William Friedkin directed the iconic 1973 horror movie ‘The Exorcist’ from a story and screenplay penned by William Peter Blatty, based on Blatty’s eponymous novel. When her 12-year-old daughter falls under a demonic spell, actress Chris MacNeil summons a pair of Jesuit priests to take care of the situation. However, as the priests commence the ritual, they realize the overpowering impact of the evil.
Most of the story unfolds in the DC neighborhood of Georgetown, while the early scenes transport us to a far-flung archaeological site to contextualize the myth of Pazuzu. If you are wondering where the movie was filmed, let us give you a detailed tour!
The Exorcist Filming Locations
‘The Exorcist’ was filmed in locations in and around the US and Iraq, especially in Washington DC. Principal photography commenced on August 14, 1972, and was wrapped up by June 1973. Let us now take you to the classic movie’s specific filming locations!
Washington, DC
The story takes place almost exclusively in Washington, DC, and consequentially, most of the filming also took place in the capital state. A property located at 3600 Prospect Street, in the historic neighborhood of Georgetown, in the southwestern part of the state, stood in for the exterior of the MacNeil residence. The team put up a false wing to make the windows of Regan’s room appear close to the stairs.
For the sequence where Chris investigates the noise in the attic, they installed a mansard roof on top of the house. The famous “Exorcist steps” were actually called Hitchcock Steps. You can find the concrete stairs descending from the corner of 36th & Prospect Streets. Following the film, the location has gained cult significance among fans. Burstyn’s first scene was filmed outside the Healy Hall, a historic venue within the premises of Georgetown University.
The desecration sequence occurred at the Dahlgren Chapel, part of the same university. The Archbishop’s office was the office of the university’s president. Moreover, the interior of Father Karras’ room was a meticulous recreation of Theology professor Father Thomas M. King, S.J.’s abode in New North Hall. The bar scenes were captured at The Tombs, a student hangout venue located at 1226 36th Street Northwest, outside the university campus.
In Georgetown, the church sermon sequences took place at Holy Trinity Church, a Catholic church located at 3513 “N” Street Northwest. The scene featuring the archaic bridge showcases the Francis Scott Key Memorial Bridge, an iconic bridge across the Potomac River that connects the DC neighborhood of Georgetown to Rosslyn, Virginia. Additional filming took place in the Chesapeake and Ohio Canal National Historical Park.
