THE DAY OF THE JACKAL - Fact, Fiction & Why it's GREAT - WFP Review

[@robinwilson730]

Probably the best film of its genre and one of the best of all time. Excellently crafted with one scene moving onto the next in gripping efficiency. There is no padding whatsoever. The viewer is held in a constant state of suspense throughout. The definition of a thriller. The director also captures a 1960s epoch wonderfully with the many different commonplace scenes in France, Italy and London. A terrific time capsule that defines an era.

[@Marvin-dg8vj]

There is some padding at the end with the Liberation Day celebrations going on too long but apart from that is a great thriller. It was designed for people with longer attention spans than today. The test is it is still widely watched 53 years later and people will sit through a long film with the tension expertly managed

[@barriolimbas]

One of the best novel to film adaptations ever.

[@kebabtank]

Edward Fox was superb in this move, as he was charming and ruthless in equal measure. He kills women and old people without a moments hesitation and it was a great shame that he was not nominated for an Oscar. It is an utterly gripping film and I can highly recommend the Frederick Forsyth novel as well. Great stuff.

[@Vlad65WFPReviews]

the academy doesn't seem to like nasty roles for major awards, except sometimes for supporting roles.

[@Marcfj]

I read the novel as well, a great read.

[@drats1279]

I agree, as usual, the book was far better than the movie.

[@panderjitsinghvv8199]

@@kebabtank Didn’t he have a cameo in a Johnny English film? Sitting in a waiting room full of geriatric spies.

[@guntertorfs6486]

@@drats1279 The movie was very good as well. The order of which one you watch / read first plays a role in the appreciation of either , i find. ( watched the movie first ) Also , one is limited in terms of time and possibilities with a movie. A book doesn't have such limits.

[@royfernley3153]

A great film. I hadn’t known just how much help French officialdom gave to the filming which certainly gave that sense of documentary realism you refer to. It’s a film that stands the test of time, no matter how many times you see it you’re never disappointed.

[@Vlad65WFPReviews]

Couldn't agree more! As I know I've said before, the fact you know the Jackal will fail, yet you can watch it many times, shows how great the film is!

[@unaiestanconapelaez2526]

​@@Vlad65WFPReviews the fact that the book casually reminds you that de Gaulle died in bed early in the book and still manages to convince you that chacal might succeed is on of its most impressive accomplishments.

[@mikecodner7444]

Seen this movie repeatedly, and it never gets old. Shows what can be done with virtually unknown actors and a great story to tell. A professional production in every way.

[@Vlad65WFPReviews]

Of course I totally agree with you - and this screams out the need for talented and worldly writers. It seems today most screenwriters are college cinema grads with little real-life experience and/or those who insist on jamming "social commentary" into stories that derail the narrative.

[@heybuh007]

Eric Porter and Edward Fox were well known actors in GB

[@AndriyValdensius-wi8gw]

They were well known in the UK, but unknown in America.

[@donmateo3728]

@@Vlad65WFPReviews I ALWAYS SAY...a great story is ALL about the writer!

[@jamesmaybrick2001]

@@AndriyValdensius-wi8gw Its such a weird and uninformed take. "unknown" actors? Edward Fox and Derek Jacobi and more. They were big names.

[@gregoryeastwood9068]

Oh, this is a great movie. Flawless and very Efficient. Not one wasted scene.

[@Vlad65WFPReviews]

It's clearly still a big favorite for many people. I consider all the movies I try to showcase very worthwhile within their genres, but Jackal is easily the most popular and viewed subject of all of them. Trust the video might prompt you to see it again sooner. Do check out my other vids on historical subjects such as Breaker Morant, Ice Cold in Alex and A Night to Remember. Thanks for commenting.

[@tenpastten4167]

This movie serves as a connection point with my late father and I. I still recall him pointing out his favorite scenes like the phone tap reveal and the amputee reveal. It’s sophisticated, smart, and one of a kind. The lack of soundtrack is bold in its restraint.

[@Vlad65WFPReviews]

So true. While I love the John Barrys and Jerry Goldsmiths of the world, some of my favorite movies don't have conventional musical soundtracks. No Country for Old Men is a brilliant example. Thanks for watching (hope you subscribed; I will never monetize but I'd love to eventually hit a 1,000 just to do it). Thanks again.

[@ianw5725]

Likewise; I went to see this film at the cinema with my father when I was about 10. One of the many things I have always loved is the film’s portrayal of France; in those days it was a far more exotic and challenging country for us Brits. All shops and restaurants totally different and no one speaking English

[@AdaGonzalesSaldaña]

@@ianw5725 Right!!! In South America at the time you had to be over 21 to be allowed to watch this film, and I was not. In t he '80s, with my father, I watched it several times, and we both loved and discussed the details, each time improving our perception. Dad sadly is already gone, but those lovable moments watching and sharing comments, will be in my heart forever.

[@ccooper8785]

This is one of the few movies that I can happily repeatedly rewatch. It is so much better than the vast majority of today's big budget blockbusters. Less can frequently be more...

[@opencurtin]

Id love to see it on a cinema size screen .

[@jdewitt77]

@@opencurtin I did and it was great.

[@richardbouchard1716]

One of the best lines in movie history was after Lebel exposes the leak with the wiretap recording he is asked how did he know who’s phone to tap and Lebel answers “I tapped them all”

[@Vlad65WFPReviews]

yes, that was yet another great moment!

[@jeffcauhape6880]

That scene cracked me up.

