More than just Halloween

Now that Halloween is coming up, I see more of this film on the DVD racks of department stores than at any other time of the year. While I admit that I like to watch a horror flick late at night with a bag of popcorn in my hand or some other kind of junk food, I think this film goes a little beyond mere entertainment. I like the priests in it, and I like how they are portrayed. The ending has two scenes - for those of you who remember it - that are quite powerful. Father Karras frees Regan of the demon and allows himself to be possessed. Before harming the child, he jumps out the window and takes the demon with him. The next powerful scene comes at the finale when Regan and her mom, Chris, are moving away from the house and are met by Father Dyer, Father Karras' good friend. Chris explains to Father Dyer the Regan has no recollection of what transpired, but Regan, nonetheless, has some idea of what saved her. She glances momentarily at the Roman Collar Father Dyer is wearing, then proceeds to give him a kiss on the cheek.