The day of the Jackal

Trivia

Release date: July 30, 1973

The movie was shot in: Paris (France), Genova (Italy), London (UK) and Austria

Oscar nomination: Best Film Editing

Director Zinneman wanted Edward Fox to play the Jackal because he wanted a person who’s face was instantly recognizable and who could convincinly melt into a crowd. Source / More (Book)

In 1997 there was a remake starring Bruce Willis and Richard Gere

In 1971 Frederick Forsyth's book The day of the Jackal was published. Source / More (Book)

Zinneman about the movie moguls: “I’m sure if the financiers had their way, they would have cast Frank Sinatra as Gandhi” Source / More (Book)

The terrorist Illich Ramirez was called Carlos the Jackal since 1975. A British journalist, who had just finished reading Frederick Forsyth's book, saw the parallel's between the fictional and the real terrorist. Source / More (Book)

OAS = Organisation de l'Armée Secrète.

In real life the OAS actually planned 31 serious plots to assassinate president Charles de Gaulle. The organization was finally broken by French intelligence, and several of its leaders were executed by firing squad. Source / More (Book)

Bibliography

Bio