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Astonishing Legends

The True Story Behind the Exorcist Part 1

Astonishing Legends

Scott Philbrook

History, Society & Culture

4.69.8K Ratings

🗓️ 24 October 2021

⏱️ 111 minutes

🧾️ Download transcript

Summary

What every horror film loves to boast, if possible, is the claim of "Based on a True Story." Because if the story is not just from some writer's imagination, if there is a thread to an actual event with real people, no matter how thin, then the fear becomes more real. William Friedkin's 1973 motion picture The Exorcist is considered one of, if not the scariest horror film of all time. At that time, no audience had seen a case of demonic possession dramatized so deftly and explicitly, and the resulting shock left a lasting mark on popular culture and our collective psyche. Not as widely known is that William Peter Blatty adapted his Oscar-winning screenplay for the movie from his novel of the same name. And perhaps even lesser-known to most is that Blatty based his book on a real-life case, what is more commonly known as the "1949 Exorcism," or "The Exorcism of Roland Doe," or of "Robbie Mannheim." The Jesuits of the Catholic Church who examined the 13-year-old boy exhibiting either severe mental and emotional disturbances or authentic spiritual possession referred to him at the time only as "R" in their journal about the investigation. This report, known informally as the "Exorcist's Diary," is the only complete documented account of the events, and it kept the boy's identity anonymous out of respect. Guiding our examination of the story is the exhaustive work of our friend and guest for the Villisca Axe Murder series, investigative author Troy Taylor. Troy's updated version of his book, The Devil Came to St. Louis – UNCENSORED," is the culmination of over 20 years of research and interviews with surviving witnesses to the incredible occurrences. Troy had kept a promise not to reveal "R's" real name and sensitive details until after his death. Now that "Roland Doe" had passed away in May of 2020, Troy was free to publish the 4th edition of his book in 2021, revealing previously unpublicized information, including his name. Troy's book and our presentation aim at getting to the facts behind an actual, largely forgotten case that haunted the mindset of a generation. But don't think that separating the myths from the facts will make this tale any less frightening. For if even the slightest supernatural happening in this record is accurate, and there is plenty of testimony to support that it is, it's enough to unsettle your beliefs. If the wildest and worst accounts are true, and you're unsure what to believe, then most disturbing may be the adage that not believing in the Devil won't protect you from him.

Visit our website for a lot more information on this episode.

Transcript

Click on a timestamp to play from that location

0:00.0

If your business is running anything other than 10-GIG Internet,

0:03.0

there's something your provider doesn't want you to know.

0:05.8

Good news is, and no longer matters.

0:08.0

VORBOS is a fiber network providing 10-GIG as standard to London businesses.

0:12.5

Because in 2022, there's no reason to settle for less.

0:16.0

VORBOS, the business fiber network built by VORBOS for London.

0:20.5

Astonishing Legends is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment.

0:25.0

Always seek the advice of your physician or the qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.

0:30.5

Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have heard on this podcast.

0:36.5

In 1971, a 43-year-old novelist and screenwriter, William Peter Blattie, published a book titled The Exorcist.

0:45.0

It spent three months on the New York Times bestseller list before Blattie sold the film rights for the story to Warner Brothers for $641,000,

0:53.0

or $4.3 million in today's money.

0:56.0

Blattie then wrote the screenplay himself.

0:59.0

In 1972, a accomplished director William Friedkin began filming what would become the first horror film to be nominated for an Academy Award for Best Picture.

1:09.0

In fact, it received nine other nominations, winning for both best-adapted screenplay and best sound.

1:16.0

According to Wikipedia, it was the highest grossing R-rated horror film until the movie It was released in 2017.

1:24.0

The Exorcist was made for just $12 million, but it grossed 37 times that at $441 million.

1:32.0

The odds are relatively good that you've seen the movie, or read the book, or perhaps both.

1:39.0

And if not yet, maybe one day you will.

1:43.0

It's a cultural touchstone in the world of horror and fear, and for new generations, watching the movie might even be thought of as a right of passage.

1:52.0

Right is a fascinating word, isn't it?

1:55.0

Mariam Webster defines it as,

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