William Peter Blatty publishes the novel 'The Exorcist,' which later inspires the film.
The horror film 'The Exorcist,' directed by William Friedkin and based on Blatty's novel, is released to critical acclaim and commercial success.
The film 'The Exorcist' receives multiple Academy Awards, including Best Sound Mixing and Best Adapted Screenplay.
Regan, the young daughter of actress Chris MacNeil, starts to display unusual and disturbing behaviors that escalate over time.
Chris MacNeil seeks various medical explanations and tests for Regan's condition, but doctors fail to find any physical cause.
Regan demonstrates abilities such as levitation and speaking in languages she has never learned, confirming the paranormal nature of her affliction.
Jesuit priest and psychologist Father Damien Karras is called upon after initial skepticism; he begins investigating Regan's condition.
Father Karras and Father Merrin perform an initial exorcism but Regan's possession intensifies.
A climactic exorcism ritual is conducted to expel the demon from Regan, involving intense spiritual struggle.
Father Merrin suffers a fatal heart attack in the midst of the exorcism.
Father Karras invites the demon to possess him and then throws himself out a window, ending the possession on Regan.
After the demon is expelled, Regan gradually recovers and resumes normal life with her mother.
