Ebert and Siskel are reported to have both awarded four stars.
Pauline’s negative review is discussed; her objections about emotional investment and a tidy ending are challenged.

Brando; Nicholson; Keach; Newman; Hepburn; Bancroft; Fonda; MacLaine; Penn; Kubrick; Nichols; Rydell

In the discussion (4)

Approx. transcript time · 00:54:36Read transcript

Brando was reportedly vetoed to avoid a Brando movie; Nicholson, Keach and Newman are discussed for Karras, with Keach paid off for Miller.
Keach is thought capable of the role, which could have been his biggest film.
Hepburn’s Rome condition, Bancroft’s pregnancy, Fonda’s ideological rejection and Shirley’s later regret precede Burstyn’s casting.
Penn, Kubrick and Nichols reportedly declined; the subsequent director choice was resisted in favor of Friedkin after The French Connection.

No necessary recast; Jane Fonda and early Al Pacino considered

In the discussion (3)

Approx. transcript time · 01:01:39Read transcript

The cast is largely left intact, perhaps except Burke; Fonda’s actress-as-actress casting is considered too self-conscious.
Early Godfather/Serpico-era Pacino as the priest is considered intriguing and prompts impressions.
The panel distinguishes early Pacino from the later persona and calls the proposed performance fascinating.

Miller’s career; voice and pea-soup effects; Georgetown stairs; university filming; Linda Blair’s later life

In the discussion (4)

Approx. transcript time · 01:03:54Read transcript

Miller reportedly declined Taxi Driver for The Nickel Ride and is identified as Jason Patric’s father.
The crucifix dialogue is described as a slowed recording of Blair; Miller reportedly expected pea soup on his chest but was hit more broadly.
Georgetown stairs became a tourist site; students reportedly charged to watch the stunt, and a later St. Elmo’s Fire filming request was refused with a joke about the devil losing.
Blair’s early fame and reported relationships with Rick Springfield, Glenn Hughes, Tommy Shaw, Rick James and Wings Hauser are discussed; her age fifteen relationship with Springfield is criticized.

Priest possession; healed scars; murder charges; Sharon’s job; unfinished film

In the discussion (5)

Approx. transcript time · 01:16:29Read transcript

The objection that a saved priest could not be possessed is met by the observation that priests are fallible.
Regan’s nearly healed face is questioned, with elapsed time and release from possession offered as explanations.
Murder charges are considered, with the detective’s discretion, Burke’s unpopularity and a possible abuse implication discussed uncertainly.
Sharon’s willingness to remain as babysitter through the possession is questioned.
The panel wonders why filming continues and whether Crash Course was finished or any good after its director’s death.

Carl’s past; Regan’s future; missing father; house rental; Pazuzu’s next move

In the discussion (5)

Approx. transcript time · 01:21:26Read transcript

Carl’s denial of being a Nazi is considered unconvincing; bringing the demon in luggage is jokingly suggested.
The daughter’s next five years and return to L.A. after possession and killing are imagined as difficult.
The missing father is questioned, then connected to divorce and puberty as thematic explanations.
Renting the house again and the demon’s next destination are questioned.
Exorcist 3’s Karras, Gemini Killer and institutionalization plot is summarized and its realism contrasted with its creepiness.