[@chuckabutty888]

@@richardbouchard1716 lol yea the look on all their faces.

[@joefish6091]

And Obungler did the same to all the Republican candidate teams in 2015. Obamagate.

[@virgilstarkwell8383]

Great and of course ironic it was released in 73 at high point of Watergate!

[@GorgeDawes]

Lebel’s introduction in the film is a classic example of “show don’t tell” cinema. We cut from a scene of the higher-ups proclaiming him the best man to lead the investigation, to a scene of a quiet, physically unimpressive man fussing with his pigeons. His wife then calls him into the house to answer a phone call. We can immediately see that he is a bit of a homebody and clearly not an action hero or tough guy. As the audience, we are left to draw the conclusion that the only reason he is so highly regarded by his superiors is that he must be extremely smart. We know all this within a few seconds of meeting him and off the basis of hardly any dialogue.

[@scottmiller6495]

The Day of the Jackel should have been nominated for Best Picture of 1973 ! It should have won several oscars and it was horribly overlooked!!!!!

[@Vlad65WFPReviews]

It definitely could have been nominated but I think it would have been very difficult to upend the Godfather.

[@scottmiller6495]

@@Vlad65WFPReviews I'm sorry, but The Godfather was in 1972 and won Best Picture but Jackal was made in 1973 and wasn't even nominated.

[@scottmiller6495]

The Sting won in 1973, However The Day of the Jackal was much better 😁

[@marknairn6032]

This was an understated British style movie like the ‘tinker tailor soldier spy’ or ‘the ipcress file’. Some may think it was a bit slow but these movies stay in the memory mainly due to the brilliant source material.

[@JefferyHagen]

@@marknairn6032 I saw Day Of The Jackal on the late night movie when I was 9 or 10 and I didn’t have any issues with the pace of the story and I rented it when I was an adult in my twenties and I enjoyed every minute of it , but I tried watching Tinker,Taylor,Soldier, Spy and quickly lost interest. There are only a handful of movies I could numerous times and Day Of The Jackal is one of them.

[@chrisstephens6673]

Shows the benefit of a good story, without the need for eye-popping special effects so popular these days. Like a black and white oldie film can be more captivating than a razzmatazz colour one, with a story and mood lighting often lost in later days.

[@chuckabutty888]

@@marknairn6032 Yes not many can do a gripping story line without all the gun fights and stunt men flying all over the screen. Those three films are brilliantly done.

[@CaesarTjalbo]

Most movies before 1980 and certainly 1970 are slow for modern standards

[@virgilstarkwell8383]

I think its "slow" style is what turned off American mass audience.

[@rogerhill138]

Edward Fox made this film. Utterly brilliant. He was also in the film "Battle of Britain." Thanks awfully old chap!

[@jackpavlik563]

Not what I would say after falling through sheets of glass. Class…

[@JxH]

Edward Charles Morice Fox OBE. Born: April 13, 1937 (age 87 years), still going !! Yay !!

[@chuckabutty888]

Tacka Tacka Tacka Tacka

[@butchie2752]

Also a bridge too far.

[@bhachub]

Also in "Force 10 from Navarone."

[@mikehillas]

This was a great flick. Also glad you mentioned "Three Days of the Condor", one of my favourites. It was a very tight movie that keeps you on the edge of your seat.

[@scottrobertson9452]

Easily my favorite. The attention to detail, locations and the realism are reasons why I watch this enjoyable film every year. Good review.

[@Vlad65WFPReviews]

Every year, you say. Impressive. I've probably seen it 6-7 times, including in the cinema when it first came out - and that's the definitive compliment to the film's quality - you've always known he's going to miss and yet we watch it time and again.

[@jjr1728]

There ought to be some labradors in the film. And maine coon cats they're lovely cats. The Jackal should have had a labrador sidekick as a 'distraction' and a kitty

[@darbyheavey406]

It’s almost an exact rendition of the novel.

[@tomparatube6506]

French gov't permission & assistance: no wonder it looks so real and massive, otherwise it would have cost a fortune for those big sets w tanks, flying planes, crowds, parading troops. I've wondered about this all these years. Great review, great doc. Thanks mucho!

[@Vlad65WFPReviews]

you are very welcome

[@hoodatdondar2664]

They were willing to admit to official abuse in interrogations. There must have been a widespread feeling it was needed, so soon after a couple of attempted coups. Sorry to see, just saying.

[@maestromecanico597]

Wonderful film. Charles de Gaulle passed away in 1970, before the making of the film. The actor playing de Gaulle was convincing enough that during filming of his scene a drunk WW2 veteran saw him and immediately snapped to attention and saluted.

[@ranchokitty1]

all 6 foot 8 inches of him,

[@32ModB]

The best❤Fffeeere❤

[@RickTucker-ye6hu]

Great suspense, especially the scene where the Jackal, after learning his cover is blown, stops his car at the crossroads in Italy where he can either proceed to Paris or turn back, and then proceeds. Great film!

[@Vlad65WFPReviews]

yes - that is a nice little touch when he fully commits himself to the challenge of the project even though he know they will be looking for him. Of course, as a sociopath or psychopath his level of fear (if any) would be very different than for a normal person

[@AdaGonzalesSaldaña]

@@Vlad65WFPReviews The Supreme Moment of Decision, that would change forever his life and some other's. So brilliant.

[@גרשוןפרלמן]

Absolutely. It's the scene that make one think, 'what would I do?'

