On this day in 1973, WARNER BROTHERS PICTURES released THE EXORCIST. Nothing said “Christmas” more than director WILLIAM FRIEDKIN’S big-screen adaptation of WILLIAM PETER BLATTY’S bestselling novel of demonic possession than this pert-near-perfect horror film. Moviegoers lined up around the block and paramedics were called for theater patrons stricken ill by what they saw. The whole thing was ’show-biz’ at its best. The cast included LINDA BLAIR, ELLEN BURSTYN, MAX VON SYDOW, LEE J. COBB and JASON MILLER. This film continues to be a top placeholder in the horror hall of fame.