Smile at Last
Naerata ometi
Synopsis
16-year-old Mari, raised without a mother by a drunkard father, is put in an orphanage which she immediately, though unsuccessfully, tries to flee from. The sensitive Mari finds it hard to adapt to the coarse manners and brutal games amongst the children. Only gradually does she develop a sense for the similarly difficult fates of her fellow sufferers, who have long forgotten how to cry. She even falls in love for the first time, not with her self-appointed “protector” Tauri, but with the rough-mannered Robi.
Trailers, Teasers & Extra Featurettes
Official promotional previews, behind-the-scenes footage, and exclusive clips.
"Smile at Last" | Trailer | Berlinale 2025
Type: Trailer • Published 2025-02-18
Top Cast
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Monika Raide
Mari
Hendrik Toompere
Robi
Tauri Tallermaa
Tauri
Katrin Tamleht
Katrin
Kerttu Aaving
Kerttu
Edith-Helen Kuusk
Melita
Siiri Sisask
Siiri
Janika Kalmus
Anne
Helle Kuningas
Teacher
Mari Lill
Robi's Mother
Evald Hermaküla
Mari's Father
Eduard Tinn
Tauri's Father
Anneli Aunap
Anneli
Rein Pakk
Rein
Manfred Kärblane
Manfred
Rudolf Allabert
Headmaster
Maria Klenskaja
Ülo's Lover
Evald Aavik
Male Teacher
Release History & Theatrical Window
Berlin International Film Festival
Festival / Special Debut
Key Information & Fast Facts
- Director
- Leida Laius
- Screenplay & Story
- Marina Sheptunova
- Original Score
- Lepo Sumera
- Original Title
- Naerata ometi
- Country of Origin
- Soviet Union
- Spoken Languages
- English, Estonian
- Runtime
- 1h 25m
- Production Studios
- Tallinnfilm
Creative Leadership & Key Crew
Leida Laius
Marina Sheptunova, Silvia Rannamaa, Lauri Kärk
Lepo Sumera
Arvo Iho
Kersti Miilen
Ants Tomband
Department Leadership Roster
Leida Laius
Director
Kersti Miilen
Editor
Tõnu Virve
Production Design
Ants Tomband
Producer
Arvo Iho
Director of Photography
Lepo Sumera
Original Music Composer
Tõnu Virve
Costume Design
Helle Janson
Costume Design
Marina Sheptunova
Screenplay
Production Stills & Gallery
Official cinematic photography and background stills for Smile at Last.
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Frequently Asked Questions About Smile at Last
Quick factual answers about cast, synopsis, director, box office, and release information.
What is Smile at Last about?
16-year-old Mari, raised without a mother by a drunkard father, is put in an orphanage which she immediately, though unsuccessfully, tries to flee from. The sensitive Mari finds it hard to adapt to the coarse manners and brutal games amongst the children. Only gradually does she develop a sense for the similarly difficult fates of her fellow sufferers, who have long forgotten how to cry. She even falls in love for the first time, not with her self-appointed “protector” Tauri, but with the rough-mannered Robi.
Who directed Smile at Last?
Smile at Last was directed by Leida Laius.
Who stars in Smile at Last?
The principal cast of Smile at Last includes Monika Raide, Hendrik Toompere, Tauri Tallermaa, Katrin Tamleht, Kerttu Aaving.
When was Smile at Last released and how long is it?
Smile at Last was released in 1985 with a total runtime of 1h 25m.
Who composed the musical score for Smile at Last?
The original motion picture soundtrack for Smile at Last was composed by Lepo Sumera.
Is Smile at Last based on a book or true story?
Smile at Last is adapted from the following source material: Novel: "Silvia Rannamaa".