The Nail in the Boot (1931): cast, story & where to watch
1931 · Film · ★ 7.3

Released in 1931, The Nail in the Boot is a drama and war film directed by Mikhail Kalatozov, running about 53 minutes.
What it’s about. Banned in the Soviet Union for its "negative" content and never released, Kalatozov was forced to retreat from filmmaking for seven years because of this film. The film sets out to illustrate the old adage, "For want of a nail, the battle was lost," showing how the inferior quality of something so trivial as a nail in a soldier's boot leads inexorably to the capture of an armored train. Kalatozov had intended to demonstrate the crucial and universal importance of efficiency in Soviet industry, but the government decided that his fable gave a negative impression of the Red Army's capabilities.
Who’s in it. The Nail in the Boot stars Aleksandre Jaliashvili, Siko Palavandishvili, Akaki Khorava and Arkadi Khintibidze.
How it landed. With an audience score of 7.3/10, The Nail in the Boot has been warmly received by audiences.
Where to watch. Streaming options change often. See the full, country-by-country breakdown on our where to watch The Nail in the Boot page.
If you liked it. Fans of The Nail in the Boot tend to enjoy The Shawshank Redemption, The Godfather, Schindler's List and The Godfather Part II.
Frequently asked
- Where can I watch The Nail in the Boot (1931)?
- Streaming, rental and purchase options for The Nail in the Boot change frequently. Check our where-to-watch page for the latest availability in your country.
- Is The Nail in the Boot worth watching?
- The Nail in the Boot holds an audience score of 7.3 out of 10, and is a strong pick if you enjoy drama and war. Most viewers rate it highly.
- Who stars in The Nail in the Boot?
- The Nail in the Boot stars Aleksandre Jaliashvili, Siko Palavandishvili, Akaki Khorava and Arkadi Khintibidze.
- When was The Nail in the Boot released?
- The Nail in the Boot was released in 1931, with a runtime of about 53 minutes.
