Book Review: The Exorcist Legacy

Nat Segaloff, The Exorcist Legacy: 50 Years of Fear. New York: Citadel Press (imprint of Kensington Books), 2023.  ISBN: 9780806541945.

Genre: films, pop culture

Subgenre: horror, 1970s

Format: print galley

Source: Provided by publisher

This book arrives right on time for the 50th anniversary of the film The Exorcist. It is one of the scariest films ever made. It is considered a classic horror film, yet Blatty, author of the novel upon which the film is based, never intended to make a horror masterpiece. As Segaloff writes, 

"They wanted to make a detective story about the mystery of faith. You could say that The Exorcist is, at its heart, a religious picture, a film, like Blatty's novel, that posits, if the devil exists, so must God. But people tend to forget that when they're dodging pea soup." 

To me, that sounds a bit much like overthinking and a bit too much protesting. Like many at the time, I came to see the film as a horror film. Still, if you want to learn more about the film, how it was made,  the sequels and more, this is the book for you. 

Segaloff was a publicist for the film and later wrote a biography of William Friedkin, the film's director. He did research and interviewed many people plus drew on his experiences to write this book. The book is arranged as follows: 

• Foreword by John Russo, co-writer of the zombie horror film Night of the Living Dead.
• 16 Chapters. 
• Various sidebars covering supplemental topics such as synopsis of certain books. 
• Afterword by Mark Kermode, a film scholar. 
• Appendix: a Colloquy with William Peter Blatty. This is an interview. 
• Bibliography and Endnotes.
   

The book strives to cover a lot of ground. We learn about the exorcism that inspired Blatty's novel. We learn about the novel. We learn about the film and how it was made. Then we learn about the sequels and a TV series; I honestly do not recall that television series, so I learned something new. The author brings us all the way to discussing the upcoming at this time film remake. Along the way we get stories, recollections, gossip, anecdotes, and tricks of the trade. 

There are many interesting details in the book. I found very interesting some of the technical details of making the film. Nowadays we take CGI for granted in film making, but it did not exist in the early 1970s. The film makers had to get seriously inventive in order to get the film they wanted. At times one wonders if it was the film the wanted given it got later editions. Segaloff looks at the later versions, going over the differences so readers can decide which is the real or definitive edition. 

We also get details on the cast, the workers, the studio executives, etc. Friendships made and broken, and sometimes reconciled. We get tales of studio interference and other business aspects. As I wrote, the author packs a lot in the book. 

For all the material, Segaloff presents it in an interesting way. Chapters are not too long, so the reading pace is pretty good. The side bars help to put the overall story in context. Additionally, if you want to learn more, a bibliography of sources is included plus the endnotes cite individual articles and interviews. 

 Overall, this is a pretty solid book for fans of the film. If you are a reader who enjoys learning how films are made, this is a book for you. If you wonder why The Exorcist maintains its appeal as a classic, this is a book for you. If you like Hollywood drama, tales, and gossip, this can be for you too. I learned some new things about the topic, and it makes me want to revisit the films. A small detail for some is that the book lacks illustrations. Some images would have enhanced the book. 

I recommend the book for libraries with film studies and pop culture collections. Also recommend it for horror collections. Maybe some libraries can make a display of the films and novels and feature this book as well. 

4 out of 5 stars. 

Additional reading notes: 

What the book is about: 

"To this day there are people who refuse to see The Exorcist. Despite this aversion, somebody must be seeing it; since 1973 there have been a sequel, an official sequel, and a prequel (each of which exists in two versions), a TV series, a trilogy of continuations, and countless cultural references, all of them harkening back to the 1973 original" (xvi). 

On a bit of a side note, I had hoped the author would at least briefly mention the parody Repossessed (1990), but it is missing from the book. It could have been an example of the cultural references, even humor the film spawned, plus the parody film did bring back Linda Blair. 

