The Day of the Jackal 1973
"Nameless, faceless... relentlessly moving towards the date with death that would rock the world."
Directed by the meticulous Fred Zinnemann, *The Day of the Jackal (1973)* is a masterclass in suspense, weaving a tale of political intrigue and relentless pursuit.
Director: Fred Zinnemann
Cast
Edward Fox
The Jackal
Terence Alexander
Lloyd
Michel Auclair
Colonel Rolland
Alan Badel
the Minister
Tony Britton
Inspector Thomas
Denis Carey
Casson
Cyril Cusack
Gunsmith
Maurice Denham
General Colbert
Michael Lonsdale
Deputy Commissioner Claude Lebel
Vernon Dobtcheff
Interrogator
Frequently Asked Questions
What is The Day of the Jackal (1973) about?
The film centers on an anonymous assassin, codenamed 'The Jackal,' who is hired by a group of disgruntled French military officers to kill President Charles de Gaulle. As The Jackal meticulously plans his attack, a relentless gendarme closes in, leading to a high-stakes chase that tests the boundaries of intelligence and survival.
Who directed The Day of the Jackal?
The film was directed by Fred Zinnemann, renowned for his precise and atmospheric filmmaking style, as seen in acclaimed works like *A Man for All Seasons* and *High Noon*.
Who stars in The Day of the Jackal?
The cast features Edward Fox as The Jackal, with Terence Alexander, Alan Badel, Tony Britton, and Denis Carey rounding out the ensemble in pivotal roles.
Is The Day of the Jackal (1973) worth watching?
Absolutely—this is a timeless thriller that delivers relentless suspense, sharp direction, and a standout performance by Edward Fox. While it predates modern CGI spectacle, its grounded tension and intricate plotting make it a must-watch for fans of classic action-thrillers.
How long is The Day of the Jackal?
The film runs for 143 minutes, offering a tightly packed narrative that balances slow-burn suspense with explosive moments.
🎥 Trailer
About The Day of the Jackal (1973) — A Thrilling Cat-and-Mouse Game in Political Assassination
Directed by the meticulous Fred Zinnemann, *The Day of the Jackal (1973)* is a masterclass in suspense, weaving a tale of political intrigue and relentless pursuit. The film follows an enigmatic assassin known only as 'The Jackal,' a professional killer hired by disillusioned French generals to eliminate President Charles de Gaulle. With precision and stealth, The Jackal dodges every obstacle, while a determined gendarme races against time to uncover his identity before a catastrophic event unfolds. The movie thrives on intricately layered tension, blending historical weight with edge-of-your-seat action. Edward Fox delivers a chillingly understated performance as the assassin, while Terence Alexander and Alan Badel add gravitas to the cat-and-mouse game. Shot with a clinical eye for detail, this thriller doesn't just keep you guessing—it keeps you breathless.
Set against the backdrop of Cold War-era France, *The Day of the Jackal* explores power, loyalty, and the fragility of democracy. The film's stark black-and-white cinematography amplifies the mood, creating an atmosphere of cold calculation and looming dread. Zinnemann's direction ensures every scene crackles with quiet menace, from the Jackal's meticulous preparations to the gendarme's desperate hunts. Based on a gripping novel by Frederick Forsyth, this isn't just a film about assassination—it's a study of obsession, identity, and the thin line between order and chaos.
