This left-wing independent feature was made at a time when the fight against fascism briefly dovetailed with the interests of American capitalism. Narrated by Paul Robeson, who also sings two songs, Native Land is an erratic but generally successful pro-union flag waver, with the right to bargain collectively presented first and foremost as constitutionally protected activity. Large parts of the film are dramatic re-enactments of union-busting activity, and these scenes veer from heart-breaking to clumsy. There are also some diversions into civil rights territory, as the KKK and other fascist nativists come in for a lambasting. Though clearly made on a budget, Native Land generally looks good and features fine cinematography by director-producer Paul Strand. Not surprisingly, many of the participants in this production (including actor Howard Da Silva) went on to be blacklisted, and the U. S. government threatened to destroy the negative. Native Land also includes some cogent and timely warnings about the extreme right's relentless disdain for democracy which still ring loud and true in 2005.