A non-narrated look at the manufacture of nails, juxtaposing highly mechanised factory production with the slower outputs of a small business and a single blacksmith. The blacksmith is seen labouring at his forge, shaping nails from single strands of steel rods. The scene shifts from this peaceful setting to the roar of a twentieth century mill, where banks of machines draw, cut and pound the steel rods faster than the eye can follow. These diametrically opposed scenes emphasise the changed relationship between the individual and his work. (Awards: New York, Chicago, Toronto)
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How to watch
Collection
In ACMI's collection
Credits
Collection metadata
ACMI Identifier
014648
Subject categories
Advertising, Film, Journalism, Mass Media & TV → Film festivals - Canada - Toronto - Awards
Advertising, Film, Journalism, Mass Media & TV → Film festivals - United States - Chicago - Awards
Advertising, Film, Journalism, Mass Media & TV → Film festivals - United States - New York - Awards
Agriculture, Business, Commerce & Industry → Factories
Agriculture, Business, Commerce & Industry → Job satisfaction
Agriculture, Business, Commerce & Industry → Metals
Agriculture, Business, Commerce & Industry → Steel works
Documentary → Documentary films - Canada
Mathematics, Science & Technology → Metals
Sound/audio
Sound
Colour
Colour
Holdings
16mm film; Access Print (Section 1)
16mm film; Limited Access Print (Section 2)
16mm film; Preservation Print (Section 5)