[@charlessmyth]

The OSS, to whom he didn't want to be held accountable, had forked over a lot of stolen money by that point :-)

[@Vlad65WFPReviews]

@@charlessmyth excellent point. How much was professional ego and how much was trying to keep the money

[@WMAcadet]

This is, as you believe, one of the best intrigue/thriller movies I have ever seen, and the score is fantastic, just perfect for this film. I have seen it probably a dozen times since I saw it in a theater when it first came out. I never tire of it either!

[@emilytrott]

Definitely. I can remember one reviewer commenting that it succeeded in holding your attention, even though from the beginning you knew that he was going to fail.

[@ReneTihista]

I own this film on VHS and watch it once a year. It is superb. A classic of the genre maybe the best.

[@paulbalogh4582]

Outstanding review. One of the best & inspiring films ever.

[@Vlad65WFPReviews]

Thanks so very much. You might have inspired me to watch it yet again very soon. Meanwhile, thinking of Mr Fox, I may be doing A Bridge Too Far as one of my upcoming projects. I hope you check out and comment on some of my other offerings.

[@CrookedSkew]

Forsyth wrote the book over 30 days writing 10 pages a day. There was a fascinating video interview with both him and Lee Child in the Telegraph some years back. Forsyth was uniquely equipped as both having real world military experience and then becoming a journalist. He had enough contacts to write a engaging book full of real possibilities. The Day of the Jackal is an absolute favourite of mine since childhood. Both it and The French Connection revolutionised crime films in an almost documentarian way.

[@mikesmyth8515]

Thanks a million for the Forsyth/Child info. I'm a beginning novelist and this is great inspiration and a helpful guide. Really appreciate your post.

[@LazyDaisyDay88]

I absolutely LOVE the opening sequence of this film. The car drive through Paris still feels contemporary. And I enjoy seeing Heathrow airport from that time.

[@grantchallinor5263]

Michael Lonsdale's performance as Claude Lebel was the standout among many great performances in TDOTJ - what an epic cast! For 1973, it was, on a level a bit like a Tarantino movie of the present time - all the actors were chosen because they were perfect for the role not because they were necessarily big box office draws of the day. One very sad thing, not covered in this review, was the beautiful French actress Olga Gorges-Picot, who played Denise in the film. In 1997 she jumped to her death from a the 5th floor of a building in Paris, she had suffered from depression all her life - a great pity.

[@Vlad65WFPReviews]

Great points. Lonsdale is perfect in his low-key way and even his wardrobe supports his acting. Watching this time I saw he gets summoned while feeding his pigeons, rushes off, and enters that very intimidating room wearing stained pants. Nice touch. I did read about Olga's suicide, yet another French actress who died far far too young. Of course Delphine was only 58 when she died of natural causes. And just a bit earlier the wonderful Francoise Dorleac died at just 25 after finishing Billion Dollar Brain.

[@johnglenn30csardas]

Lonsdale is fantastic. Great actor.

[@grantchallinor5263]

@@johnglenn30csardas Absolutely, he was! The cast assembled for the film was stellar but (in my opinion) Michael Lonsdale's performance was the best in the movie - and then some!

[@G58]

@@Vlad65WFPReviews “The evening sun fell lightly on The eyes of Lucy Jordan…” From the song by Marianne Faithful which could be an epitaph.

[@shawngilliland243]

@user-sc3ts6lf8r TDOTJ = The Day of the Jackal

[@reneharde3459]

The 1973 Jackal has been one of my longtime favorites - great to see mentions of 3 Days of the Condor and Battle for Algiers - all amazing films! Thanks for the interesting background info!

[@Vlad65WFPReviews]

You are most welcome! I'd also invite you to try a few of more recent reviews on history-related titles such as Barry Lyndon and Guns of Navarone. Thanks for watching.

[@richard7crowley]

Thank you so much. You explained many reasons why Day of the Jackal is one of my favorite films. Michael Lonsdale is memorable in this film and also in one of my other top-level favorites, "Smiley's People" as Russian Diplomat/Agent "Anton Grigoriev". "Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy" and "Smiley's People" are also on my top-5 list of favorite productions.

[@Vlad65WFPReviews]

Hi. Living in North America I just got a multi-region blu-ray to watch new UK prints of both Smiley series, which never looked better. But with links to Ukraine I won't watch S's People for some time.

[@harleyshoaf4916]

Day of The Jackal , a perfect movie and my all time favorite

[@Vlad65WFPReviews]

I'd have trouble picking a single favourite but Jackal would be on the short list.

[@caulkins69]

If it's so perfect, why do hair and clothing styles look more like the early '70s than the early '60s? They seem to have forgotten they were making a period film.

[@ChinweDJohn]

This movie version was one of the first films I watched as a child on TV in Nigeria. It was shown very regularly and this review brought on a lot of nostalgia for that period in my life, my dear father loved it, as do I. A true classic, thank you.

[@James-nl6fu]

Daniel Craig thought he could play "method cool."😎 "Fox's "Jackal " is sub-zero frostbite❤️

[@32ModB]

He loves❤you❤

[@daemonartursson5952]

The Day of the Jackal was one of the first thrillers i ever read and still one of my favourites (still have 40+ years later) and went on to read and enjoy all of Freddie's novels. The film is an excellent adaptation. Edward Fox is perfectly cold as the assassin and Michael Lonsdale smoothly takes no prisoners on realising he is the best chsnce they have in catching the Jackal. Fantastic movie

[@thorgodofthunder3204]

Loved this movie! Have seen multiple times on TV but the best was when I saw it in the theatre. Remember the sites, the scenes, the back alley meetings. Saw a KZbin video with Edward Fox being interviewed (made me feel OLD!) I remember screaming at the Gendarme to hurry up those stairs before it was too late. Weapon test was my favorite part.