Segaloff discusses how the novel came about. Blatty's exorcist, originally, was to be a Black man "from the ghetto who has escaped poverty by joining the church." However, Blatty realized he was in danger, of, as he put it, writing Sidney Poitier (31). This for me raises an interesting question or two What if the exorcist had been Black? Heck, what if he had been portrayed by Sidney Poitier? Sadly we will never know (well, at least the Poitier portrayal; they could still remake the film with a different Black actor in the title role). 

A statement I did not really agree with: 

"There are people who just go to the movies for a good time-- it starts and ends there-- but these people tend to be people who don't cultivate much of an inner life" (97). 

I often watch movies, and read books as well, for a good time and the fun of it. That statement sounds more like pretentious critic claptrap. Segaloff was citing a video magazine critic. For their information, my inner life is rather healthy. 

On television and demonic possession: 

"Network television development and demonic possession have a bit in common. Both involve dedicated antagonists, ancient rivalries, dogmatic beliefs, and long-established rituals, all in passionate conflict for the souls of viewers" (227). 

Top Nonfiction Read in 2022

Today I am looking at the top nonfiction books I read in 2022. These are not necessarily books published in 2022. According to my end of year reading list and report, I read 42 nonfiction books. Out of those, I have eight books that I rated either four or five stars out of five stars that I am sharing now. If I have a review posted for the book, I am including the link. The list is in no particular order. 

Giuliani: the Rise and Tragic Fall of America's Mayor.

Made in China: a Prisoner, an S.O.S. Letter, and the Hidden Cost of America's Cheap Goods.

From my review: "This is a moving book that draws you in. It tugs at the heart at times. I will add it may not be for some sensitive readers, but I think as many people as possible need to read it, more so if it makes them uncomfortable."

 

 The Playbook: How to Deny Science, Sell Lies, and Make a Killing in the Corporate World.

 Gangsters Vs. Nazis: How Jewish Mobsters Battled Nazis in Wartime America.

 

From my review: "This is a book about a part of U.S. history that few people may know about. Yes, the U.S. had a Nazi past (you could argue it still does have a Nazi and fascist present), which many in the U.S. often ignore. Thus this is a must read. It is a book that reveals a part of U.S. history mostly forgotten until now."

 

 The King of Confidence: a Tale of Utopian Dreamers, Frontier Schemers, True Believers, False Prophets, and the Murder of an American Monarch.

 

From my review: "This book is not just a biography. It is a well written history of the United States at the time through the lens of James Strang's life. You are bound to learn new things and/or see them in a different light from reading this book."

 

 The Library: a Fragile History.

From my review: "This book aims to be a history of libraries from antiquity to the modern era. It is not just about libraries. It is also about books, collectors, book sellers, a lot of wealthy people, and folks who had the title of librarian, whether they deserved it or not."

 

 

 Star Wars Year by Year: a Visual History.

From my review: "This is another excellent coffee table book from DK Publishing.  The book looks at the history of Star Wars from it development in the 1960s to The Mandalorian. It covers from 1914-1972, before Star Wars, to 2021. "

 Allow Me to Retort: a Black Guy's Guide to the Constitution.

 From my review: "If you are stuck having to argue with some Republican/conservative about the 'greatness' of the document, this book explains exactly why they are wrong most if not all of the time. So read this book and keep it handy. "

Book Review: Gangsters Vs. Nazis

Michael Benson, Gangsters Vs. Nazis: How Jewish Mobsters Battled Nazis in Wartime America. New York: Kensington Publishing, 2022. ISBN: 9780806541792.

 

Genre: U.S. history, mobsters

Subgenre: Jewish history in the United States

Format: print galley

Source: Review copy provided by publisher in exchange for an honest review 

 

This book is a collection of true stories about Jewish gangsters fighting against Nazis and Nazi sympathizers on U.S. soil. While bigotry and antisemitism, along with racism, have always been problems in the United States, prior to World War II, antisemites and a significant segment of German Americans were emboldened by Hitler's rise in Europe. These American Nazis hoped to bring Hitler's vision to the United States and overthrow American democracy. They did not count on the patriotism of Jewish American gangsters. When many Americans were either indifferent or conveniently ignorant, Jewish gangsters organized and fought these Nazi groups. The author collects their stories in this book. 

