The Day of the Jackal (1973) ending explained: Was the Jackal caught?

Caution: This article contains SPOILERS for both the book and film versions of The Day of the Jackal. 

The Day of the Jackal was first published in 1971 and was the breakout work for thriller author Frederick Forsyth. It’s no surprise a film version was made but it is remarkable just how closely it keeps to the book, down to dialogue. That makes it one of the most faithful adaptations ever and, thus far, more enjoyable.

Set in 1962, a militant French organization called OAS is upset that Charles de Gaulle, World War II hero turned French President, has granted independence to Algeria. They want him deposed and then move to kill him but are hampered by French intelligence easily stopping them. 

In desperation, several OAS heads reach out to a professional assassin (Edward Fox). He agrees to the job for a hefty fee (given he’d have to disappear for life after killing one of the most important people in the world). He also takes on the code name of “The Jackal.”

The movie follows the Jackal as he takes on a variety of disguises for his job, moving around Europe as he prepares for the hit of a lifetime. He’s a cool customer but also ruthless, as proven when a forger foolishly tries blackmailing him and the Jackal kills him. 

The French authorities stumble onto the plot and Deputy Commissioner Claude Lebel (Michael Lonsdale) is assigned to stop the Jackal. The movie thus becomes a complex cat-and-mouse game with Lebel steps behind the Jackal, from a car chase to the Jackal killing a lover when she compromises him. 

The plot builds more as a French minister foolishly gives info to his mistress, whom the Jackal then seduces to gain it. Lebel is briefly taken off the case but reinstated when it becomes clear the Jackal can’t be stopped. He soon uncovers what he thinks is the man’s real name of Charles Harold Calthrop.

Is the Jackal stopped?

The film builds to the climax which, again, is straight out of the book. The Jackal plans to shoot de Gaulle at a ceremony honoring World War II veterans. He disguises himself as an injured veteran to gain access to a nearby building, assembling his rifle and has de Gaulle perfectly in his sights. 

Then, in a fantastic twist of fate, just as the Jackal is taking what should be the fatal shot, de Gaulle leans forward to give the traditional French kiss on the cheek to a soldier, thus avoiding the bullet. By this point, Lebel has caught up to the Jackal and bursts into the room with a police officer. The Jackal kills the officer with Lebel then shooting the Jackal.

The authorities are surprised when the real Calthrop shows up at his apartment to make them wonder just who the Jackal was. The French government hushes up the entire plot and the final scene has the Jackal buried in an unmarked grave with Lebel the only witness. He then walks off, still wondering about the identity of his foe. 

Again, anyone who read the book can see how faithful the film version is. Even if you haven’t read it, it’s an amazing thriller and tightly wound for a terrific watch.

The Day of the Jackal (1973) is available for purchase on Prime Video. The 2024 TV series is streaming on Peacock. Stay tuned to Americans Undercover and follow us on X for more content!