THE EXORCIST (1973)

When young Regan (Linda Blair) starts acting odd -- levitating, speaking in tongues -- her worried actress-mother, Chris MacNeil (Ellen Burstyn) seeks medical help, only to hit a dead end. When Regan gets completely out of hand, Chris calls in young priest Father Karras (Jason Miller), who, after observing and speaking with Regan, becomes convinced the girl is possessed by the Devil and that they must call in an exorcist: namely, Father Merrin (Max von Sydow). Father Merrin's foe, however, proves to be no run-of-the-mill demon. A battle of wits and nerves and faith ensues as the possessed Regan becomes more and more vile and violent. Director: William Friedkin. Cast: Ellen Burstyn, Max von Sydow, Lee J. Cobb, Kitty Winn, Jack MacGowran, Jason Miller, Linda Blair, William O'Malley, Barton Heyman, Peter Masterson and Rudolf Schündler.