Three Days of the Condor
A mild mannered CIA researcher, paid to read books, returns from lunch to find all of his co-workers assassinated. "Condor" must find out who did this and get in from the cold before the hitmen get him.
Despite its limited budget of $7.8M, Three Days of the Condor became a solid performer, earning $41.5M worldwide—a 432% return. The film's innovative storytelling found its audience, showing that strong storytelling can transcend budget limitations.
Nominated for 1 Oscar. 6 wins & 4 nominations
Characters
Cast & narrative archetypes
Joe Turner
Kathy Hale
Joubert
Higgins
Atwood
Wabash
Main Cast & Characters
Joe Turner
Played by Robert Redford
A bookish CIA researcher whose entire office is murdered, forcing him to go on the run and uncover a conspiracy within his own agency.
Kathy Hale
Played by Faye Dunaway
A photographer who is kidnapped by Turner and reluctantly becomes his ally as she develops sympathy for his plight.
Joubert
Played by Max von Sydow
A cold, professional assassin hired to eliminate Turner, who operates with a pragmatic philosophy about survival and loyalty.
Higgins
Played by Cliff Robertson
A CIA deputy director who appears to help Turner while navigating the dangerous internal politics of the agency.
Atwood
Played by Addison Powell
Turner's CIA handler and section chief who tries to bring him in from the cold while managing the crisis.
Wabash
Played by John Houseman
A high-ranking CIA official involved in the conspiracy, representing institutional corruption.