Grimerlana Plenty to Like, Plenty to Dislike

UnowPriceless hyped garbage

SpecialsTarget Disturbing yet enthralling

Cassandra Story: It's very simple but honestly that is fine.

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.

Indigo00 This is a prophetic made for TV movie (first shown in 1968), particularly in light of current events in the US (2006).It is basically about a rebel group fighting a fascist government that has taken over the US. The airport scenes are a bit eerie now and the creation of the new federal police force as authorized in the Patriot Act sure looks like the Internal Security Force in the movie.No wonder this movie as not seen the light of day in years...If you want your paranoia level to go up, watch this movie and think about todays events...I AM LOOKING FOR A COPY OF THIS MOVIE. Email me at Indigo00@comcast.net.

onelincoln20 A rarely seen gem that hasn't been broadcast in Los Angeles since 1987!! Luckily I grabbed a VHS copy. The plot follows a group of freedom fighters called the Society of Man in their struggle against a fascist government that takes control of the U.S. Fine acting from all the principles, including a young Gene Hackman. It asks a lot of questions about political laziness and expediency. Note: the airport scene at LAX; it almost mirrors the chaos that goes on now with the TSA and their security! Remember this was filmed in 1968! Also the scene at the concentration camp with the freedom fighters and the American Flag is awe inspiring. I wish this film would be released on DVD.

Mark-129 A rarely shown TV movie and series pilot that I have not seen in decades. All I remember is the film revolves around the takeover of the U.S. by a totalitarian authority and the efforts of an underground movement trying to ferment resistance. The film opens with a violent attack on a military base by the underground, leading to one of the most startling results I have seen on television. It was meant to shock the audience, and it did.