The Spook Who Sat By the Door (1973) - Ivan Dixon 

A film that genuinely terrified white people upon its extremely brief theatrical run. Sam Greenlee's book of the same name was something of a black power masterpiece, and was adapted in the wake of blaxploitation. Instead of petty revenge films about fighting "the man", Greenlee was openly advocating revolution. He described his book as a blueprint for guerilla warfare. The film naturally can't have as many details included, but it is a film that shows black people capable of organizing a widespread revolution. In the process Greenlee is vocally expressing everyone's contempt of black people.

Dan Freeman is his protaganist, but in actuality it is a barely distinguishable substitute for the author. Greenlee was the first black member of the CIA, and spent his time there doing little more than sitting still and looking pretty so they could boast they were "integrated". Always observant though, he learned everything he could, and moved to Chicago as a social worker. Freeman's character quickly trains local gangs in urban warfare tactics and they soon turn their energies against the white power structure. The picture was shot mostly in Gary, Indiana and was greatly helped by the cities black mayor, who allowed them full use of the cities police forces, and helicopter. Although set in Chicago's Southside, all of the shots of Chicago were taken "guerilla" style stolen without a permit. The film therefore has a startling immediacy.

After being a brief hit upon its premiere, the picture was immediately pulled. Chicago's then mayor saw to it that any theaters showing the film would be closed. The film was distributed by United Artists originally, because the filmmakers showed them nothing but the action scenes shot and presented it to the men as another blaxploitation film. The film survived because it was stored in an archive under a false name, only to be restored 30 years later. In the meantime the film has earned a reputation comparable to an urban legend. I was surprised as hell to see the film or that it had even been made in the first place.