Episode 156 - Day of the Jackal
Frederick Forsyth's 1971 novel "Day of the Jackal" is brought to life in Director Fred Zinnemann's 1973 film of the same name. The fast paced political drama starts with the 1962 failed assassination attempt of French President Charles de Gaulle. Subsequently the Secret Army Organization (OAS) hires an independent assassin with the code name "Jackal". He may or may not be British, but it is clear that he is an effective and deadly sociopath who stops at nothing to achieve the President's death. To counter the "Jackal", Deputy Police Commissioner Claude Lebel is placed in charge and leads the effort to find and kill the assassin. Edward Fox as the Jackal provides an excellent portrayal of this highly organized and obsessed paid killer. The acclaimed actor Michael Lonsdale is Commissioner Lebel. The large cast includes Alan Badel as the Minister, Olga Georges-Picot as Denise, Caron played by Derek Jacobi and many French and British actors in thoroughly believable roles. Join us in the pursuit of the "Jackal".