The Day of the Jackal (1973) · 12 quotes
Most-quoted character in The Day of the Jackal (1973): in 6 of its 12 quotes
A line from The JackalThis is a once in a lifetime job. Whoever does it can never work again.
Col. Rodin We are not terrorists, you understand. We are patriots. Our duty is to the soldiers who've died fighting in Algeria, and to the three million French citizens who have always lived there.
The Jackal And so you want to get rid of him.
Col. Rodin Speaking as a professional, do you think it's possible?
The Jackal It's possible. The point is getting away with it. And speaking as a professional, that's a very important consideration.
The Jackal You see, gentlemen, not only have your own efforts failed, but you've rather queered the pitch for everyone else.
How dare you suggest that?
The Jackal In this work you simply can't afford to be emotional. That's why you've made so many mistakes.
Col. Rodin But if we decided to employ a professional...
The Jackal You have to employ a professional. Your organization is so riddled with informants that nothing you decide is a secret for long.
The Jackal Half a million. In cash. Half in advance, and half on completion.
Half a million francs?
The Jackal Dollars.
Are you mad?
The Jackal Considering you expect to get France in return, I'd have thought it a reasonable price.
The Jackal How many people know about this?
Rodin Just the four of us.
The Jackal Let's keep it that way. This job depends on absolute secrecy. No notes must be kept. If any one of you is captured, I shall feel free to call it off. I suggest you go somewhere and remain there under heavy guard until the job is done. Agreed?
Rodin Agreed.
The Jackal The planning will be mine. Here's the number of my account in Switzerland. When I receive word that the first $250,000 has been deposited, I'll move - provided I'm ready. But I'll not be hurried or interfered with in any way.
Rodin Agreed.
The Gunsmith Over what range will you fire?
The Jackal I'm not sure yet but probably not more than 400 feet.
The Gunsmith Will the gentleman be moving?
The Jackal Stationary.
The Gunsmith Will you go for a head shot or a chest shot?
The Jackal Probably head.
The Gunsmith What about the chance of a second shot?
The Jackal Well I might get the chance but I doubt it. In any event I'll need a silencer to escape.
The Gunsmith In that case you'd better have explosive bullets. I can prepare a handful along with the gun.
The Jackal Glycerin or mercury?
The Gunsmith Oh mercury... much cleaner.
