The Story Behind 1971 Televised Exorcism is Being Adapted into a Film Called TRUE HAUNTING

As you may or may not know, in 1971 there was a real-life exorcism that was aired on TV on NBC. This is before the classic horror film The Exorcist was released. In the TV news segment, reporter Carole Simpson interviewed the Becker family about the hauntings in their home, and then filmed an exorcism of the house by a priest.

This crazy story is now being adapted into a film called True Haunting, which is based on a book by the same name. Deadline reports:

True Haunting is the terrifying true story of the first televised exorcism on NBC in 1971. Millions around the country watched the program. The NBC news segment was a success, the exorcism was not. Instead, it made things worse for the Becker family who lived there. Much worse.

The book was written by Becker family member Edwin F. Becker and this is the description:

This is the story of a true haunting. It was the first ever filmed and televised by NBC in 1971. A young couple purchases a building that was built and occupied by a single family that refused to relinquish their hold, even after death. Investigated and verified by experts, this residence brought chaos to the lives of those who chose to reside there. Unlike a horror novel, this chronicles what a real ghostly experience would resemble. Long before the laws of disclosure, a young couple winds up in the midst of strange occurrences prior to the term paranormal becoming a common description.

Only a little known organization came to their aid. Author Tom Valentine, brought in a nationally known psychic, Joseph DeLouise, who then asked assistance of an exorcist from England, Reverend William Derl-Davis. Together, they gave their best effort at exorcising the multiple spirits inhabiting the building and disrupting the lives of the living. Events were filmed by NBC, who sent their most prominent Chicago journalist, Carole Simpson, to cover the event.

This certainly has the makings of a great and scary horror film. The movie is set up at Screen Gems and  Richard D’Ovidio (The Call) is writing the script.

If you’ve never seen the televised exorcism, you can watch the whole thing in the video below.

First Televised Exorcism! Recorded in Chicago, IL on NBC in 1971 with Carole Simpson interviewing the Becker family about their haunted home. Exorcism was completed by Joseph DeLouise and Rev. William Derl-Davis. Inspired the book "True Haunting" written by Edwin F. Becker and Paranormal Witness episode titled "The Tenants" which aired on the Syfy channel on 10/24/2012.