I worked in a theater where it played. We gave a bunch of refunds to people who came expecting a horror movie. Marketing it solely as the new movie from the director of “The Exorcist” and featuring the star of “Jaws” was not a bright idea.
Friedkin says, in retrospect, the title was a big mistake and played a big role in its failure. Have to agree. One of the reasons I missed the film all these years is I’d never have any interest in watching a movie about wizards and sorcery. As soon as I found out what it was actually about, I couldn’t buy it and watch it quickly enough.