One other thing. I just received the following interesting e-mail:

Hi,

I'm from Belgium, 24 years old and just finished my communications degree. In my spare time I produce and record music under the name 'james venamun' (check http://www.myspace.com/jamesvenamuntheartist )

I'm a huge fan of 'Exorcist Legion' and 'Ninth configuration'. Both those movies are favorites of mine and I revisit them often. I got acquainted with Blatty by seeing "Exorcist III". I had never seen the first Exorcist when I watched Blatty's sequel (so a lot of the ties were unknown to me) but I was aware of the reputation of the first. It was the interaction between Scott and Dourif that was so refreshing and clever that made this extremely well crafted movie had an everlasting impact on me. I saw the first Exorcist years later when it hit theatres again in its extended form and was equally impressed.

The Ninth Configuration followed (I bought the dvd) and I was fortunate as a Belgian to attend the Paul Schrader version being premiered right here in Belgium at the Brussels Internationl Filmfestival of Fantastic Film (Bifff). A fond memory.

I've included in my mail an image of the Belgian dvd cover for Ninth Configuration, it had a release in Belgium and the Netherlands. I believe it to be the same print as the french and us release.
Do you happen to have any of the alternate cuts of the Ninth configuration? I'm looking for the 140 minute version but it's hard to track down.

As for Exorcist III, I have collected many stills and items associated with the movie (some magazines, movie programs). It is my wish for a director's cut to emerge, but as chances are slim to none, I'm glad the original screenplay has been released in book form.

I'm planning to make a fan-made documentary on the troubled history the movie has endured (post production chaos) once I've collected
enough to make a suitable script for it (I'm looking for magazine articles, statements,…) . I will keep you posted on this if you'd like to.

I presume you are an American? Anyway, tell me about yourself, I'm looking forward to your answer.

cheers

**Name censored for privacy**

I replied with the following. I was in a hurry and didn't proof-read, so please pardon the seemingly abrasive nature of it:

Wow, thank you for all that. I'll answer everything as best I am able.

Do you happen to have any of the alternate cuts of the Ninth configuration? I'm looking for the 140 minute version but it's hard to track down.

The "complete version" of The Ninth Configuration, as far as my research has taken me, and after reading a variety of online posts, is the one that is housed within the USA DVD – the one that features the audio commentary by Blatty and Mark Kermode. It also features eight out-takes from the film, two of which I have so far uploaded to YouTube. Incidentally, I uploaded the Featurette from the USA DVD and the "Bar Room Brawl" scene to YouTube this evening, as well.

Out-Take 4:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SkAw1ebBmi4

Out-Take 2:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fgXHNGuZmWs

Bar Room Brawl:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3VDYaS6Lpvk

Featurette:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=itB1iFU-8Xk

As for Exorcist III, I have collected many stills and items associated with the movie (some magazines, movie programs). It is my wish for a director's cut to emerge, but as chances are slim to none, I'm glad the original screenplay has been released in book form.

I, too, collect all this, and have so far uploaded all the images and articles I have at this URL:

http://legion.theninthconfiguration.com/rare/

I do not yet own the "Exorcist And Legion, The Screenplays" book, listed here:

http://www.theninthconfiguration.com/blatty/other_books/screenplays/

But I did win an original script from the film (from 1990) that belonged to the lighting director. It can be seen in this photo:

http://www.theninthconfiguration.com/other/collection/collection_blatty_tnc_legion_aug31.jpg

from this page:

http://www.theninthconfiguration.com/other/collection/

I am actually in touch with Blatty's wife, and I put what she told me about the "lost footage" on this page:

http://legion.theninthconfiguration.com/film/original/

Note: Following this article's publication, it has been (supposedly) confirmed that all original footage of Legion has been lost and/or destroyed. Hopeful Legion enthusiasts remain skeptical.

Update: In an e-mail I received from Mr. Blatty's wife on June 28, 2007, she was graciously able to confirm the following:

"My husband tells me that it is Morgan Creek's claim that they have lost all the footage, including an alternate opening scene in which Kinderman views the body of Karras in the morgue, right after his fall down the steps. What a shame."

I presume you are an American? Anyway, tell me about yourself, I'm looking forward to your answer.

I am, in fact, located in Sydney, Australia! :-)

Thank you for the long e-mail, and I appreciate your interest in theninthconfiguration.com.

- Ryan S

Things really seem to be moving lately in Blatty-land…

Legion updates:

http://legion.theninthconfiguration.com/

Further updates, September 30:

http://legion.theninthconfiguration.com/

'hop

http://www.theninthconfiguration.com/

Updates!