FAMOUS EXORCISM UNWARRANTED - BOY NOT POSSESSED BY DEVIL IN 1949 "EXORCIST" CASE

                 FAMOUS EXORCISM UNWARRANTED - BOY NOT POSSESSED BY DEVIL IN 1949 EXORCIST"
                 CASE
                 10/25/00

                 Editorial Contact:
                 Mark Chorvinsky
                 (301) 570-7561 phone
                 (301) 570-7562 fax
                 strange1@strangemag.com
                 www.strangemag.com

                 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

ROCKVILLE, Maryland. -- October 25, 2000 -- The 1949 exorcism of a youth - which formed the basis for the novel and film The Exorcist" - is now revealed as having been unnecessary. The 13-year-old boy was not possessed by the devil or any other demon. A medieval ritual against demons was performed against a child who was disturbed but not devilish, according to in-depth investigative articles released at www.strangemag.com.

Noted strange phenomena investigators Mark Opsasnick and Mark Chorvinsky have respectively investigated and analyzed
the case, and found that not only was the boy not inhabited by any demon, his behavior did not meet the minimum criteria that the Catholic Church has established for allowing exorcisms to be performed.

While the novel and film The Exorcist" are fictional works, the writer of both, William Peter Blatty, has long insisted on the
validity of the 1949 exorcism. The effect of this insistence by Blatty and by later exploiters of the alleged phenomenon has
been to make many people believe in the actuality of events depicted in the book and movie, and even in some cases to believe
in exorcism as a solution to their own problems. This has created a public menace - a menace now amplified by both the
re-release of the original film and a new television movie which purports to, but does not actually, tell the true story of the
events.

The exorcism was long thought by most to have occurred in Mt. Rainier, Maryland, but it actually commenced in the neighboring town of Cottage City, Maryland, and climaxed in St. Louis, Missouri. Its true details were finally released in 1998, in issue number 20 of Strange Magazine, and on the magazines website. But myth-mongering did not cease.

Now, Strange Magazines first online issue, number 21, brings the story up to date with the latest developments, as well as a
trenchant examination of what can happen when the media does not meet its obligations, and self-interest and profit-seeking are considered more important than the pursuit of truth and the public good. Brills Content, which claims to be a media watchdog, comes under criticism for its recent article on this case which ignored the Strange Magazine revelations, despite the fact that the author had read the Strange exposé and was aware of the truth.

Also included in the new issue are accounts of some of the more dangerous and often deadly amateur exorcisms which may have been the result of this case where the preservation of myth has trumped all other concerns. For these and further details, obtain Strange Magazine number 21. Instant access to the issue, which is only available online, can be purchased over the internet at www.strangemag.com. Strange has, since 1987, been devoted to the investigation of strange phenomena. The publication takes an open-minded yet level-headed approach to many types of anomalies and inexplicables. Strange is available twice-yearly by online purchase, and also maintains a free access site with numerous articles.

Mark Opsasnicks 24-page investigative report may be accessed at no charge at the strangemag website at www.strangemag.com. The Chorvinsky article criticizing the press and the 1949 exorcism attempts may be accessed from the website through the Strange Magazine 21 portal on that page. Strange Magazine 21 has a $5.00 unlimited access fee.

Members of the press can e-mail Strange at strange1@strangemag.com to receive a free password to get access to Strange 21, including the pull-no-punches Chorvinsky article.

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For interviews and additional information, contact:
                 Mark Chorvinsky, Editor
                 Phone 301-570-7561
                 Fax 301-570-7562
                 strange1@strangemag.com
                 www.strangemag.com

©2000 Strange Magazine. All Rights Reserved. Strange Magazine is a trademark of www.strangemag.com.