MovieChat Forums > Three Days of the Condor (1975) Discussion > If Higgins wasn't aware of Atwood's plan...

If Higgins wasn't aware of Atwood's plan, who did he think hit was for?

posted 10 years ago by mcintyro
4 replies | jump to latest

Like many, I don't think Higgins was part of Atwood's plan as he seemed genuinely surprised that Atwood or such a plan existed.

Also, he was made to realize, like John Houseman, that this independent incident put the C.I.A. in an embarrassing situation, no matter how good, and he agreed that Atwood and the plan should disappear.

Lastly, Higgins was surprised that Jobert was involved in the office hit. While he knew of him, he didn't think he was the one that carried it out.

So, the question is that while Higgin knew a hit was being carried out for 7 people to get killed, who was this hit meant to kill in his eyes, and why was it being done?

[–] Thornspike 10 years ago

Good question. They seemed quite perplexed. I imagine Higgins felt the way his boss did - blaming Redford and wondering if he was being controlled or rogue or what. Higgins became even more perplexed after talking with Condor and realizing he didn't do it. Do you think Higgins suspected Atwood after hearing Joubert's name?

[–] hisgrandmogulhighness 10 years ago

Hard to say . . . there are several variable here . . . Higgins only found out when Turner, via phone, gave him the name of Atwood--that's when Higgins must've looked deeper into things . . . yes, Higgins may have been slow on the take . . . not understanding what this war is all about . . .

[–] mcintyro 10 years ago

Thornspike, I don't think Higgens suspected Atwood was in on things until near the end when the guy in wheelchair gives Higgens' the call, which implicates Atwood, who, along with John Houseman's character, is sitting across from him.

[–] Thornspike 10 years ago

Thank you!