Trap for the Assassin was based on Roger la Honte, one of the most popular feuilletonsbyJules Mary.[3] The script for the film was adapted by Jean-Louis Bory, who was an admirer of Freda's work, having met him in 1962 in Paris.[3] Bory claimed that he wrote the adaptation and dialogue exclusive to function with Freda's direction.[4]
According to Freda and his assistant director Yves Boisset, Trapped for the Assassin was a project Freda really cared about.[3] Shooting for the film took four weeks and used three cameras at once.[5]
Trap for the Assassin was released in France on 17 May 1966.[1] It was distributed theatrically in Italy by Regional as Trappola per l'assassino on 21 October 1966.[1] Italian film historian Roberto Curti stated that the film had poor distribution and was hardly noticed by critics or audiences.[6] It has been given an English title Trap for the Assassin despite that the film does not appear to have been released overseas.[6]
In France, Image et son [fr]'s reviewer praised Freda's direction in the film "We would like that all...knew as much as Freda how to handle a camera (see the trail sequence) and its spectacular potential. That's what makes this cheap little film such a beautiful illusion and a definite pleasure"[7]Gilles Jacob praised the film, but noted that "let's face it, we would not go see [the film], were it signed by CayatteorMaurice Cloche."[8]
