A free black mind is a concealed weapon.
Sam Greenlee's 1969 book, which depicted a world not far from reality, faced significant challenges. It was rejected by nearly 40 American publishers before finding a home with British house Allison and Busby in 1969. The title, "The Spook Who Sat by the Door," carries a double meaning, referring to both a racial slur and a slang term for a spy, with the notion of being seated "by the door" suggesting a person hired for show.
The fiction movie tells the story of an African American man who successfully infiltrates the CIA and later returns to his community, teaching them valuable skills such as intelligence gathering, political subversion, and combat techniques. The community ultimately rises up against the government in a revolt.
To bring this powerful narrative to the screen, author Sam Greenlee teamed up with actor and director Ivan Dixon. Dixon's attempts to secure production funding from major studios were unsuccessful and bankers in Africa had been advised against working with black filmmakers from the US. They turned to individual donors within the local community for support.
The main setting of the film was in Chicago. Unfortunately, the city's mayor, Richard Daley, refused to grant permission to shoot there. However, Gary, Indiana, under the administration of its first black mayor, Richard Hatcher, opened its doors to the team. Hatcher provided them access to Gary's police and fire departments, and even facilitated the use of a helicopter for capturing shots of post-riot devastation.
"The Spook Who Sat by the Door" had its premiere in 1973 and immediately became a sensation. Despite all of the barriers the film brought in $270,000 ($1,849,420.95 today). The film's political message caused concern among certain individuals. Theater managers were approached by FBI members, who advised against holding further screenings. All the prints of the film were unjustly confiscated, effectively suppressing its powerful message and preventing it from reaching the intended audience.
The full movie is available on youtube.
HELLA INSPIRED.