[@Vlad65WFPReviews]

I also loved it in the theatre and later bought the book and an audio cassette read by George Sewell, who I liked from the original Tinker Tailor and Brit TV crime shows. And yes, the weapon testing with the exploding bullet was something - that's why I stole it to open my appreciation video. It was also a smart dramatic move in the book and movie to keep the real identify of the Jackal a secret (the Calthrop red herring is brilliant). It's one mystery that even Lebel can't solve.

[@numbersix8919]

Appreciate your no spoilers policy! What a worthy film this is, in almost every way a movie can be.

[@shankarbalan3813]

What a gorgeous film. My favourite in many ways.

[@richardclarke376]

Cracking good film. Packed with the cream of British acting talent. Fox is superb.

[@CarolFremel-my4hs]

Not to mention dead sexy

[@grahamcooper2144]

I was only 12 years old when the film came out - but I loved it. I was particularly struck by the idea of driving a sports car along the coast from Italy to France, and in particular the scene where he pulls up to use the telephone kiosk at a grand-looking hotel. 50 years later I too drove from Tuscany to Nice and checked into the exact same hotel: The Negresco. I was thrilled to see the reception desk and the livery worn by the concierge staff still looked exactly as in the movie. Although, understandably the telephone kiosks were long gone.

[@Vlad65WFPReviews]

Utterly fabulous story - thanks for sharing. (and I'm quite jealous, too)

[@RichardAllen-rm1bp]

My favourite film. Never tire of watching it.Got it on VHS video tape.

[@TalkernateHistory]

I haven't seen Day of The Jackal yet, but The Battle of Algiers is really an amazing film. I can attest

[@Vlad65WFPReviews]

Of course they share some historical background but BaA is an almost documentary-like epic while Jackal is a tremendously made fictional thriller. Both are top-grade films and deserve to be seen. I hope you get to see and enjoy Jackal soon and am glad this video may cause you to do that.

[@robertsansone1680]

One of the best movies ever. Great review. Thank You

[@Vlad65WFPReviews]

You are very welcome. Thanks for posting.

[@alastairbeaumont9578]

As a child, I absolutely loved watching Bruce Willis films. The first three Die Hards, Armageddon, Pulp Fiction, etc. Then I saw The Jackal. I loved it. (Don’t have a go, I also enjoyed the Police Academy films. I was a child!). Then I was told it was a remake. So, 10 years later, I finally watched this version. And, yes, it was much better! The film knew when to be quiet. The film knew when to be loud. The film knew absolutely everything and I’ll always have it on my Top Ten list.

[@clivebroadhead4857]

I saw the original as a youngster and also read the book at a similar time but cannot remember which came first. As with most films such as these read the book. I subsequently learned that the OAS was not only a terrorist organisation but the organisation of american states which probably serves the same function.

[@JHN12x12]

@@clivebroadhead4857 Wikipedia disambiguation entry for "OAS" shows five /different/ entities with the same acronym: Office of Aviation Services, agency of the United States Department of the Interior Ontario Archaeological Society, organization promoting archaeology within the Province of Ontario, Canada Organisation Armée Secrète, French dissident terrorist organisation, active during the Algerian War (1954-62), fighting against Algerian independence Organization of American States, continental organization of the Western Hemisphere Oxford Art Society, society for artists in the city of Oxford, England so, despite your snarky comment (and whether you view the Organization of American States positively or negatively), they did not and do not serve the same function.

[@Marcfj]

This was a truly great film that Hollywood would be incapable of making. In fact, the American version with Bruce Willis was absolute crap.

[@joycemiller-bean1814]

Totally agree!!!

[@seikibrian8641]

This film was coproduced by Universal Pictures, and had an American director.

[@Marcfj]

@@seikibrian8641 - The director was Alfred Zinnemann, an Austrian Jew who immigrated to the United States and became a naturalized American citizen.

[@henrywallacesghost5883]

The only reason to watch the remake is for the Jack Black scene and hearing Richard Gere trying to do an Irish accent😂

[@Marcfj]

@@seikibrian8641 - The director, Fred Zinnemann, was an Austrian who immigrated to the United States.

[@rogercarl3969]

Something I noticed when watching this film is that there is no background music at all, and if they had put it in it would be a distraction. One just becomes a passive observer waiting for the movie to play out. It is that good a movie.

[@Vlad65WFPReviews]

Very little music - there is a little during opening credits (if I correctly recall) but otherwise it is only "organic sound". I am a fan of this approach - and that is one of the reasons No Country for Old Men is one of my fave movies of the last few decades. The soundscape in that film is superb, as it is in DOTJ.

[@SteveDull]

Hans Zimmerman did a fantastic job of taking an exceptional book and turning it into an exceptional film - and all with the outcome/ending already known! Well done on your retrospective 👍

[@opencurtin]

This film was amazing visually, the plot keeps you engaged through out wonderfully directed and fantastic acting all round .

[@mphrdldn]

Saw it in the theater in 1973. I was blown away!

[@williamwilliam5066]

Never knew there was a play. Tell me more! How did they stage it?

