The adaptation was written by Carol Sobieski, directed by Roger Young for Warner Bros. Television with Richard Chamberlain in the title role, along with Jaclyn Smith.

It follows the storyline of the original novel, with a run-time of 185 minutes; with commercials added, the running time was extended to four hours, and was first shown on ABC in two 120 minute installments over two nights, making its first run count as a miniseries rather than a TV movie.

[1] The book was adapted again in 2002 by Doug Liman starring Matt Damon as Jason Bourne, launching the Bourne series of theatrical films, with considerable deviations from the original Cold War novel.

[2] It was followed later by a new series of Bourne bestsellers written by Eric Lustbader with the permission of the Ludlum estate.

In the book's ending, Carlos the Jackal escapes in the confusion, whereas in the film he is killed in the climactic battle with Bourne.