---
title: "The Harvest Month"
year: 1956
canonical_url: "https://www.archytele.com/show/the-harvest-month-1956"
media_type: "movie"
tmdb_id: 199196
imdb_id: null
status: "Released"
runtime_minutes: 94
community_rating: 6.7
vote_count: 0
content_rating: "Unrated"
---

# The Harvest Month (1956) — Television & Cinema Intelligence Dossier

> **Archytele Living Vault Canonical Record**: https://www.archytele.com/show/the-harvest-month-1956

## Executive Summary & Cultural Positioning

The Harvest Month, originally titled Elokuu, is a 1956 Finnish drama directed by Matti Kassila. Adapted from a 1941 novel by Nobel Prize winner F.E. Sillanpää, the film depicts the decline and fall of a once-proud family caused by the alcoholism of the paterfamilias.

Culturally, the film represents the work of one of Finland's premiere filmmakers and was entered into the 1957 Cannes Film Festival. Its tone is downbeat, and its pacing is noted as being overlong, which limited its worldwide appeal.

## The Hook & The Verdict

**The Hook**: "A proud family declines due to the alcoholism of its father in this Finnish drama."

### Why Watch
- Based on a novel by Nobel Prize winner F.E. Sillanpää
- Directed by premiere Finnish filmmaker Matti Kassila
- A powerfully effective performance by Toivo Makela that avoids drunken cliches

### Caveats & Content Note
- The film features a downbeat subject and an overlong running time
- Tone & Suitability: The film is a downbeat drama with a pacing described as overlong.

**Micro-Themes & Vibe Matrix**: #finnish-drama, #family-decline, #period-piece, #character-study, #literary-adaptation

## Streaming Availability Matrix

Direct streaming licensing updates dynamically. Consult the live tracking interface at https://www.archytele.com/show/the-harvest-month-1956#watch.

## Creative Credits

- **Directed by**: Matti Kassila
- **Networks / Studios**: Fennada-Filmi

## Key Cast Continuity

- **Toivo Mäkelä** as *Viktor Sundvall*
- **Emma Väänänen** as *Saima Sundvall*
- **Rauni Luoma** as *Maija Länsilehto*
- **Aino-Maija Tikkanen** as *Tyyne Sundvall*
- **Rauni Ikäheimo** as *Iita*
- **Senni Nieminen** as *Hanna Nieminen*
- **Heikki Savolainen** as *Mauno Viljanen*
- **Tauno Kajander** as *Taave*
- **Sylvi Salonen** as *Actress*
- **Topi Kankainen** as *Alpertti*

## Canonical Frequently Asked Questions

### Q: Where can I stream The Harvest Month?
The provided text does not contain information regarding streaming availability.

### Q: Is The Harvest Month worth watching?
It is recommended for those seeking a powerful performance by Toivo Makela and a story based on a Nobel Prize winner's novel.

### Q: What is the duration of the film?
The film has a running time of 1 hour and 34 minutes.

### Q: Are there essential episodes to watch?
This is a feature film rather than a series, so there are no episodes.

## Grounded Source Citations

- [The Harvest Month — The Movie Database (TMDB)](https://www.themoviedb.org/movie/199196)
- [The Harvest Month - Wikipedia](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Harvest_Month)

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*Generated by Archytele Open Intelligence Systems. Data verified against TMDB and JustWatch APIs.*