Mikhail Kalatozov

Soviet filmmaker Mikhail Kalatozov made numerous films, but is best remembered for three important dramas. The first Salt of Svanetia(1930) was a seminal work in early Soviet cinema, noted for its beautiful cinematography, and sensitive look at life in a remote Caucasian village. Though greatly appreciated today, authorities originally considered it too antagonistic. The second, The Nail in the Boot (1932) was banned for the same reason. Kalatozov first gained international recognition for the third film the Cranes Are Flying (1957). In 1958, it won the Golden Palm award at Cannes. Born Mikhail Kalatozishvili in Tiflis, Russia, Kalatozov originally studied to be an economist. In 1925 though, he began working as an actor in the Georgian studios. He then began cutting and shooting films. He made his first short documentary, -Their Kingdom in 1928 and two years later made his feature film debut. Salt of Svanetia was his second film. After his third film A Nail in the Boot was banned, Kalatozov was assigned to strictly administrative duties within the film industry until 1939 when, during WW II, he was appointed chief administrator of soviet feature-film production. In this capacity, he briefly worked in Los Angeles as the Soviet cultural representative. Following the war, Kalatozov became the deputy minister of film production and in 1950 resumed his directing career. Unfortunately, but for The Cranes Are Flying much of Kalatozov's output has been mediocre at best.

~ Sandra Brennan, All Movie Guide