The silhouetted image of actor Max von Sydow, playing Father Merrin, was featured on the poster for the 1973 theatrical release of "The Exorcist." It remains one of the highest-grossing films of all time. Based on a 1971 novel by William Peter Blatty, it was nominated for 10 Academy Awards, including Best Picture.
The silhouetted image of actor Max von Sydow, playing Father Merrin, was featured on the poster for the 1973 theatrical release of "The Exorcist." It remains one of the highest-grossing films of all time. Based on a 1971 novel by William Peter Blatty, it was nominated for 10 Academy Awards, including Best Picture.
WARNER BROS.
In this photo from the movie, Chris MacNeil, played by actress Ellen Burstyn, walks with her daughter Regan, played by Linda Blair, before Regan began exhibiting strange behavior.
In this photo from the movie, Chris MacNeil, played by actress Ellen Burstyn, walks with her daughter Regan, played by Linda Blair, before Regan began exhibiting strange behavior.
Warner Bros.
Chris MacNeil, right, looks on in horror as her daughter, left, is controlled by a demon.
Chris MacNeil, right, looks on in horror as her daughter, left, is controlled by a demon.
WARNER BROS.
Regan MacNeil is possessed by what she says is "the devil." Film critic and author Richard Crouse told CNN he recalled "stories about people throwing up at screenings."
Regan MacNeil is possessed by what she says is "the devil." Film critic and author Richard Crouse told CNN he recalled "stories about people throwing up at screenings."
Warner Bros.
The priests prepare to exorcise the demon out of Regan.
The priests prepare to exorcise the demon out of Regan.
WARNER BROS.
Makeup artist Dick Smith transformed Regan from cherub to demon. A mechanical dummy performed the famous 360-degree head rotation. Her projectile vomit was pea soup and oatmeal.
Makeup artist Dick Smith transformed Regan from cherub to demon. A mechanical dummy performed the famous 360-degree head rotation. Her projectile vomit was pea soup and oatmeal.
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Regan sits up in bed as the priests try to cast out the demon. Wires were used to levitate Linda Blair from her bed. A scene of her spider-walking down stairs, which couldn't be shown in the initial release because the wires showed, was fixed with CGI and added to a 2000 re-release.
Regan sits up in bed as the priests try to cast out the demon. Wires were used to levitate Linda Blair from her bed. A scene of her spider-walking down stairs, which couldn't be shown in the initial release because the wires showed, was fixed with CGI and added to a 2000 re-release.
WARNER BROS.