Race and the Revolutionary Impulse in The Spook Who Sat by the Door

Ivan Dixon’s 1973 film The Spook Who Sat by the Door captures the intensity of social and political upheaval during a volatile period in American history. Based on Sam Greenlee’s novel by the same name, the film is a searing portrayal of an American black underclass brought to the brink of revolution. This series of critical essays situates the film in its social, political, and cinematic contexts and presents a wealth of related materials, including an extensive interview with Sam Greenlee, the original United Artists’ press kit, numerous stills from the film, and a transcription of the screenplay. This fascinating examination of a revolutionary work foregrounds issues of race, class, and social inequality that continue to incite protests and drive political debate.