[@mphrdldn]

@@williamwilliam5066sorry, I saw it in a movie theater

[@jabbertwardy]

I recently read the novel and was impressed by how well the film adapted the material into a taut, gritty, and efficient thriller.

[@michaeljames4904]

There’s just something about this movie. It isn’t my favourite by a long chalk but I kind of _just need_ to watch it at least once a year. I so miss European coproduction cinema. Fox was only 26 when in it; being a compulsive swimmer gave him his svelte physique. He was initially obsessed with failing at his big break: his first scene was the OAS meeting and he just couldn’t get a handle on his character’s breezy sangfroid, to begin with. Fox later said he was allowed to pinch the Jackal’s razor sharp wardrobe, which he wore for years after the film. The flick is masterful in how you don’t even notice the gaping plot holes, and yet, it pulls you in totally: regardless of how everyone knows the ending, namely, that De Gaulle never was assassinated! It kind of has this _Battle of Algiers_ feel, at times, where you sometimes think you’re genuinely watching a police procedural documentary.

[@Vlad65WFPReviews]

I think the news-reporter style opening really sets the tone and says "you're an intelligent audience" which helps set the hook.

[@michaeljames4904]

@@Vlad65WFPReviews Agreed. Subbed; really enjoying your reviews. Particularly your choice of movies which is excellent. Despite being such a fan of the flick I’ve only just recently started reading the novel and the film follows the narrative like a glove: in everything from the chilly morning’s coup-de-grâce to the tailing scooter rider having a white helmet. With only one exception so far: Bastien-Thiery’s attempt fails because he miscalculates dusk, hence the gunmen fail to see his signal and open up on a convoy, travelling much faster than they expected, far later than they’d initially planned to. In a foreshadowing of Lebelle’s later detective work the gang is folded up as a result of a routine traffic stop which apprehends a young OAS Foreign Legion deserter who fesses and names everyone.

[@amaliocedrez733]

Not 26... Born 1937.

[@Rohilla313]

What gaping holes are there in the plot?

[@petermortimer6303]

@@Rohilla313 Yes I thought that was an odd comment that I'd like clarified.

[@helmuthsanchez6059]

I saw this movie when I was a kid, broadcasted on "Catholic-University TV Channel" (they use to broadcast masterpieces at midnight..) and still remember the great final,, greetings from Chile.. great review!!

[@Vlad65WFPReviews]

Greetings to you - glad it brought back those good memories.

[@carbo73]

WOW, I've seen this movie more than 10 times , and never had noticed the JFK magazine in the table!!! Many thanks. Is like when Michael Corleone says "If history has told us anything, is that you can kill anybody".

[@BobGeogeo]

A college professor recommended Forsyth's early novels as a way to get a feel for the times and places portrayed. Forsyth liked this as the best adaptation of his work.

[@PhilAndersonOutside]

Saw this with my ex a few years back and we both enjoyed it more than we expected. Very taut, and even though it's not high speed action, it holds your attention every frame.

[@peterbrown3608]

Unknown actors playing villains can be like striking gold, another would be Alan Rickman as Hans Gruber in Die Hard, which was his first big movie, and didn't he nail that part.

[@GP-fw8hn]

Saw this as a young kid around 10 in 1977. LOVED IT!

[@tooterooterville]

I was walking around the theater district in London one afternoon in 1984 and Edward Fox came strolling past holding a brief case and a big cigar in his mouth. Made my day! Also, was fascinated in 1973 when I saw Day of the Jackal at the theater. At the time, a very different film genre. I've always been a firearms nut and the attention to detail in this aspect was very spot on. The exploding tipped bullet was a slight stretch but that made no difference in the overall effect.

[@peterlovett5841]

If you read the book Forsyth explains how the exploding bullet was made. I should add that it was not an "exploding" bullet per se, like a cannon shell, but one that fragmented on hitting its target. From an imperfect memory the core of the bullet was drilled, a drop of mercury placed in the resulting hole and then sealed with molten lead.

[@tooterooterville]

@@peterlovett5841 As I said, the exploding tipped bullet was a bit of a stretch but didn't lessen the superb screenplay and plot development. Just like MI5 didn't buy the anagram of "Cha Cal" for Charles Calthrop.

[@bobschenkel7921]

There is a third option to viewing "The Day Of The Jackal". Blu-Ray. The option I took. It stands up under repeated viewings. A really great movie.

[@CarolFremel-my4hs]

And book

[@schizoidboy]

I love the movie, especially the parade sequence. In the book when Lt. Col. Marc Rodin meets the Jackal he notices his eyes. The scary thing about the Jackal is it is hinted that he's not a psychopath because Rodin had known such people and sees his eyes are not dull like one. What is scary is he can't make anything out about the Jackal, even by looking at his eyes, thus he's not predictable.

[@Vlad65WFPReviews]

Thanks - I read the book (twice) but it has been a while and I don't recall the detail. Of course, it's hard not to envision J as a psychopath as he kills so coolly and efficiently. (Of course it is interesting in the book he takes on the disguise of a priest, which would have been tricky for a mainstream movie.)

[@russellcampbell9198]

Never get tired of this one. Another fine review, Walt.

[@Vlad65WFPReviews]

thanks!

[@mr_dillus]

"a quiet scene that's a favourite with fans and reviewers" much love for the gunsmith scene

[@Vlad65WFPReviews]

If you're looking for another movie on the French-Algerian conflict in English, there is also The Lost Command with Anthony Quinn as the paratroop colonel.

