The Exorcist (1973) – WTF Really Happened to This Horror Movie?

We recently launched a new video series on the JoBlo Horror Originals YouTube channel, sort of a spin-off from our show WTF Happened to This Horror Movie. This one is called WTF Really Happened to This Horror Movie?, and the idea is that we will be diving into movies that were based on or “inspired by” true stories, real people, and actual historical events so we can try to separate fact from fiction. The first episode of this series focused on Jaws, and the newly released second episode is also dedicated to a classic from the 1970s: The Exorcist (watch it HERE)! Check out the video embedded above to find out the true story behind one of the most popular horror movies ever made.

Based on a novel by William Peter Blatty (pick up a copy HERE), who also wrote the screenplay, The Exorcist was directed by William Friedkin and tells the following story:

One of the most profitable horror movies ever made, this tale of an exorcism is based loosely on actual events. When young Regan starts acting odd — levitating, speaking in tongues — her worried mother seeks medical help, only to hit a dead end. A local priest, however, thinks the girl may be seized by the devil. The priest makes a request to perform an exorcism, and the church sends in an expert to help with the difficult job.

The film stars Linda Blair, Ellen Burstyn, Jason Miller, Max von Sydow, and Lee J. Cobb.

The The Exorcist episode of WTF Really Happened to This Horror Movie was Written and Narrated by Andrew Hatfield, Edited by Mike Conway, Produced by Lance Vlcek and John Fallon, and Executive Produced by Berge Garabedian.

The Jaws episode of this series and samples of a couple of the other shows we have on the JoBlo Horror Originals YouTube channel can be seen below. To see much more, head over to the channel – and subscribe while you’re there!