Could It Happen Here? on AllMovie

The Italian Could It Happen Here? answers its own question early on. A "typical" city falls under the sphere of influence of despots. Imposing martial law, the new civic leaders unleash a reign of terror on the hapless citizens. It's worth noting that this sort of film always looks a bit arch and phony in American hands, but uncomfortably credible when the filmmakers are Europeans, thus well versed in the perils and pitfalls of totalitarianism. Most available prints of Could It Happen Here? are dubbed in English.