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

By Michael T. Martin, Marilyn Yaquinto, Christine A. Acham and 2 more

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 the original 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.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Indiana University Press
• Release date: Mar 1, 2018
• ISBN: 9780253031808

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