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.
"Please don't bring up that liberal argument."
Liberal argument?! WHAT liberal argument?
The movie LOOKS awful, based upon...........?
You mean Julie Harris.
You mean Julie Harris.
I believe I read that he changed his name and lives fairly normally, but keeps under cover. AFAIK, the real name was never released.
Ellen Burstyn played Regan's mom.
"Your mother sews socks in hell!"
He died? from what? from the excorcism? what did the TSTI fly in Africa have to do with the Devil anyways? I could never figure that out?
He died? from what? from the excorcism? what did the TSTI fly in Africa have to do with the Devil anyways? I could never figure that out?
Oh, and the actual case was a young boy.
The Aunt died, not the boy.
A great movie!
Someone on this thread said the little boy died?
A singularly eerie instrumental that fit perfectly. I remember reading that the guy who wrote it is or was certifiably nuts.
Malachi Martin's book, "Hostage to the Devil," is comparably scary and would make a great movie.
I LOVED that movie for the exact reasons you mention...I went with a drop-dead gorgeous young lady who suffered pretty much the reactions you indicate - except that "we" then didn't sleep that night with the lights on! She wouldn't let me get a foot away from her for a day and a half.
Ahhh yes.
"Lick me! Lick me!"
--Linda Blair after turning into ice cream cone in Repossessed
I was responding to your posts 48 and 49, because I thought -you- had misunderstood Arthur's post (#36) to say that the little boy had died. He did not; his Aunt did.
Add The Omen to that list. I'm still creeped out by that one.
"Hello 9-1-1? This is the Devil. I am being driven back to Hell by loud music. Could you...? Hello...?"
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