Yawn. Poorly Filmed Snooze Fest.

Purely Joyful Movie!

A terrific literary drama and character piece that shows how the process of creating art can be seen differently by those doing it and those looking at it from the outside.

Through painfully honest and emotional moments, the movie becomes irresistibly relatable

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.

Hard to believe, but I was 12 years old when this movie was first shown on TV.Like other reviewers, "Shadow on the Land" made an impact on me like no other made for TV movie that the networks were churning out at the time, with the exception of "Duel" and perhaps "The Brotherhood of the Bell".There were just three networks: ABC, CBS, and NBC. Nothing else. Cable TV and video recorders didn't exist.It is a little dated, considering it was 1968, but the message about the possibility of an American fascist state coming into existence is scary.This movie is prophetic and well worth your time to find.I am looking for a copy of this movie. Please email me at c_c_colvin (AT)yahoo(dot)com

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.

I saw this movie when I was about twelve and it made a profound impression on me. Coming from a conservative Republican family, it got my wheels and gears turning so that when Watergate happened, I saw the parallels.In reading the comments, I wondered about a couple of things. While I saw it more than 35 years ago, I remember that the resistance group was called the "Brotherhood of Man" or something similar. Also, the facility that they attacked was a power plant or vital production facility.I'd be grateful for any insight on these questions, and I too wish it that were available on DVD or VHS.