“The Exorcist” Turns 50 – A True Story?

Scandal Sheet

This best-selling book and record-breaking box office movie re-defined the horror genre. But where did the core story come from? It’s actually based on a supposedly legitimate case of possession attested to in writing by over 50 witnesses. A Catholic Archbishop granted a rare approval of the ritual’s use. As it occurred in the area, “The Washington Post” published a front page, above-the-fold article, on the exorcism back in 1949, weeks after it occurred. Then a student at Georgetown University, future book author/screenwriter/film producer - William Peter Blatty - read the article and was inspired to pen what has become a $$ multi-billion dollar franchise. We re-open the original 1949 case to examine if it has merit, if demonic possession is genuinely possible, or just a manifestation of mental illness.

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