Spede Pasanen
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Spede Pasanen | |
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Born | Pertti Olavi Pasanen 10 April 1930 Kuopio, Finland |
Died | 7 September 2001 Kirkkonummi, Finland | (aged 71)
Occupations |
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Pertti Olavi "Spede" Pasanen (10 April 1930 – 7 September 2001) was a Finnish film director and producer, comedian, and inventor.[1] During his career he directed, wrote, produced or acted in about 50 movies and participated in numerous TV productions, including the comedy Spede Show and the game-show Speden Spelit. Much of his more commercial work was in collaboration with Vesa-Matti Loiri (whose most popular character created by Pasanen was Uuno Turhapuro; first in TV sketches and then in a long-lasting series of motion pictures) and Simo Salminen. Pasanen's films and TV shows, often made quickly and on a low budget, usually received little critical recognition but were popular among Finnish audiences from the 1960s onwards.[1][2] He was the owner of his own film production company, Filmituotanto Spede Pasanen Ky.
Childhood and youth
Pertti Olavi Pasanen was born in April 1930 in
Pasanen's interests at school age included entertainment, sports, various games and inventions. He was the star of the
In autumn 1953 Pasanen moved to Helsinki and started his studies at the Faculty of State Politics at the University of Helsinki. Instead of studying, he concentrated on social life at the Nation of Savonia, where he usually acted as host and master of ceremonies at parties. Pasanen's student indoctrinations and initiations of new students gained fame throughout the university. In the university he also met Jukka Virtanen and Matti Kuusla who became important partners for him. Kuusla, working at Fennada-Filmi as a studio assistant got him a background role in the 1954 film Laivan kannella. He appeared in the film as a man at a bar.[9]
Radio career
During the late 1950s and early 1960s Spede was a noted presence as a radio comedian. He applied to work at
Spede's other programs included Tervahöyry Hyrskynmyrskyn suvisilla laineilla, Hyvää iltaa – tulkaa mukaan and Kesäterässä.
Film career
After playing several supporting roles throughout the 1950s Spede made his first starring appearance in 1964's
1967's period-comedy
Spede continued to experience success with Speedy Gonzales – noin 7 veljeksen poika and the tragic comedy Jussi Pussi both released in 1970. Speedy Gonzales performed well, despite Vesa-Matti Loiri being absent due to a leg injury just prior to shooting (he instead received a writing credit). Spede had to finance most of his films during this period due to his poor relations with the Finnish Film Foundation.
In 1971, Spede released three motion-pictures,
In 1973, Spede released the first Uuno Turhapuro movie based on the popular skit-character by the same name. To save costs, Spede filmed and edited the movie entirely on video and had it transferred to film for theatrical distribution. Uuno became a hit and a further four Uuno films were finished during the 1970s. Spede resumed filming small budget comedies with 1974's Viu-Hah-Hah-Taja, directed by Ere Kokkonen and mostly starring Spede's TV actors. Spede only appeared in a cameo and went uncredited as the film's writer. In 1979, he released Koeputkiaikuinen ja Simon enkelit, his first colour feature since Pohjantähteet. The movie was a surprise hit and led to a sequel Tup Akka Lakko being released the following year.
In the 1980s, the Uuno series peaked in popularity with 1984's Uuno Turhapuro armeijan leivissä breaking the record of the most popular Finnish domestic film. Spede cranked out movies on an annual basis, using his stock actors and frequently utilizing the popular skit characters for movies such as Kliffaa Hei, Pikkupojat, Fakta Homma and Onks Viljoo Näkyny. The last of these skit-comedy films is considered to be 1990s Rampe & Naukkis - Kaikkien aikojen superpari, which was lampooned on the popular characters created by Pirkka-Pekka Petelius and Aake Kalliala for the TV show Pulttibois.
During the 1990s, Spede focused almost exclusively on producing rather than writing or directing films with TV work taking more and more of his time. By this point his relationship with the Finnish Film Foundation had improved and he received grants for most of his films. The final movie directed by Pasanen was Naisen Logiikka, released in 1999 though production of it began in 1992. The film was hastily completed for release to prevent Pasanen from having to pay back his grant for the movie.
