L'esorcista (1973) became a cultural phenomenon from the first day it hit theater screens. Twenty-five years later, the cast and crew discuss the making of the film and its initial impact on audiences. William Peter Blatty discusses the inspiration for the novel, a real-life 1949 incident of a 14-year-old boy who allegedly became possessed by a demon. He discusses his choice of William Friedkin to direct his screenplay and what Friedkin thought of his first draft. Friedkin explains how key cast members won their parts. The two priests who played small parts describe their experiences. The special effects man shows his device that allowed the movie's demon to spit pea soup. Other crew members describe the disastrous recording session with Lola Schifrin, who composed a score Friedkin hated and despised. Cast and crew describe strange incidents during the shoot, including a number of deaths among those involved in the production. Finally, the interviewees discuss the film's reception, including a sneak preview that seemed to forecast failure.
—J. Spurlin 