can't nothing but admire the way the conservative and well-wishing people are seduced. Finally even they are ready to give up their virtue and principles to get a little taste of forbidden love. Gabriel's scam is no more a scam, it's a deal where he sells himself to dreams that lack some true feelings.

This Mika Waltari's play turned out to be the jackpot of Valentin Vaala's career.