 

I knew from other readings about Lucky Luciano helping the U.S war effort. Before that, the German American Bund, the Silver Shirts, and other fascist bigoted groups were actively trying to take over the United States. Jews were in their sights, and soon members of Jewish communities called on their local Jewish gangsters to help. The gangsters were not only patriotic; they were glad to help and prove that Jews would not go down quietly. 

I mentioned this is a collection of stories because it was a nationwide struggle. From the East Coast to the Midwest to the West Coast, if American Nazis tried to have their meetings, Jewish gangsters were there to bust them up. Some gangsters were better financed; some had cops in their pockets, but some cops also tried to protect the Nazis, or rather their freedom of assembly rights that those Nazis were weaponizing (not unlike certain right wing party weaponizing the First Amendment in the present time, but I digress). The gangsters also often had discreet support from local politicians and community members. The fight against Nazism in the United States took various forms, and the author does try to convey as many stories as he can. 

The book is arranged in seven parts with 29 chapters. The chapters vary in length, but many are pretty short at a few pages. This allows for swift reading. In addition, the book has a preface, an introduction, and an epilogue. The book also includes a list of sources including other books, newspapers and periodicals, and websites. As you read you can tell the book is well researched. The author often uses periodicals from the time as primary sources to help tell the stories. 

The narrative is pretty good. There can be a slow moment here or there, but a lot of the story move at a good pace. Much of the story is riots and other meeting disruptions, so some events may blue a bit, i.e. seems like the same kind of event repeats in different places. An interesting element in the book are the stories of the various gangsters. 

This is a book about a part of U.S. history that few people may know about. Yes, the U.S. had a Nazi past (you could argue it still does have a Nazi and fascist present), which many in the U.S. often ignore. Thus this is a must read. It is a book that reveals a part of U.S. history mostly forgotten until now. This is the kind of book that in the right hands could make a good documentary or television series. The author's writing is very visual. I could see this book as material for a series in one of the streaming services. 

This is a book I recommend for public libraries. Readers who enjoy books on U.S. history and/or crime history, especially mobster stories, will likely enjoy this book. I'd consider it optional for academic libraries unless they have strong 20th century U.S. history holdings. 

Overall, I really liked this one, and it is one I would recommend for others to read. 

4 out of 5 stars. 

* * * * * 

Additional reading notes: 

 

A nice touch throughout the books are the epigraphs the author uses, for example: 

 

"It is important to non-Jews as well as to Jews. Any nation which permits a minority to live in fear of persecution is a nation which invites disaster." -- Professor L.B. Namier (qtd. in 5). 

 

Professor Namier's quote is still very relevant and applicable today. 

 

 

Not all German Americans were Nazis, but the ones that were Nazis were very dangerous: 

 

"There were upward of twelve million Germans in the United States during the Depression, and Bund membership represented 0.4 percent of that number, one in five hundred. But the believers, that 0.2 percent, were zealous and dangerous. By 1933, there were more than one hundred anti-Semitic groups in the U.S., functioning openly and in evangelical mode" (19). 

 

 

Much like today, fascists in the U.S. had supporters back then too: 

 

"The message also resonated with the Christian Right groups like Defenders of the Christian Faith, which was already suspicious of anyone belonging to a non-Jesus religion, and to capitalists who liked the idea that no one hated communism more than a fascist" (19). 

 

 

On the U.S. influencing the Nazis including having influence on Hitler: 

 

"Much was written about Germany's influence on German Americans, much less so about America's influence on Hitler and the policies of the Nazi Party. Hitler, it seemed, was a student of U.S. history, and he took note when reading about the New World and its centuries of race slavery" (31). 