[@Rozsaphile]

Or "Le crabe tambour" about French officers in the wake of Vietnam and Algeria. Directed by Pierre Schoendorffer from his own novel.

[@ronjohnson6916]

I had honestly forgotten how much I enjoyed this gem. Thank you.

[@Vlad65WFPReviews]

A pleasure.

[@vanpelt2321]

Excellent presentation and even after watching it since it first came out in 1973, you edified and informed me with some great details I never knew. It's a shame that Zinnemann with his breathtaking canon of classics is not better known today as Wyler, Ford, Capra, Stevens and Huston, the Five Who Came Back. It's also a pity we don't know more about the De Gaulle doppelgänger nonpareil, Michel Cayla-Legrand. He will remain indelibly memorable for saying nothing but simply looking like the original.

[@stevehill3373]

Fox and Lonsdale were perfect for their characters. Especially Lonsdales understated performance of the meticulous detective.

[@Vlad65WFPReviews]

@@stevehill3373 londsdale is slightly like Finney in Orient Express

[@alfredosolari7597]

Thank you for your excellent video.Superbly researched. What can i say about ' The Day of the Jackal'; an outstanding film made with great actors, and a first rate thriller. You mentioned 'The Fourth Protocol'.That was another brilliant novel and film.I suppose that you already know that Edward Fox portrayed Edward VIII in the British television drama series Edward & Mrs. Simpson (1978).

[@m.r.donovan8743]

I wholeheartedly agree with your assessment of this great film. I was so entranced by it that I felt the need to research the true events that inspired Forsythe to write the book. I became an instantaneous fan of both Fox and Lonsdale. In short, Jolly Good Show Old boy!

[@Vlad65WFPReviews]

@@m.r.donovan8743 very much appreciated. I invite you to view my later efforts on Guns of Navarone and now Barry Lyndon which are technically more accomplished

[@johnshaw6326]

You could also mention that the real life terrorist Carlos the Jackal got the nickname after police found a copy of the book in an apartment he'd been hiding in.

[@dgibson2314]

One of my all time favorites : top ten. The background of great films often enhances the re-screening of the films. Thanks ,Walt65 , very interesting info.

[@Vlad65WFPReviews]

So good to know the time is worth it. (My later videos are technically a bit better as I learned more of the craft but still glad you enjoyed this one, which is probably my most watched). I was just getting ready to watch it again for the upteenth time - thank goodness for these new massive home TV screens!

[@amaliocedrez733]

Awesome analysis! This film, and the book upon which it is based, has been a favourite since I was about 10 years old. Both still hold up. Keep up the good work!

[@Vlad65WFPReviews]

Thanks a ton! This was one of my earlier efforts but it means a lot to know people are still watching and getting some enjoyment out of it.

[@dgibson2314]

Reading the book is very entertaining, also and the attention to the details draws one in right until the end.

[@andyholburn]

Thanks for your excellent synopsis, especially the location amnesia: incomparable gripping exultations spurt forth

[@vaclav_fejt]

Damn you! There's my program for tonight, then. I saw it for the first (and so far only) time as a part of a four-movie single-person New Year's celebration some ten years ago. It could have been a pitiful night, if it weren't for this thrilling feature.

[@danblanks3190]

Such a fantastic movie. It's hard to make you actually root for the bad guy at all in any movie, but he's just so fascinating to watch as he methodically plans his mission that you feel like the ultimate voyeur. Every filmmaker tries to turn the viewer into exactly that. Another interesting thing I noticed about the movie is that it has the barest of musical scores. There is some music played at the beginning and at the end (discounting the parade music that is part of the background). It adds to the realism of the mood. I agree that everyone should read the original novel. It's gripping. Knowing how the movie turned out did not subtract from my enjoyment of reading the original text.

[@MrTowton1461]

Thank you. a great take on this amazing film. One of my favourites for all the reasons you so brilliantly explain.

[@Vlad65WFPReviews]

Really glad you enjoyed the video and judging from my comments a lot of people love this film - with good reason I invite you to watch some of my other reviews on other movies related to history such as Sink the Bismarck! and Breaker Morant here: kzbin.info/door/Lk0imh2GnMR9aV1oQr4iUQ

[@nickd4310]

It's one of those movies that's exciting to watch even if you dislike the genre.

[@CarolFremel-my4hs]

It’s a wonderful story and film

[@AdaGonzalesSaldaña]

Brilliant video!! I loved it, especially the part of the original film THE DAY OF THE JACAL. Top performers, Fox, Lonsdale, Seyrig, Cusack, Jacobi ... all of them.

[@vincentgoupil180]

A key to understanding Frederick Forsythe is his preference for the underdog. "The Biafra Story" was his first book. "Dogs of War" echoes somewhat the Katangese Succession with Moise Tshombe and Mike "Mad" Hoare's 5 Commando during the 1960s Congo Wars. (See "Adios Africa/Blood & Guts" 1966 movie.) "Naked City" a 1948 film noir shot on location in New York City has a documentary feel. Thanks for the review. Halfway thru reading the book.

[@Vlad65WFPReviews]

Interesting. How do you think the "underdog preference" applies to Jackal? Is it a case that though he is a sociopath, the Jackal is a skilled loner taking on the entire Western law enforcement apparatus?

