The Day of the Jackal
The Day of the Jackal is a 1971 political thriller novel by Frederick Forsyth about a professional assassin hired to kill French president Charles de Gaulle.
The Day of the Jackal is a 1971 political thriller novel by Frederick Forsyth about a professional assassin hired to kill French president Charles de Gaulle. It inspired a 1973 film adaptation and a 2024 television series that updates the story to a modern setting. The title is also used for later screen adaptations and the fictional assassin known as the Jackal.
Plot
The novel follows a professional assassin code-named the Jackal, who is contracted by the OAS to assassinate French president Charles de Gaulle. The narrative emphasizes the planning of the killing and the efforts of authorities to stop him.
Publication and reception
Frederick Forsyth published the novel in 1971, shortly after de Gaulle's death, and it quickly became a bestseller. It is often described as one of Forsyth's best-known and most admired works.
Film adaptation
A 1973 film adaptation was directed by Fred Zinnemann and based on the novel. The film starred Edward Fox as the Jackal and Michael Lonsdale as one of the officials pursuing him.
Television adaptation
A television series titled The Day of the Jackal premiered in 2024. It is a modern-day adaptation that reimagines the basic premise in a contemporary political setting.
Key facts
- The novel was first published in 1971 and became an instant bestseller.
- Its plot centers on a hired assassin known as the Jackal and an attempt to kill Charles de Gaulle.
- A 1973 film adaptation was directed by Fred Zinnemann and starred Edward Fox.
- A television adaptation premiered in 2024 as a contemporary reimagining of the novel.
- The Jackal is a fictional character and the principal antagonist of the novel.
The novel and its screen adaptations have been widely distributed in Canada, where Forsyth's thriller is part of the broader canon of internationally known espionage and political suspense fiction.
Frequently asked questions
What is The Day of the Jackal?
Is The Day of the Jackal based on a true story?
Who is the Jackal?
Was there a film adaptation?
Is there a television version?
References
- Wikipedia — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Day_of_the_JackalSupports: Novel title, author, publication year, and basic premise
- Encyclopaedia Britannica — https://www.britannica.com/topic/The-Day-of-the-Jackal-novel-by-ForsythSupports: Novel's significance, publication date, and basis in assassination rumours
- British Film Institute — https://www.bfi.org.uk/film/5e9f2bd5-ec1b-5334-adae-ea7a0ad81e22/the-day-of-the-jackalSupports: 1973 film adaptation details, director, cast, and running time
- Encyclopaedia Britannica — https://www.britannica.com/topic/The-Day-of-the-Jackal-TV-seriesSupports: 2024 television series premise and modern adaptation