THE SPOOK WHO SAT BY THE DOOR

1973, dir. Ivan Dixon
USA, 100 min.
In English | Format: 4k digital restoration

November 10 | Dan Freeman, the CIA’s first “diversity hire,” becomes disillusioned with the agency and returns to a post-1968 Chicago, a city still mourning its beloved revolutionaries. In this charged environment, he trains young Black men in guerrilla tactics, transforming them into empowered freedom fighters. Set against Herbie Hancock’s soulful score, this 1973, recently restored classic resonates with the spirit of revolution, invigorating the Black Liberation Movement on the national stage. Restored by The Library of Congress and The Film Foundation. Funding provided by the Hobson/Lucas Family Foundation. Dialogue: Nomathandé Dixon and Natiki Pressley.

“You think you have an idea of how hard this movie’s gonna go, then it keeps going. And going.” – Sean Burns, Spliced Personality

“Dixon launches the film with a satirical tone-mocking white officials who’d rather not integrate the agency-and sharpens it to an edge of restrained precision, aided by Cook’s highly pressurized performance.” – Richard Brody, New Yorker

The Film Center is ADA accessible. This presentation will be projected without open captions. The theater is hearing-loop equipped. For accessibility requests, please email filmcenter@saic.edu