THE EXORCIST: Faith, Fear, and the True Story Behind Hollywood's Most Haunted Film

About this episode

This episode explores the journey of William Peter Blatty from humorist to the creator of The Exorcist, delving into the real-life events that inspired the film.

Before The Exorcist terrified the world, its creator was writing comedy. This episode traces William Peter Blatty's journey from humorist to theologian of horror - his mother's influence, the real 1949 exorcism case, the film's alleged curse, and the true story of the boy who inspired it all. Show notes at https://magicalmystery.media

People in this episode

Host: Anywhere But Hollywood

Topics covered

• horror
• film history
• true stories
• theology
• curses
• biography

Keywords

• The Exorcist
• William Peter Blatty
• horror film
• exorcism
• film curse
• biography
• theology

Mentioned in this episode

Books & works: The Exorcist

More episodes of The Stories We Tell in the Dark

• Season Finale: Field Guide to SPIRITED AWAY, GILLIGAN'S ISLAND Real?, BBC Spaghetti Tree Hoax, EXORCIST-CIA Connection, Hollywood Star Secrets, 13 WOMEN · October 29, 2025 · 26 min
• THE EXORCISM OF EMILY ROSE and The REAL Possession of Anneliese Michel · October 15, 2025 · 23 min
• Hollywood Ghost Tour: MARILYN Monroe's Mirror, HOLLYWOOD Sign Haunting, MURDERED TV Actor, Dead Projectionists · October 8, 2025 · 25 min
• Robert Blake UNSOLVED MURDER Case, CAPRICORN ONE & Moon Landing Hoax Conspiracies · October 1, 2025 · 28 min
• Musical Mysteries: VANISHED UFO Troubadour, MISSING Scientist Rocker, Debbie Harry ESCAPES Ted Bundy, Michael Jackson Brother Kidnapped · September 24, 2025 · 28 min
• GODZILLA vs. GOJIRA, Atomic Fishing Boat Horror, Cannibal Rats & Giant Turtles, Could Real Kaiju Exist? · September 17, 2025 · 26 min