The Exorcist

The Exorcist is a 1971 novel in the horror genre by William Peter Blatty. It tells the story of the possession of a young girl named Regan MacNeil. In 1973, the book was turned into a critically acclaimed film that spawned a number of sequels. 

Plot Summary

In northern Iraq, an elderly priest named Lankester Merrin finishes an archeological excavation of a tomb and returns to America, shaken by a premonition. 

While finishing a film shoot with the director Burke Dennings, actress Chris MacNeil is living temporarily in Georgetown with her daughter Regan, her housekeepers (an elderly Swiss couple named Willie and Karl), and her secretary Sharon Spencer. Chris hears strange sounds emanating from Regan’s bedroom and notices furniture and items of clothing seeming to move around the house. Chris discovers that Regan has been playing with a Ouija board to talk to an invisible friend named Captain Howdy. 

Regan becomes angry and restless. Chris seeks out medical help, and Dr. Klein recommends further tests. Chris cannot explain the strange occurrences around the house; she also learns that a number of her business investments have soured. She hosts a dinner party for friends, and Regan appears just as the party is over.