The Day of the Jackal (1973)

Last updated:
August 21, 2025

Fred Zinnemann’s The Day of the Jackal is a taut political thriller adapted from Frederick Forsyth’s bestselling novel. Released in 1973, it remains one of the most meticulous and suspenseful manhunt films ever made, celebrated for its realism, procedural detail, and icy tension.

Table of Contents

Detailed Summary

The Setup: OAS and the Assassination Plot

The film begins in early 1960s France, where the OAS (Organisation Armée Secrète), a far-right paramilitary group, is furious over Charles de Gaulle’s granting of Algerian independence. After multiple failed assassination attempts against the French President, the group hires an anonymous professional assassin known only as “the Jackal” (played by Edward Fox).

The Jackal’s Preparation

The Jackal accepts the contract and begins to prepare his mission with chilling precision. He commissions a custom-made sniper rifle disguised within a crutch and forges a new identity. His ability to adapt, disappear, and manipulate those around him makes him a ghost-like figure—deadly and untraceable.

The Counter-Operation

French authorities, aware that another attempt on de Gaulle’s life may be imminent, assign Detective Claude Lebel (Michel Lonsdale) to uncover and stop the assassin. Lebel’s methodical investigation contrasts sharply with the Jackal’s cold-blooded efficiency. The movie constantly shifts between predator and prey, building a tense cat-and-mouse dynamic.

The Jackal’s Escalating Risks

During his journey across Europe, the Jackal leaves behind a trail of small but critical clues. He seduces and murders a woman who could expose him, narrowly avoids being captured by police roadblocks, and constantly changes disguises. Each step heightens the stakes as Lebel closes in, yet the assassin remains frighteningly close to his target.

Movie Ending

The climax unfolds on the day of a major national ceremony in Paris, where de Gaulle will be appearing publicly. The Jackal has managed to infiltrate the city disguised as a war veteran on crutches, concealing his rifle within his false limb. From a vantage point in an apartment, he meticulously assembles the weapon, loads a single armor-piercing bullet, and waits for his moment.

Meanwhile, Lebel and the French police are frantically searching the city, piecing together the assassin’s movements. In a nail-biting sequence, the Jackal fires once but misses when de Gaulle unexpectedly bends down to greet a veteran. He reloads calmly for a second attempt—just as Lebel bursts into the room. In a struggle, the detective kills the Jackal with a shotgun blast.

The film ends with de Gaulle continuing his public duties, completely unaware of how close he came to death. In a final ironic twist, the assassin’s true name is never revealed—he is buried in an unmarked grave, maintaining his mystery.

Are There Post-Credits Scenes?

No. The movie ends after the burial of the Jackal. There are no post-credits scenes, teasers, or additional content. The conclusion is stark and final, fitting the film’s tone of realism.

Type of Movie

A political thriller / procedural crime drama, blending historical context with fictional narrative. It’s not an action-heavy movie but instead thrives on slow-burn suspense and meticulous attention to detail.

Cast

Edward Fox as The Jackal
Michel Lonsdale as Claude Lebel
Alan Badel as Col. Rodin
Tony Britton as Assistant Commissioner
Derek Jacobi as Caron
Cyril Cusack as the Gunsmith

Film Music and Composer

The score was composed by Georges Delerue, a master of French film music. Unlike bombastic Hollywood thrillers, the music here is restrained, atmospheric, and designed to amplify the tension rather than overpower it.

Filming Locations

Filming took place across France, Austria, and Britain, with Paris serving as a central backdrop. Many real streets and government buildings were used, lending the movie a documentary-like authenticity.

Awards and Nominations

Nominated for BAFTA Awards in multiple categories, including Best Film Editing.
Won the Edgar Award for Best Motion Picture Screenplay (Frederick Forsyth’s novel adapted by Kenneth Ross).

Behind the Scenes Insights

Edward Fox was not well-known before this film; his cold, calculated performance made his career.
The real-life French government was extremely sensitive about any depiction of de Gaulle’s assassination. Zinnemann had to assure authorities that the portrayal would remain fictional.
Many extras in the ceremonial sequences were actual French military personnel, adding authenticity.

Inspirations and References

The film is based on Frederick Forsyth’s novel, itself inspired by the real OAS attempts to assassinate Charles de Gaulle. Though the Jackal is fictional, the political climate depicted in the film is rooted in true events.

Alternate Endings and Deleted Scenes

No alternate endings have ever been released. Zinnemann’s film follows Forsyth’s novel almost exactly, down to its cold, abrupt conclusion.

Book Adaptations and Differences

The film is a faithful adaptation of Forsyth’s novel, though certain subplots are condensed. The book contains more political background on the OAS and more detail on the Jackal’s disguises and forged identities, while the film streamlines these to maintain pace.

Memorable Scenes and Quotes

Key Scenes

The OAS assassination attempt on de Gaulle in the opening.
The Jackal testing his custom-made rifle on a watermelon.
The seduction and murder of the Frenchwoman who discovers his identity.
The final near-assassination at the Paris ceremony.

Iconic Quotes

“We are not amateurs. We are professionals.”
“The Jackal does not exist. He’s a phantom.”

Easter Eggs and Hidden Details

The Jackal’s cold professionalism inspired later cinematic assassins, including characters in The Bourne Identity and Leon: The Professional.
The use of real French locations at the time gives the film a semi-documentary feel—rare for thrillers of its era.

Trivia

The rifle built for the film was a fully functional custom prop, though strictly monitored.
Jean-Paul Belmondo was initially considered for the role of the Jackal but was deemed too famous—the anonymity of Edward Fox was more effective.
Charles de Gaulle’s family reportedly approved of the film’s respectful treatment of the President.

Why Watch?

Because it’s a masterclass in suspense without resorting to explosions or over-the-top action. If you like procedural thrillers where tension builds from precision and realism, this is essential viewing.

Director’s Other Movies

High Noon (1952)
From Here to Eternity (1953)
A Man for All Seasons (1966)
Julia (1977)

The Day of the Jackal (1973)

Detailed Summary