A Limousine the Colour of Midsummer's Eve
| Company type | Film studio |
|---|---|
| Industry | Film production |
| Headquarters | Riga , Latvia (then Soviet Union) |
| Products | Films |
A Limousine the Colour of Midsummer's Eve (, ) is a 1981 Soviet-Latvian comedy-drama helmed by director Jānis Streičs and produced by Riga Film Studio. This film earned the prestigious Latvian National Film Award Lielais Kristaps in 1981 and holds a place in the Latvian Culture Canon. It continues to be one of Latvia's most beloved movies, traditionally aired annually before the national midsummer celebration, Jāņi. The narrative humorously explores the antics of two interconnected families vying for the inheritance of their elderly aunt.
Plot
The storyline begins with aunt Mirta (Mirta Saknīte) winning a prized Soviet Zhiguli automobile in a lottery. Due to her advanced age, she is unable to operate the vehicle herself. The news of her win attracts several relatives to her rural residence, each intent on claiming the car upon her passing. Mirta’s nephew Ēriks, along with his wife Dagnija and son Uģis, cancel their vacation plans to compete for the inheritance. At the same time, Mirta’s former daughter-in-law Olita arrives accompanied by her new husband Viktors and their daughter Lāsma.
The film comically portrays the competition among family groups and the envy of local villagers who have long been loyal to Mirta. It subtly critiques aspects of Soviet society while exposing human weaknesses. Despite the scheming around her, aunt Mirta remains astute until the conclusion, as revealed through her final testament determining the destiny of the limousine—the emblematic "Limousine The Colour Of Midsummer's Eve."
Family members
- Aunt Mirta (Mirta Saknīte) — Lilita Bērziņa
Tūteri family
- Dagnija — Olga Dreģe
- Ēriks — Uldis Dumpis
- Uģis — Gundars Āboliņš
Sprēsliņi family
- Olita — Baiba Indriksone
- Viktors — Boļeslavs Ružs
- Lāsma — Diāna Zande
Awards
The 1981 release A Limousine the Colour of Midsummer's Eve was honored as best feature film at the Latvian National Movie Festival "Lielais Kristaps" and is recognized within the Latvian Culture Canon.
Restoration
In 2008, the movie was restored to correct original technical deficiencies, improving both sound and color fidelity. The DVD edition provided additional insights into the lead character (Lilita Bērziņa).
Cast
- Lilita Bērziņa ..... Aunt Mirta
- Olga Dreģe ..... Dagnija Tūtere
- Uldis Dumpis ..... Ēriks Tūters
- Gundars Āboliņš ..... Uģis Tūters
- Romualds Ancāns ..... Jāzeps Gilučs
- Baiba Indriksone ..... Olita Sprēsliņa
- Boļeslavs Ružs ..... Viktors Sprēsliņš
- Diāna Zande ..... Lāsma Sprēsliņa
- Ēvalds Valters ..... Pigalu Prīdis
- Līga Liepiņa ..... Veronika Giluča