Forty Hearts (1931): cast, story & where to watch

1931 · Film · ★ 5.8

Forty Hearts poster

Released in 1931, Forty Hearts is a documentary film directed by Lev Kuleshov, running about 56 minutes.

What it’s about. The new power stations are beating like hearts to the pulse of modernisation. At gigantic expense and effort, the Soviet Union is rapidly industrialised. The state plan foresees the construction of forty power-generation centres across the country. However, the people must first be enlightened about the nature and use of electrical current. Horses and tractors, households and industry, nature and the world of work, neon signs and the construction of power stations all depend on this miraculous new source of energy. The famous Soviet director Lev Kuleshov masterfully realises this project with documentary shots, acted scenes, and lots of creative trick sequences.

How it landed. With an audience score of 5.8/10, Forty Hearts has drawn a solid, mixed-to-positive response.

Where to watch. Streaming options change often. See the full, country-by-country breakdown on our where to watch Forty Hearts page.

If you liked it. Fans of Forty Hearts tend to enjoy One Direction: This Is Us, Burn the Stage: The Movie, BTS World Tour: Love Yourself - Japan Edition and Senna.

Frequently asked

Where can I watch Forty Hearts (1931)?
Streaming, rental and purchase options for Forty Hearts change frequently. Check our where-to-watch page for the latest availability in your country.
Is Forty Hearts worth watching?
Forty Hearts holds an audience score of 5.8 out of 10, and is a strong pick if you enjoy documentary. Reactions are mixed, so it may depend on taste.
When was Forty Hearts released?
Forty Hearts was released in 1931, with a runtime of about 56 minutes.