This documentary examines the experiences of the Abraham Lincoln Brigade, using interviews with survivors more than 50 years later. First, the film sets the context with the rise of Fascism. Then, in 1936, Spain's military revolts against the elected government, and the U.S. and Europe agree not to intervene. In response, volunteers snuck past border guards into Spain to fight with the Republicans. The men and women veterans describe the perils of reaching Spain, limited training, responsibilities of command thrust on the very young, deprivations of a soldier's life, lack of matériel, horrible rates of casualties, and ultimate vindication at the end of World War II.

Julia Reichert and Jim Klein (who were also responsible for UNION MAIDS - spotting a theme yet?) made this doco in 1983, fortunately in enough time to snag interviews with a number of senior citizens who were right in the thick of it way back when the communist party established itself in the U.S. SEEING RED takes us through the trials and tribulations of the party through the changes of the decades - the depression, the Spanish Civil War, World War II, the Cold War and subsequent HUAC hearings, the devastating revelations about exactly what kinda guy Stalin had become, and of course all the hardline propaganda that beleaguered them at every turn.
Even though the film-makers' sympathies lie clearly with their interview subjects, SEEING RED isn't meant to be pro-Pinko (while even now still holding on to their ideals these old folks admit the official party line lost its way, and point out where things went wrong). Pete Seeger (of The Weavers) gets to sing a few songs; Reagan, Nixon, McCarthy and even actor John Saxon make archival appearances. If you weren't aware of the full story behind this marginalised slice of history, then here's your chance to find out.