[@vincentgoupil180]

@@Vlad65WFPReviews Dunno about the Jackel but throughout the first half the book doesn't appear there's much regard for the grand leader by the under the breath remarks made by the general French population and none for the politicians by the military personnel regarding Algiers, who in the *book* are the underdog. The Jackel is portrayed as a neutral professional outside these two sides. As one against the enforcement organizations could be viewed as an underdog. Guess, you would have to have lunch with Forsyth for his views.

[@owenlaprath4135]

There is just so much about this film, that modern CGI crazy movie makers could learn from!

[@Vlad65WFPReviews]

true - but you know they won't

[@bobpospick1649]

Great commentary on a classic film. Now I’ll have to seek out your recommendations for others in that genre.

[@Vlad65WFPReviews]

Thanks so much. I think there is value in adding historical context about both the historic setting of films and the time in which they were made. You can access the entire channel library by simply clicking on my face icon on any review page: kzbin.info/door/Lk0imh2GnMR9aV1oQr4iUQ Also, the research is interesting for me when I stumble over tidbits like the Soviet postage stamp for double agent Kim Philby in the John Le Carre video or the dark secrets of the real trial records in Breaker Morant. Stay well.

[@almost_harmless]

I loved this movie when I first saw it. I got the same sensation when I saw the Fourth Protocol, also a book written by Forsythe (starring Michael Caine and Pierce Brosnan in an unusual part).

[@adamski-l5w]

I first saw this movie as a 11 or 12 year old boy. On a small black & white tv my parents ill-advisedly (and rather briefly) let me keep in my room. If I remember correctly I watched it in the middle of the night. I knew the history (we had lived in an Arab country when I was younger and had travelled in France) and yet I was in suspense all the way to the end. A few years later I read the book and thought it was even better! One difference with my experience of this movie is that by the time I first saw it Edward Fox was already a star so for me he had huge name recognition as I watched it. Thank you for the review.

[@chrissi3193]

A magnificent book, Forsyth was able to tell us so much that he couldnt say in non fiction. Brilliant writing.

[@MBSLC]

Excellent work on this! The back story is very interesting and informative! Perhaps you would consider reviewing John Frankenheimer's film "The Train" with Burt Lancaster and British actor Paul Scofield. Thanks!

[@petermortimer6303]

Thanks for a great video on one of the best films ever made. I enjoy knowing the extra background information and your analysis of the movie is brilliant. I have a DVD of "The Battle of Algiers" but I didn't know that Jean Martin was Adjutant Wolenski. Wikipedia (not the most accurate I concede) says that Martin was a paratrooper in Indochina. If that's true he would have met Legionnaires like Wolenski and officers with OAS sympathies. I believe that he based his portrayal of the Colonel Mathieu in the Algiers movie on Col Marcel Bigeard who was a paratroop commander at Dien Bien Phu and then served in Algeria. I hope that is true.

[@Vlad65WFPReviews]

Peter, thanks for your kind words - and you taught me something. I did not know that Martin himself was a para veteran himself. It's interesting he plays the role as a professional tasked with a horrible job and simply doing what he thinks needs to be done. He's certainly not the hero, but he is more like an apolitical specialist methodically doing his business. Two more things. It's interesting to compare Martin to Anthony Quinn who played essentially the same character in The Last Command - a mid 1960's actioner. In that film Quinn plays a peasant who has risen to paratroop Colonel (not an easy feat in the upper class French officer corps) and is striving to keep his position by subduing the insurgents. And while circumstances are quite different, it is also interesting to view Martin's character in light of the Ukrainian War that is tragically happening as I write. In that case the Russian army and its officers are ordered to attack their neighbours - many of whom speak Russian or Russianized Ukrainian. The proximity, the common language and the fact that civilians don't want their "liberators" must make it a bizarre situation.

[@petermortimer6303]

@@Vlad65WFPReviews Thanks for that. I looked up The Last Command and in the (again Wikipedia) entry it says that Quinn loosely modelled his character on Marcel Bigeard. That's not surprising since Bigeard was, reputedly, the model for the same character in "The Centurions" on which "The Last Command" is based. Your description of Quinn's character also resembles Bigeard who rose from private soldier to General without the benefit of going to officer academies. If you are interested I would recommend "Hell In A Very Small Place" by Bernard Fall which is about the Battle of Dien Bien Phu and "A Savage War of Peace-Algeria 1954-1962" by Alistair Horne. Your description of the Ukraine situation as "bizarre" is very accurate but probably understated.

[@johnray7311]

Brilliant time capsule. You nailed it!

[@Vlad65WFPReviews]

Thanks so much.

[@dahliagreen5919]

Though realistically impossible to match the detail in Forsyth's compelling novel, the film does a superb job. The Jackal's methodical professionalism, character and resourcefulness add to the film's tension and intrigue. Being made just ten years after the events it portrays gives an added quality of period feel without being overstated. Though the outcome is inevitable because de Gaulle had to live, I always wished that rather than reloading to drop Lebel, he'd instead lunged to prevent him picking up the fallen gendarme's carbine. I think that would have been a more instinctive action, especially from a professional assassin of the Jackal's obvious calibre, and allowed him to escape back into shadowy obscurity.

[@Vlad65WFPReviews]

Good point - but we needed to see him buried in that anonymous hole in a slummy grave area.

[@mchelvantx]

I just re-watched The Day of the Jackal. Truly a great film. I also saw Three Days of the Condor a few years ago, but it made be cry because of Desert Shield/Desert Storm. It was a little too real.

