Posted on 08/12/2004 5:59:12 PM PDT by missyme
Did the Classic Horror Flick Haunt More Than Just the Audience?
When The Exorcist was released late in 1973, it sparked a visceral reaction from the public--literally. There were reports of people vomiting from the fright of a story about a young girl possessed by a demon.
The movie went on to become a massive hit, but few of those who flocked to the film knew about its grueling, nearly yearlong shoot or the tragedies that befell some of the cast and crew. Misfortune also followed the movie's sequels, leading some to wonder: Was there a curse on The Exorcist?
As its prequel, Exorcist: The Beginning, makes its way to theaters, E! delves into the mystery with a new E! True Hollywood Story, premiering Aug. 15 at 8 p.m. We go behind the scenes of the controversial film and reveal just why some believe the movie was cursed.
Whether you buy into curses or not, one thing is indisputable: The filming of The Exorcist was tough on all concerned. From a director who liked to startle his cast to a 12-year-old actress spouting some truly disturbing dialogue to the infamous "pea soup" scene, few escaped the production unscathed.
Subsequent Exorcist films had their share of bad luck as well--although many critics believe that's a result of questionable filmmaking more than any curse. Still, the mystery surrounding the films remains.
Think you can turn heads with your Exorcist knowledge? Then take our devilishly designed quiz, and watch the the Story to find out more about The Exorcist.
I don't need to -- it just comes to me. ;)
One night while in D.C., Mr. H.R. and I ate a WONDERFUL meal at "1789" in Georgetown. We exited the restaurant and began a climb down a flight of stairs toward a main thoroughfare to catch a cab, when Mr. H.R. gently said, "You know, Honey, that these are the exterior stairs from the movie, The Exorcist. These are the stairs that the priest fell down."
I almost fell down them myself at that point and didn't sleep a wink that night.
Go suck a lemon.
That movie was based on a woman who lived in Culver City Ca *where I grew up) who was being raped by a ghost...
That is kinda spooky!
KMA.
What happened to Elvira?
Same thing.
It was actually a young boy in ST LOUIS MO. (based on a true story)
You are one sick puppy!
I had a co-worker who went to New Orleans on a weekend trip and bought me a little voodoo doll as a souvenir. She arrived back home on Friday night, and was planning on bringing me the doll to work on Monday. On Sunday at Sunday School, her class studied about idols and objects of the occult and how dangerous they could be to the soul of the object's owner.
I never received the doll from her. She threw it in her dumpster when she got home from Sunday School.
I've never touched a Ouija board in my life, but I believe these things can happen.
That's why the Exorcist is so scary--it's real! Without the knowledge that demonic possession does occur and that there are brave and faithful Catholic priests who are willing to do this difficult and dangerous work, the movie is really lame and stupid.
I saw the Exorcist in a senior religion class at my Catholic high school. Only the 18 year old seniors could decide to participate in class that day, the rest had to have a note from home.
Trust me - I know!
Thanks for the excellent post.
Does anyone know of the "curse" stories related to the movie? I find that topic so fascinating.
Not yet.
Is it a good 'date' movie?
Iraq. They were in Iraq, not Africa. It is an historical site in Iraq, which the Arabs believe to be haunted by Jinns, and it is currently a US military base.
Disconcerting.
You are SUCH a McGreevey!
Hey - I NEVER had kids.
Thank G-d!
Disclaimer: Opinions posted on Free Republic are those of the individual posters and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Free Republic or its management. All materials posted herein are protected by copyright law and the exemption for fair use of copyrighted works.