So sorry to hear of Mr. Blatty’s passing. The Exorcist, both in novel and movie form, is spooky, but for my money the scariest in the series is Legion (Exorcist III). Mr. Blatty wrote the novel (which is just OK) and also directed the movie version, which is dynamite and REALLY scary. The hospital hallway scene will lift you off your chair. Some studio interference mars the final act just a bit, but it’s still superior entertainment. Brrrrr.
Agreed. I saw Exorcist III some years back and found it to be a very powerful movie. It is interesting to also think that in that series, the 1977 “Exorcist II” is regarded as one of the worst movie sequels ever made.