It was on this date, December 26, 1973, that “The Scariest Movie of All Time” – The Exorcist – premiered in the United States. Initially earning an MPAA rating of “X,” it subsequently settled on an “R” for violence, horror effects, rampant blasphemy, and – oh yes – some sexual manipulation of a crucifix. The picture, directed by William Friedkin (who also directed The French Connection, 1971), was based on the novel and written for the screen by William Peter Blatty. Blatty was a Georgetown University student when the real events occurred on which his best-selling novel is based.

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Originally published December 2003 by Ronald Bruce Meyer.