TV career
Starting from 1964, Spede began making live 15-minute sketch programming for
Starting from 1981, Spede once again put priority on TV work. First airing surviving black and white skits on YLE. He began making new skits in 1984 with Spede, Simo Salminen and Vesa-Matti Loiri. Hannele Lauri also joined as a regular cast-member. Mainos-TV also moved Spede's programming to the newly formed Kolmoskanava channel. The new Spede Show continued to air until 1987 when Spede and Loiri had a mock-feud which led to the launch of Vesa-Matti Loiri's own TV sketch show, Vesku Show. Throughout the 1980s, Spede also produced other programs such as the comedy program Fakta Homma and the competition show Kymppitonni with host Riitta Väisänen.
By the 1990s, Spede was himself tired of sketch-work but produced Aake Kalliala's and Pirkka-Pekka Petelius's Pulttibois and Tsa Tsa Tsaa as well as the sporty competition show Speden Spelit. Pasanen also produced more drama-programming such as Hynttyyt Yhteen, Blondi tuli taloon (The Blonde That Came to the House), and Ihmeiden tekijät (as well as its follow-up, Parhaat Vuodet). Many of these shows became stables of MTV3 with many of them airing for several seasons. Spede also approved the production of the dramedy-series Kuumia Aaltoja, which aired in 2003 (two years after his death).
Influences and comedy
Spede Pasanen named Bob Hope as one of his biggest comedy influences.
Spede Pasanen is considered emblematic of Savonian ironic humor varying between the fullest extremes of understatement and hyperbole. As he himself explained: "A Savonian never tells a thing exactly like it is." Spede's comedy denounced elitism and he explicitly sought to write and perform comedy for the largest possible audience. His early films in particular, featured elements uncommon to Finnish cinema such as fist-fights, car chases, other elaborate stunt-work as well as unconventional special effects. Many of his movies also featured unconventional settings (such as the medieval period or the wild west), though his later films focused almost entirely on poking fun at Finnish stereotypes.
His Uuno Turhapuro movies can be considered conventional farces. An unemployed slacker will, with comically incredible luck, a father-in-law who is rich and connected but unlucky (mainly due to Uuno), and with slick charm, end up in roles of minister, general officer, or rich man, usually causing havoc in the father-in-law's businesses.
Other achievements
Pasanen was also an inventor and jack-of-all-trades; he submitted dozens of patent applications, of which ten were registered,[1] and many of his films include Rube Goldberg-style gadgets. Besides gadgets involved with industrial production, his inventions include:
- The Ski jumping sling
- A Boat ski (to alleviate *bumps* in aquaplaning boat)
- A self-extinguishing, one-size-fits-all candlestick.
For a period of time Pasanen was also obsessed with inventing a perpetual motion device. His crude drawings of it also appeared in his sketches shows and films. Once he became convinced that perpetual motion is theoretically impossible, he openly ridiculed himself in the character of Härski Hartikainen in one of the Uuno Turhapuro movies.
Personal life
Spede married Pirjo Vainimäki, the leading lady of his first starring picture
A family private individual, Pasanen did not discuss his personal relationships in public. He had a long relationship with the 1976 Miss Europe, Riitta Väisänen. Pasanen valued loyalty and friendship, and even after separation, kept employing and financially supporting previous companions. During and after relationships, he vouchsafed confidentiality and privacy for all involved in his private life. His good relations with the media might have helped with this.
