The Day of the Jackal (1973)

Denis Carey: Casson

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Quotes 

• Col. Rodin : We are not terrorists, you understand. We are patriots. Our duty is to the soldiers who 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.

  Montclair : But in principle you say it could be done?

  The Jackal : Yes, with enough time and planning. It would be more difficult than most other targets.

  Casson : Why more?

  The Jackal : Because de Gaulle has the best security service in the world. Their information is first-class. You see, gentlemen, not only have your own efforts failed, but you've rather queered the pitch for everyone else.

  Casson : 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 informers that nothing you decide is a secret for long. No, the job would have to be done by an outsider. The only question would be by whom, and for how much.

• Casson : No wonder our people are giving up, they've lost faith!

  Montclair : We've failed them every single time!

  Col. Rodin : We won't fail them again!

  Casson : What can we do? We're paralyzed!

  Montclair : Every cop in France has memorized our faces! Informants are all around us!

  Col. Rodin : ...We must find an outsider. A foreigner!

  Montclair : A foreigner? Why?

  Col. Rodin : A contract killer! He won't have a record inside France, so he won't exist; he can come and go as he pleases!

  Montclair : That sort of person costs money.

  Col. Rodin : Yes. I'll find the right man.