The Exorcist -True Story Behind The Film
26/02/2009 by: eyepriestess
THE EXORCIST – TRUE STORY BEHIND THE FILM
PART ONE
Most people have either read the book (1971) or seen the film (1973) ‘The Exorcist’, where a young girl ‘character’ called, Regan MacNeil was thought to be possessed by demons. However, in reality, ‘The Exorcist’ was based on the true life events of a boy named, Roland Doe.
This story became the inspiration for probably one of the most popular horror films of all time.
The writer of ‘The Exorcist’, William Peter Blatty became inspired to write this book after he discovered there were diaries of the exorcism, written by the Jesuit Priests during and after Rev. William S. Bowdern’s repeated attempts to exorcise thirteen-year-old Roland Doe.
In 1949, William Blatty was an English major student at Georgetown University, when he began reading the newspaper articles regarding the exorcism of Roland Doe. He subsequently approached his lecturer, Rev. Thomas Bermingham informing him of the story. The Reverand then went on to conduct further investigations and discovered that the diaries of Roland Doe had in fact been chronicled by the Jesuit Priests.
It was unfortunate for Blatty, but he was unable to obtain permission to read the diaries, therefore, he had to turn to lengthy newspaper investigations, which resulted in some amazing discoveries:
In January 1949, a young boy called, Roland Doe and his dysfunctional family began experiencing strange occurrences in their home. The location is still undecided for many reasons. One of them being:
Years later when Father Bowdern was asked by Blatty during the making of ‘The Exorcist’ if he should visit the Doe family, the Father became insistent that the family’s location and confidentiality remain secret to protect the boy. However, I can reveal, it was either Maryland, USA, or Mount Rainer, USA.
Wherever the true location may be, it is known that the family’s troubles began with minor disturbances, namely scratching sounds heard in various locations of their home (usually coming from the ceiling or the walls). This led the family to suspect rodent infestation. However, after contacting a rodent extermination firm, who carried out a full investigation, it was determined that the house was free of infestation.
It was not long after this when the cause of these disruptions began taking on a more dramatic and sinister role.
Roland Doe was to be the unfortunate victim of this relentless phenomenon.
Whilst sleeping, he began experiencing violent bed shaking episodes and sheets being dragged off his bed. These onslaughts rapidly increased in intensity and could often be heard and witnessed by the family.
As Roland’s family became convinced these attacks were genuine, they also started to link Roland’s fascination with the Ouija board. Roland began to dabble with this ‘game’ thanks to his Aunt Tillie, who introduced him to it before she died on January 26th, 1949 - eleven days prior to the start of the paranormal activity.
Although Roland’s mother suspected Aunt Tillie was the cause of the haunting, the family had to act quickly as concern grew for Roland’s welfare.
As Roland had been baptized a Lutheran after birth, the family called in the help of two Lutheran ministers - one being Rev. Luther Schultze. Accompanying them was a Rabbi, who it is believed was only there because of his knowledge in this type of suspected phenomena.
Whilst the young boy was being assessed by the Rabbi, it is said that Roland suddenly began ranting in a language he had no previous knowledge of.
The two Lutheran ministers had no clue as to what Roland was saying, however, the Rabbi understood every word…Roland was speaking the rabbi’s native tongue of Hebrew – fluently!
The Exorcist – part two - click on this
The Exorcist – part three – click on this
Back to home page click on this
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By, J Reynolds (aka, eyepriestess) (Copyright 2009, World Mysteries And True Ghost Tales).
Pic of Regan MacNeil by, Wayne Ridsdel (Copyright 2009, Wayne Ridsdel. At World Mysteries And True Ghost Tales).
This is a valuable source of reference for anyone persuing an interest in this controversial field of paranormal phenomena. Not only is it accurate, but in the places where information is still unconfirmed by official sources the author as resisted the urge to embelish it with fantasy and fiction. I for one will be waiting eagerly for the articles continuation.
I watched the original Excorcist movie when it first came out. I was only about 10 years old at the time and it really scared me. I never knew about the true story behind the movie until I read this article.
J Reynolds you did an excellent job at explaining what prompted this movie!
Excellent article, I to am very anxious to read part two. I’ve scanned a few stories of this online, but seemed to always run across them when I didn’t really have time to read all the details. I’d kept meaning to go back and find out what happened and never did.
I did read something about his obsession with the ouija board and if I remember right, he’d even tried to contact the aunt that gave it to him after she died.
It’s so hard to think about something this horrible afflicting someone so young.
Thanks all three of you for the comments.
To GH, I think this is the only horror film that has truly scared me. The Amytyville horror, came close and the ghost story ‘The Changeling’.
Wayne and Coco, I made sure I carried out extensive research as there are so many conflicting articles written about this. I not only looked at numerous articles, but also newspaper and Catholic church reports and coverage in great detail..
It was one of the hardest articles I have ever written and it is based on facts rather than anything else.
I am at present writing part two and you are right Coco, in that, they did try to contact Aunt Tillie through the use of the ouija board, which lied as usual, but I don’t want to say too much here, it will spoil part two.
Thanks again!
Very thought provoking. I, like Wayne, Coco and Ghost Hunter cant wait for Part Two, please don’t take too long. What a visual perception your part 1 has portrayed, WOW! Well done.
I remember watching The Exorcist for the first time when I was young.. It absolutely terrified me!
I think the reason this movie touched me so was because things like this really do happen in real life.. And it is still the only movie that I will not watch by myself at nighttime. And like you Eyepriestess.. The Changling and the first Amityville Horror movie came in second.. for the most unnerving to watch..
I also am looking forward to reading part two.
Mama’s chick
Mama’s chick,
nice to see you back on here again!!!
What you say about things like that happening in real life is more than true. After my ouija board experience, I was attacked by an evil presence and God only knows what would have become of me if I hadn’t prayed for help at the time. It would probably have turned into a movie, that evil had big intentions on possessing me that night and i’m not exagerating! Read about it – http://www.worldmysteriesandtrueghosttales.com/the-dangers-of-ouija-boards/
Cannot wait for Part 2 I Really enjoyed this and I know Eye Priestess can back me up on that
Handsome Harry,
thanks for that and yes I can validate that,
It will be posted tomorrow, (added today, new info been discovered, which has caused delay) I’ve had a bit of trouble with it, in making sure it is exactly right and authentic.
I’m about to post part two of the Reflexology article first as this has caused me less trouble. I needed a break from the true story behind the exorcist.
ha ha that scared the sh*t out of me!