The Day of the Jackal (1973)

Donald Sinden: Mallinson

Quotes 

• [last lines] 

  Mallinson : There's no question of Her Majesty's Government ever conceding the fact that this Jackal was an Englishman. So far as one can see, there was a period when an Englishman came under suspicion, but he has now been cleared. Certainly, the Jackal masqueraded as an Englishman, but he also masqueraded as a Dane and as a Frenchman. So there's no way of proving his identity at all.

  Insp. Thomas : But if the Jackal wasn't Calthrop, then who the hell was he?

• [Caron calls London, Assistant Commisioner Mallinson at 3:58 in the morning] 

  Mallinson : I don't wish to sound rude, Inspector, but wouldn't it be better if this sort of routine inquiry could be conducted through the proper channels, preferably when we're all awake?

  Caron : Yes, I'm sorry Mr. Mallinson, but it is very urgent. Commissioner Lebel didn't wish to make a formal request; he was rather hoping that you'd cooperate with us unofficially.

  Mallinson : All right, I'll take the Commissioner's call at... 08:30, you say? Fine. Good night.

  [hangs up] 

  Mallinson : What's left of it...

  Mallinson's Wife : Who was that, dear?

  Mallinson : The Old Boy Network.

• Mallinson : The prime minister?

  Insp. Thomas : The prime minster, sir. That he said if there's the remotest possibility of General de Gaulle's life being threatened by a person of these islands, then it is to be stopped. And he's given me full powers and top priority.

  Mallinson : Is this some kind of bloody joke?

  Insp. Thomas : No, of couse not, sir. I've got to drop whatever I'm doing, and I shall need six of your best men, straight away.

  Mallinson : Where's the notification for all this? Where's the proper authority?

  [Telephone rings. Mallison answers] 

  Mallinson : Yes!

  [Mallison listens then rises] 

  Mallinson : Yes, sir. Yes, sir. Of course, sir.