Woman is the Wild Card

Nainen on valttia (Woman is the Wild Card) is a 1944 Finnish black-and-white comedy film directed by Ansa Ikonen. It was Ikonen's only directorial effort. The film is based on an original screenplay by Mika Waltari, revolving around a young woman who transforms the lives of three bachelors upon arriving at their home. The woman, a fugitive from the police, is revealed to be a famous operetta star named Kirsti Kalpa. She manages to conceal her identity—at least temporarily.

Despite being filmed in the midst of the Continuation War, the film does not reflect the war but instead presents a lighthearted comedy. The five-month production took place mainly indoors.

The project was offered to Ikonen by T. J. Särkkä, but she initially doubted her abilities, fearing male actors might not accept a female director. Ikonen received technical assistance from cinematographer Armas Hirvonen. While contemporary reviews noted issues with Waltari's script, Ikonen's direction was seen as skilled.