The police has to bring Taneli Taivainen in the navy.The reluctant sailor isn't too liked at first.But he is liked by one lady, a gas station help Paula Sanelma Puupponen, who claims she is a widow.She has also won millions in the lottery and takes a holiday.Pentti, the son of the gas station's manager, becomes a taxi driver and falls for the girl he gives a ride to.Then there are some spies in the picture, and only Taneli can stop them.Laivaston Monnit Maissa (1954) is directed and written by Ville Salminen.Also Erkki Uotila was writing it.The movie didn't belong to Salminen's own personal favorites.I believe it was the least favorite of his films.I myself find the film entertaining.It belongs in the group of military farces by Fennada-Filmi.It was the third one.Ari Laine is very natural in his only leading role as Matruusi Taneli Taivainen.It's a shame we haven't heard too much of this fine comedian.Irja Rannikko is hilarious as Puupponen.You have to like Mej-Ling Axberg as Lomahotellin Johtajattaren Tytär.Saara Ranin is her mother.Jussi Jurkka is terrific as Pentti.And so is Reino Valkama as his father.The young Leo Jokela is great as Pursimies Pokka, "Pikku Torpedo".The role of Mademoiselle Vilma Supfkopf is played by Elvi Saarnio.Pentti Viljanen is Radisti.Lasse Pöysti portrays Maisteri Segerstråhle.Matti Lehtelä is the leader of the spies.Veikko Linna is a policeman.Leni Katajakoski and Ritva Valkama portray clerks.Laila Rihte is a guest at the hotel.Kalevi Kahra is a guard.Director Salminen is Bertil, Kapteeniluutnantti.His son, Ville-Veikko Salminen, is a spy.Those are funny moments between Taneli and Pokka.It's very nice and romantic to watch Pentti giving a ride in his cab to the pretty lady.When they drive on the wharf, or when he follows the pedaling girl in the woods, with his taxi.This was a fun movie to watch.
