MartinHafer in light of USA in 1968, not that far-fetched--less crazy than wild in the streetsIf you see this film and do not understand its context, you'll likely miss something. Back when the film was made in 1968, the United States (as well as France and in a few other countries) there was civil unrest. On one hand, you had traditionalists...very conservative in their views and trusting of the government. On the other, there were the hippies, liberals and others who not only distrusted the government, but some of them actively sought to destroy it. These radicals were not huge in number but had a huge impact on folks in the first group--folks who would have longed for a government crackdown on 'those sorts of folks'. It's actually pretty amazing we made it through these times...and so a film in which the US becomes a fascist-style nation isn't that surprising for 1968. In fact, another similar though VERY outlandish film came out also in 1968, "Wild in the Streets"...a film in which hippies and teens took over and sent all the older folks to concentration camps! Again...considering the times, you could understand the films--though "Wild in the Streets" is a bit silly if you see it today. On the other hand, "Shadow on the Land" TRIES to be more plausible--more a look at what actually cold occur in America sometime in the near future.When the film begins, a repressive fascist government is in place. However, there is resistance and the film concerns an undercover resister who is working for the Security branch of the regime. In this position, he's able to try to help an escaped prisoner--a Colonel who refuses to knuckle under to the oppressive demands of the government. Additionally, he needs to find out what secret this Colonel has..something which turns out to be akin to the Nazis burning the Reichstag in order to usher in a stronger, more repressive government. This is a very interesting film and I appreciate that the fascists are NOT portrayed as Nazis...that would have made it seem comical and ridiculous. Instead, it's an interesting look where the country MIGHT end up going if we aren't careful. The film, incidentally, would have made an interesting TV series. And, it sure looked like a pilot episode...with its dangling plot and many questions still waiting to be answered. Well worth seeing and thought provoking.Among the stars in the film, two interesting ones are John Forsyth, as he plays a truly evil sort of character and Gene Hackman as a pusillanimous priest...in one of his earlier roles.

Falkenberg2006 When this film came out, it was decried by both critics and science fiction fans as being preposterous because in America such an event could never happen.Now the conspiracy theorists say that our current President is ready to have events occur which will bring this movie to a realization.I have always been surprised that this movie has never come out on tape or DVD as a warning that it COULD happen here.The movie is flawed in many ways, but having to show id at airports, being screened at airports, on roads, at bus & train stations was unthinkable 40 years ago, yet it has occurred.Sinclair Lewis was right. We did not learn from his book or take heed the warning of this film.Politicians once they have power will do anything to keep it, even usurp the Constitution which they have sworn to protect and defend.

bcwatson I too saw this when I was a teenager (I'm almost 49 now). I only saw it once, but I remember enough of it very well. The idea that through apathy or lack of controls, our government could be hijacked from us left a lasting impression on me as a young teen. I remember the resistance movement, the concentration camp, the flag at the end... Now, I'm telling everyone about it in light of the events unfolding in our nation today. People need to pay attention to what's going on... If anyone can provide me with a copy of this movie in any condition, on any media (VHS, DVD, .mpg file) let me know please. Does anyone find it "weird" that you can't find a copy of this anywhere to buy? Not on Amazon or on Ebay? bcwatson@yahoo.com - Barry

jilara This film deals with the aftermath of the U.S. being placed under the control of the ISF, the "Internal Security Forces" in the wake of cleverly staged "terrorist" attacks. All it needs is a few more "terrorist" attacks, and the U.S. will be placed under control of a dictatorship , who will root out and destroy the terrorists. Freedom is already lost. All it needs is a few more actions to give total control by the ruling junta. The mission of the freedom fighters is to stop the attempted sabotage of a power plant by the agents of the government. Watch it and get chills.