In the 1970s, Turku City Theater staged an adaptation of Aleksis Kivi's Seven Brothers, directed by Kalle Holmberg. The premiere was in 1972, and performances continued for three years. The play was the biggest theatrical event of its time and a huge success with audiences. The brothers were played by the stars of the decade, with music by Kaj Chydenius. The TV movie was recorded from two public performances and close-ups were edited in.

The story follows Commander-in-Chief Mannerheim and Quartermaster General Airo at the Finnish Defense Forces headquarters in Mikkeli during the decisive moments of the Continuation War in the summer of 1944. With a major offensive on the Karelian Isthmus imminent, Airo gives the order to attack without consulting the commander-in-chief.