In 2022, famous Finnish businesswoman and former TV host Lenita Airisto accused Pasanen of having attempted to rape her in the early 1990s.[12] Reporter Katariina Souri reported of similar behaviour in a Facebook post.[13] Former MTV manager and director Jorma Sairanen also confirmed that the allegations were not a surprise to him due to Pasanen's importance and status at the network.[14]
Death
On 7 September 2001 Pasanen was playing a round of golf at the Sarfvik golf course in Kirkkonummi, Finland. At the 9th hole he began to feel ill and was taken to the club house, where his condition rapidly deteriorated. Despite resuscitation by a doctor and a rapid response of emergency medical services Pasanen died. His death was attributed to advanced coronary artery disease.[3][15]
Notable collaborators
Filmography
Writer, director or producer
- X-Paroni (directed with Jaakko Pakkasvirta, 1964), in English The X-baron
- Millipilleri (1966)
- Pähkähullu Suomi (1967), in English The nutty Finland
- Noin seitsemän veljestä(1968), in English About seven Brothers
- Näköradiomiehen ihmeelliset siekailut (1969)
- Leikkikalugangsteri (1969), in English The Toy Gangster
- Pohjan tähteet (1969)
- Jussi Pussi (1970)
- Speedy Gonzales – noin 7 veljeksen poika (1970)
- Saatanan radikaalit(1971) (Producer only)
- Kahdeksas veljes (1971), in English The Eighth Brother
- Hirttämättömät(1971)
- Uuno Turhapuro (1973)
- Viu-hah hah-taja (1974)
- Professori Uuno D.G. Turhapuro (1975), in English Professor Uuno D.G. Turhapuro
- Lottovoittaja UKK Turhapuro (1976)
- Häpy Endkö? Eli kuinka Uuno Turhapuro sai niin kauniin ja rikkaan vaimon (1977)
- Rautakauppias Uuno Turhapuro, presidentin vävy (1978)
- Koeputkiaikuinen ja Simon enkelit (1979)
- Tup-akka-lakko (1980)
- Uuno Turhapuron aviokriisi (1981)
- Pölhölä (1981)
- Uuno Turhapuro menettää muistinsa (1982), in English Uuno Turhapuro loses his memory
- Uuno Turhapuron muisti palailee pätkittäin (1983)
- Lentävät luupäät (1984), in English The Flying Boneheads
- Uuno Turhapuro armeijan leivissä (1984)
- Uuno Epsanjassa (1985), in English Uuno in Spain
- Kliffaa hei! (1985)
- Uuno Turhapuro muuttaa maalle (1986)
- Liian iso keikka (1986), in English A Gig Too Big
- Pikkupojat (1986)
- Uuno Turhapuro – kaksoisagentti (1987)
- Fakta homma! (1987)
- Tupla-Uuno (1988), in English Double Uuno
- Onks' Viljoo näkyny? (1988), in English Have Ya Seen Viljo?
- Rampe & Naukkis (1990)
- Uunon huikeat poikamiesvuodet maaseudulla (1990)
- Uuno Turhapuro, herra Helsingin herra (1991)
- Uuno Turhapuro, Suomen tasavallan herra presidentti(1992)
- Uuno Turhapuron poika (1993), in English The Son of Uuno Turhapuro
- Romanovin kivet (1993)
- Pekko ja Poika (1994)
- Uuno Turhapuron veli (1994)
- Johtaja Uuno Turhapuro – pisnismies (1998)
- Naisen logiikka (1999), in English The Logic of the Women
Actor
- Laivan kannella (1954)
- Sankarialokas (1955)
- Säkkijärven polkka (1955)
- Villi Pohjola (1955)
- Tyttö tuli taloon (1956)
- Tyttö lähtee kasarmiin (1956)
- Rintamalotta (1956)
- Anu ja Mikko (1956)
- Pekka ja Pätkä ketjukolarissa (1957)
- Vääpelin kauhu (1957)
- Pekka ja Pätkä sammakkomiehinä (1957)
- Asessorin naishuolet (1957)
- Pekka ja Pätkä Suezilla (1958)
- Ei ruumiita makuuhuoneeseen (1959)
- Mullin mallin (1961)
- Taape tähtenä (1962)
- Hopeaa rajan takaa (1963)
- Pohjan tähteet (1969)
- Tup-akka-lakko (1980)
- Koeputkiaikuinen ja Simon enkelit (1981)
- (Hei kliffaa hei! (1985)
- Pikkupojat (1986)
- Naisen logiikka (1999)
In the Uuno Turhapuro series, Pasanen played the role of Härski-Hartikainen, a car repairman with a cunning and ribald character, who often participated in Uuno's farcical adventures. His sidekick was Sörsselssön – earlier known as Lörssön (played by Simo Salminen).
