A New York Times article detailing the frenzy that ensued after The Exorcist was first released in theatres across New York City has been rediscovered.
Although The Exorcist was seminal for the horror genre and shattered box-office records, The Exorcist was met with criticism from a number of high-profile critics, including those from The New Yorker, The Times and Newsweek.
The NYT piece describes the chaos at New York City’s theatres and the unprecedented mania that the film caused.
In 1974 The Exorcist became the first horror movie to receive an Oscar nomination for Best Picture, among 10 other nominations including Best Adapted Screenplay and Best Actress.