Watch the First Ever Televised Exorcism Broadcast on NBC in 1971

Living in the day and age when exorcism has become fodder for countless horror films, books, and even awful reality television pilots, it’s hard to believe that the ancient religious rite was once a fairly risky thing to show on television. In fact, the ritual wasn’t even televised until 1971, a good few years before feel good hits about battling Satan came along in the form of The Exorcist and The Omen.

Well, some kind soul has given us the opportunity to view that exorcism in all it’s poorly transferred, bad VHS tape glory via the miracle of YouTube. The clip features NBC journalist Carole Simpson interview Ed and Marsha Becker, a couple who began to experience some very strange things after moving in to their new Chicago home. Things like thrown objects and disembodied crying. Obviously rattled, the couple called upon the help of medium Joseph DeLouise and Rev. William Derl-Davis, who proceeded to channel the spirit and exorcise it.. two things you don’t generally see together very often.

The case went on to inspire the book True Haunting (written by Ed Becker himself ) and most recently was the subject of a Paranormal Witness episode titled “The Tenants” which aired last October.

You can watch the 6 minute segment below and ponder which was more evil: the spirits harassing the Beckers, or 70′s fashion. Fair warning, this sucker is loud, so turn those speakers down first if you enjoy your hearing.

Greg Newkirk

Documentary film-maker, professional monster chaser, and mystery monger, Greg is also the contributing editor for Who Forted? 'Zine. When he's not occupied by writing about the wide world of the weird, he's busy directing and editing films like The Bigfoot Hunter: Still Searching or perusing used bookstores for antique occult books. He's currently in production on his new project: an original documentary web series titled Planet Weird, which you should totally check out. He currently lives in Toronto.

Author's Website - Follow On Twitter - Facebook - More Posts From Author