Reviews were mixed, but audiences waited in long lines during cold weather the sold-out shows were even more profitable for Warner, since they had booked it into those theaters under four wall distribution rental agreements, the first time a major studio had done that. The Exorcist was released in 24 theaters in the United States on December 26, 1973. Production took twice as long as scheduled and cost almost three times the initial budget the many mishaps have led to a belief that the film was cursed. Many cast and crew were injured, some died, and unusual accidents delayed shooting.
Principal photography was also difficult, taking place in both hot deserts and refrigerated sets. Their choice of relative unknowns Burstyn, Blair, and Miller, instead of major stars, drew opposition from Warner Bros. The story follows the demonic possession of a young girl and her mother's attempt to rescue her through an exorcism by two Catholic priests.īlatty, who also produced, and Friedkin, his choice as director, had difficulty casting the film. The film stars Ellen Burstyn, Max von Sydow, Jason Miller, and Linda Blair.
The Exorcist is a 1973 American supernatural horror film directed by William Friedkin from a screenplay by William Peter Blatty, based on his 1971 novel of the same name.
