MovieChat Forums > The Possession of Joel Delaney (1972) Discussion > Unique, Freaky 70's Horror...But Certain...

Unique, Freaky 70's Horror...But Certainly Not 'The Exorcist'!!

posted 13 years ago by BogieandBacallfan
5 replies | jump to latest

I recently just heard of this 70's cult-classic, and some were trying to compare it to or put it in the same realm as the 1973 masterpiece "The Exorcist." Let's be honest here...the ONLY thing that "The Possession of Joel Delaney" and "The Exorcist" have in common is that both do deal with the subject of possession. Other than that "Possession of Joel" does not even come close to an ink-ling of being in the same realm as "The Exorcist."

However, this 70's horror flick is pretty good for low-budget and the topic it deals with. There are plenty of bizarre and freaky moments, and the slow mental collapse/possession of 'Joel' was amazingly portrayed by a very young Perry King! Shirley MacLaine also gives a very excellent performance as the somewhat weird and mentally troubled 'Norah'.

But, the actor I had the most respect for, and thought truly had to go through a humiliating/horrifying experience, and handled it professionally (especially at his young age at the time) was David Elliot. He was the young 13 year old son of MacLaine and had to strip naked (exposing himself entirely) after the possessed Joel forced him to dance naked around the house to terrify him. That had to be embarrassing and I'm surprised they allowed it...but he portrayed his character and that scene like a pro. This scene is also somewhat shocking and makes this film remembered among horror movie fans.

Overall...again don't expect "The Exorcist", but it is frightening and the character development, filming locations, etc... are excellent! This is a must have for horror fans/collectors!

[–] MilesAhead 12 years ago

True,it is more of a freaky horror film. Reminds me of the 'Believers' with all the Puerto Rican santeria goings on. But if you really want to see a freaky 70's Horror film I recommend 'Dead people' (Also called Mesisiah of Evil) 1973.

Walking through the cow pasture of life you are bound to step in some truth

[–] ElectricWarlock 11 years ago

I agree with you. I see no reason whatsoever that this shouldn't be on every list of the best horror movies of all time. This film gets very little recognition which is very unfortunate. It is one of my absolute favorites and I feel it is shockingly underrated. There is no way anything like the scene with David Elliott would be allowed today. No one would dare to even try. The ending to this film alone is shocking even 40 years later.

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[–] Hey_Sweden 11 years ago

Freaky is a good description. This is a suitably creepy and offbeat, interesting little cult item. That was a very chilling and unnerving scene with the young boy.

What do you think this is, a signature? It's a way of life!

[–] Woodyanders 10 years ago

The climax of this film was indeed quite tense and nerve-wracking, with that infamous scene involving the little boy being forced to dance nude on top of the table rating as a truly shocking and disturbing moment.

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[–] ElectricWarlock 10 years ago

Absolutely. I think even the most jaded filmgoers who feel like they've witnessed every act of depravity a horror film has to offer would still be shocked by the child abuse in this film (not only the stripping, but also the girl being forced to eat dog food with a knife at her neck, being slightly cut on the neck by the knife at one moment, and Joel grabbing and shoving the kids all over the place).

Death lives in the Vault of Horror!