 

 

Regarding the above, Benson lists two relevant books in his list of sources: 

 

• Hart, Bradley W., Hitler's American Friends: the Third Reich's Supporters in the United States. New York: St. Martin's Press, 2018. 
• Whitman, James Q. Hitler's American Model. Princeton, NJ: Princeton University Press, 2018.
   

The next epigraph, which opens Part 5 of the book, if you modify it slightly, it sounds just like today's U.S. Republican Party and U.S. theocrats: 

"We will undermine the morale of the people of America. Once there is confusion and after we have succeeded in undermining the faith of the American people in their own government, a new group will take over; this will be the German-American group, and we will help them assume power." --Adolph Hitler, 1933. 

This quote from Minneapolis Municipal Judge William C. Larson shows how to handle hate speech, and no, not as deserving freedom of speech but rather as the equivalent to causing/provoking a riot: 

"There can be no more potent breeder of public disorder, than a deliberate stirring up of class against class, and race against race. This  undermines the patriotic unity of our nation, and is in direct opposition to that tolerance of race and religion which our constitution provides for, and which is a distinguishing feature of the fundamental law of our land, one of its great cornerstones essential to the peace and safety of any community" (190-191). 

Book Review: The Deadly Don

Anthony DeStefano, The Deadly Don: Vito Genovese, Mafia Boss. New York: Kensington Books, 2021.  ISBN: 9780806540931.

 

Genre: true crime

Subgenre: history, biography

Format: e-book galley

Source: NetGalley

 

This is a biography of mobster Vito Genovese, namesake of one of the New York City Cosa Nostra families active to this day. DeStefano takes us from Genovese's early rise as an enforcer to becoming the boss of the family. Along the way we see much of early to mid 20th century history of the Cosa Nostra in New York City. 

The book features an introduction, 26 chapters, an epilogue, notes, and a bibliography. You can see from the notes and bibliography that is a very well researched book. The author writes a bit on his research process: 

"As I have done with my other Mafia books, the approach for the Deadly Don was to immerse myself into the life of Genovese. This required a great deal of paper chasing through court files, both federal and state" (17). 

Early on, and then later in his epilogue and acknowledgements he writes more about sources and the research process he did. As a librarian, on a side note, I found reading about the research process interesting. 

The author states that the book is significant because there was no real substantial biography of Genovese: 

"While other mob bosses have been the subjects of recent biographical treatments, Genovese has not. The one exception is the 1959 book by the old Journal-American reporter Dom Frasca, who, along with his editor wrote King of Crime, a book long out of print and now going for close to $1,000 on the Internet" (14). 

Do note the Frasca book was written before Genovese's eventual heroin trafficking conviction. 

 

Genovese lived in interesting times, and he certainly shaped much of those times in his life of crime. He certainly was very shrewd and good judge of where the winds turned so he could take advantage. For example, when he self-exiled to Italy in the 1930s, he was able to stay on friendly terms with Mussolini, despite the dictator's massive and aggressive campaign against the Mafia. Once Genovese saw the Allies would succeed, he swiftly switched sides to Allied forces as an interpreter. All the while he ran a very lucrative black market operation. 

While the story and history are interesting, the narrative is not. The text is just slow, and this book often reads like a pretty dry college textbook. As much as I like the subject, the book is a slow read that drags at times. 

A strength of the book is in the research. The author often discusses and even compares sources to establish facts or reach conclusions. He engages with the sources, at times affirming or debunking common lore of the mob. This is a good reason to read the book. 

Overall I liked it, but I honestly wish the narrative was better, a bit more engaging. Still, it is well researched, and readers who enjoy this genre will want to read it. At this point, this is a good current resource on the life and times of Vito Genovese. Public libraries that collect true crime and Mafia books should add this one too. 

3 out of 5 stars. 

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