[@PhilipAlvers]

Thank you Walt. Absolutely love this picture,it's a masterpiece. Your video is wonderfully produced and your narration is high quality . So glad I subscribed!

[@Vlad65WFPReviews]

Thanks - that is extremely kind of you and I am glad you enjoyed the video. To be honest, as this was one of my earliest efforts, the audio and image quality wasn't my best, and you'll find following videos improved in that regard as I learned more techniques. But I'm glad my passion for Jackal showed through.

[@MartinFroland]

The day of the Jackal has always been one of my all time favorites

[@subversivelysurreal3645]

-love, love, love this perfectly cast film, and it’s been pointed out during the ever popular podcast : TrueAnon, with guest podcaster (Death is Just Around the Corner), Michael Judge. I’ll recommend your channel because I definitely appreciated the wealth of information that you packed into it. thanxs!

[@Vlad65WFPReviews]

Very kind of you. The quality of these kinds of films really deserve new audiences and this kind of channel and the podcast you mentioned can help that happen. Hope you find some other interesting titles as my new channel grows. Thanks!

[@Vlad65WFPReviews]

Hi - also want to say I recently got notification of your thoughts on Hud on the "Spy from cold" video - but for some reason your take hasn't appeared on the comments section yet - not sure what happened there

[@heartofmanproject9198]

One of my absolute favorites! Brilliantly directed, acted and executed! (No pun intended.)

[@Vlad65WFPReviews]

Thanks for watching. I'll also invite you to try some of my more recent vids - notably Barry Lyndon, A Bridge Too Far and Guns of Navarone (which are technically better) and which you should find interesting!

[@alexistarr]

3:26 - It wasn't so much the 'sturdiness' of the Citroen DS, but the ultra sophisticated cutting edge pneumatic suspension system, that made it possible for his driver to allude the assassins and drive him to safety at high speed despite having one of the rear tyres shot out.

[@Vlad65WFPReviews]

thanks for the interesting detail

[@johnmadden2421]

Very good, comprehensive review. Forsyth's book is easily my Desert Island choice, and benefits from his work as a journalist. The detail and the knowledge of assassinations and assassins carried into the film helps with the reality and, oddly, the tension. Forsyth used the death of JFK to start The Odessa File, and as you note, this film puts him on the table between the killer and the gunsmith.

[@Vlad65WFPReviews]

Glad you enjoyed the video and Jackal is very popular with other viewers. I hope you can watch some of my other videos, on movies such as Breaker Morant, and share more comments.

[@davidhanson8728]

One of my favorites along with Three Days of the Condor. Great 70's thrillers.

[@jaysterling26]

May I add The Parralax View, Klute, The conversation , All the Presidents Men ( although has 'issues')?

[@rudolphguarnacci197]

I agree with your point that casting an unknown added to the mystery of the jackal. It was a bold choice by the director since, as you note, it probably did hurt at the box office but made for a better movie.

[@donbasta2475]

Thanks for the reminder. I'll be watching it soon. I've OD'd on westerns lately.

[@mikewysko2268]

Enjoyed the film. Well written script,quality production with many talented actors.

[@Vlad65WFPReviews]

Yes, the production had a lot of depth and intelligence.

[@djshowtrial4565]

Really interesting stuff here! Thanks for putting this together! I gotta see this film. . .maybe even check into the book

[@Vlad65WFPReviews]

Getting people to see, enjoy and discuss these movies is what it is all about - plz post your comments once you've seen it

[@seavankat]

One of my favorites. Also Eye of the Needle with Donald Sutherland.

[@Vlad65WFPReviews]

Yes, that one is rarely shown or talked about. Interesting the movie co-starred Kate Nelligan and her version of Dracula, with Frank Langella, around the same time, is also rarely shown. I thought both were worthwhile films. As a Canadian it was sad to lose Donald Sutherland - he had a great career.

[@georgespiese7388]

I love this book and this version of the movie. Thanks for noticing!

[@michealfigueroa6325]

Edward Fox....is that Edward Fox...yes its Edward Fox ...Hey.. EdwardFox...Several Limies have tried to capture Edward Fox's charter but the Jackal lives on

[@craigdgriffiths6206]

Very comprehensive review.

[@Vlad65WFPReviews]

Very much appreciated. Glad to encourage discussion and getting people back to these great films. Thanks.

[@nebbs]

One of my top ten favourite movies. I can even overlook all the 1970s fashions, hairstyles and road traffic.

[@gubgub4321]

Great movie. Haven’t seen it since I was a teenager but thank you for not spoiling it anyway. Would love to see a video about Sorceror.

[@Vlad65WFPReviews]

I'm a huge fan of Sorcerer and glad it has been "rehabilitated" and prefer it to the original Wages of Sin. Thing is, it is outside my "niche" of mainly Brit productions - but please do check out several of my much newer vids - they have better audio/visual quality (I was learning my craft on this one) and cover movies such as Guns of Navarone and Barry Lyndon. Thanks for posting!

[@gubgub4321]

​@@Vlad65WFPReviews In that case, and since you already did Get Carter, and Long Good Friday, I nominate Brazil :)

[@rnorvegicus]

The classic that inspired my psychotic mate to Make a mercury tipped bullet. Fired it at a live target too. But, that's probably Not a story for here! (:meloni:) Great review of a brilliant film, Walt. Thanks.

[@roccocataldo5818]

Over decades read the book at least five times. This movie was particularly accurate.