[fatherbowdern]

Here’s a snippet of Friedkin talking about one of the reasons why he hired Linda Blair … she knew what masturbation meant. Look at this link and fast-forward to 3:15.

Then compare what Blair has always said about the masturbation scene. Here is the link and fast-forward to :12.

Okay … who do you believe? Friedkin or Blair?

Father Bowdern

[Jagged]

I think I believe Friedkin this time
And for the record that’s probably a first 😉

[fatherbowdern]

Jagged,

I agree about finding something reputable about Friedkin because he is perhaps the biggest “car salesman” around. 🙂

Father Bowdern

[Ceru]

Well, I believe what young Linda said to Friedkin about “jerking off”, but she could’ve just known that was a slang term for masturbation. Doesn’t necessarily mean she knew its purpose, hence the comment she made in her interview.
Seems like she said it to a) appear knowledgeable on that subject matter to Friedkin, and b) aid in her getting the part of Regan (which worked!)

It’s like asking “Do you know what a prostitute is?”
“Yeah, it’s being a hooker, isn’t it?”

[Sofia]

If you read ‘The Story Behind The Exorcist'(1974) by Peter Travers, Friedkin attributes these remarks to a nine-year-old girl he also auditioned.

[fatherbowdern]

Ceru,

I agree that IF Blair said those words, it was only to advance herself for the role. Although Friedkin’s words really don’t make a lot of sense, I still do not believe Blair for one minute despite her cries of, “I was naive and knew nothing about masturbation.” What inquisitive 12- to 13-year-old wouldn’t ask their own mother (who was on the soundstage at all times), “Why am I slamming the crucifix into a box filled with fake blood?”

I think Blair was and is very bright and intelligent. Therefore, I think she already knew by the time she hit puberty without having to ring the bells from the adult understanding. For God’s sake, she was given certain lines by Friedkin to say and I believe she would have asked, “Mom, why am I saying, ‘Let Jesus fuck you?'”

*************

Sof,

It makes better sense from Travers’ point of view about the nine-year-old actor saying this and that Friedkin once again got confused during another interview.

*************

All in all, Friedkin’s use of the words, “jerking off,” is very much geared toward males rather than females, especially in the 1970’s. I was the same age as Blair and I grew up in close proximity to where Blair grew up. I never remember hearing a girl saying to another person, “I need to jerk off.” The Urban Dictionary is right on target: To masturbate by rubbing the penis/To stimulate your penis with your hand to cause orgasm and ejaculation. Male masturbation.

🙂

Father Bowdern

[Regan]

I tend to believe Linda’s version of the story. Makes the most sense to me.

[fatherbowdern]

I believe they are BOTH lying and playing the Hollyweird game!

Father Bowdern

[Author]

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