Television series
Spede is considered the father of modern Finnish television sketch-humour. Starting his career on
Yle
- Spede Show (1964, 1971–1976, 1982 ja 1984-1987)
- Speden saluuna (1965)
- Spedevisio (1965–1967)
- 50 pientä minuuttia (1967–1971)
- Robin Hood ja hänen iloiset vekkulinsa Sherwoodin pusikoissa (1974)
MTV3
- Kymppitonni (1985–2005)
- Uuno Turhapuro armeijan leivissä (1986) (the film as a TV series)
- Vesku Show (1988–1991)
- Spede Special(1988–1990)
- Pulttibois (1989–1991)
- Spedestroikka(1990)
- Junnutonni (1991)
- Speden sallitut leikit(1990–1992)
- Speden tee-se-itse TV (1991–1992)
- Hynttyyt yhteen (1991–1995)
- Speden spelit(1992–2002)
- Tsa Tsa Tsaa (1993–1994)
- Blondi tuli taloon (1994–1995), in English The Blonde That Came to the House
- Uuno Turhapuro (TV series) (1996)
- Ihmeidentekijät (1996–1998)
- Parhaat vuodet (2000–2002)
- Kuumia aaltoja (2003)
Legacy
In popular culture
In 2023, a
Named after Spede Pasanen
- SPEDE (Spacecraft Potential, Electron and Dust Experiment), an instrument attached to the SMART-1 lunar probe.
References
- ^ a b c "Pasanen, (Spede)". Uppslagsverket Finland (in Swedish). Retrieved 29 September 2023.
- ^ "Pasanen, Pertti (1930–2001)". Kansallisbiografia (in Finnish). Biografiakeskus. Retrieved 29 September 2023.
- ^ a b Martela, Olli (10 April 2016). "Spede Pasanen olisi täyttänyt tänään 86 vuotta – näistä rakastettu koomikko muistetaan". Iltalehti (in Finnish). Retrieved 6 February 2022.
- ^ Pikku-uutisia. Pohjois-Savo 29 June 1929, issue #71, p. 8. Finnish National Library. Accessed on 29 February 2020.
- ^ Pouta, Hellevi: Tuntematon Spede, Virpi-sisko kertoo monilahjakkaasta viihdyttäjästä. Apu 19 October 2001, issue #42, pp. 32–39. Helsinki: A-Lehdet Oy.
- ^ IS: Tältä näyttää Spede Pasasen lapsuudenkoti, joka on yhä täynnä vilskettä: "Talo oli Speden äidin suuri haave." Ilta-Sanomat (in Finnish).
- ^ Toiviainen, Sakari: Spede Pasanen. Helsinki: National Audiovisual Archive. Accessed on 10 September 2012.
- ^ Mistä Pertti Pasanen sai Spede-nimensä? Jukka Virtanen vastaa. Ilta-Sanomat 24 June 2014. Helsinki: Sanoma Media Finland Oy. Accessed on 24 June 2014.
- ^ ISBN 951-31-2531-9.
- ^ "Jussi Awards 1970". Internet Movie Database. 4 May 2016.
- ^ "Jussi Awards 1971". Internet Movie Database. 3 May 2016.
- ^ https://yle.fi/a/3-12347072
- ^ https://yle.fi/a/3-12348995
- ^ https://www.is.fi/viihde/art-2000008671001.html
- ^ Speden dramaattiset viime hetket – ”Pertti pelkäsi lääkäreitä.” Iltasanomat 2016-09-03.
- ^ "Spedelle naiset olivat koristeita ja Loiri korvaamaton – viihteen moguli oli hermostunut ketjupolttaja ja kunnianhimoinen visionääri" (in Finnish). Yle. 29 September 2023. Retrieved 29 September 2023.
- IMDb
External links
- Media related to Spede Pasanen at Wikimedia Commons
- Spede Pasanen at IMDb