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The Spook That Sat By the Door

The Spook That Sat By the Door

$19.99

The Spook That Sat by the Door [DVD]

Based on Sam Greenlee’s controversial novel, The Spook That Sat by the Door (1973) is a gripping blend of social commentary and action thriller that has become a landmark in Black cinema. The film follows Dan Freeman, the first Black CIA officer, who masters espionage and guerrilla warfare tactics—then uses that knowledge to train disenfranchised young men in Chicago to fight back against systemic oppression.

Banned and suppressed upon its original release, this powerful film remains a bold statement on race, politics, and resistance. Today, it is celebrated as a groundbreaking classic of 1970s cinema.

Key Features:

Digitally remastered DVD edition

Directed by Ivan Dixon (Nothing But a Man)

Based on the novel by Sam Greenlee

Genre: Drama / Thriller / Political Cinema

Release Year: 1973

Region: Check DVD player compatibility

Special Features: [Varies by edition; may include interviews or commentary]

A must-have for collectors of classic soul cinema, socially conscious films, and rare 1970s cult titles—The Spook That Sat by the Door is as relevant today as it was on the day it was released.

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Customer Reviews

Based on 19 reviews
58%
(11)
16%
(3)
5%
(1)
0%
(0)
21%
(4)
T
Thomas Fletcher
Disappointed

This is the second time returning this movie. Same problem. No sound on commentary, looping, and won't play to the entirety/end.

N
Nigritia
VERY DISAPPOINTED..!

POOR RECORDING OF MOVIEFROZE NO FULL MOVIE...

f
farington
Great period piece

I remember when this film first came out. The only advertising for it was on the local underground hippie radio station, then after a week it was gone. Didn't have a chance to see it then. The story is that it got yanked from movie theaters by the FBI. That sounds kind of conspiratorial but I can see how this movie was pretty incendiary for its time. It might be seen as extreme even today, what with its glorification of coordinated armed guerrilla conflict by the Black community against the White establishment. Extreme maybe, but it feels honest in its expression of frustration with the state of things at the time. It's not big on production value, it looks a lot like a TV production, but its content is nothing like anything you'd see on TV then or now.The soundtrack is by Herbie Hancock, back when he was in the thick of his Mwandishi period, very experimental but it fits in well with what's on the screen.I'd say this is worth a watch as a historical document that still has relevance today. Maybe not great cinematic art, but worthwhile.

M
Ms. Fe
Still relevant

This movie is still worth watching for the younger generations. The issues raised in this movie are still plaguing Black Americans. Looking past the obvious non-starter of a violent solution to racism, the movie should start necessary conversations about political, economic and social equality in this country today.

e
eric
Five Stars

My fav movie.