Tuesday, August 28, 2007

Monday, August 27, 2007

Your first memories

It would be great to hear from you about your first encounter. Be it through a movie screen, stage or in person. Open invite, don't be shy. Justin, you're welcome to post yours as contributer.

Friday, August 24, 2007

New co-blogger, Justin

I'm happy to announce that the infamous Justin is my new co-blogger. Dunno if he'll post much, but I'm grateful for the help. He'll be in charge when I'm unavailable. What with a death in the family and a long-term illness, I'm touched by the support. Thanks to all. You Keep my chin up.

Tuesday, August 21, 2007

Words from Michael Blatty

Hi. I just stumbled upon this site while looking up something unrelated. I am the eldest son of William Peter Blatty, and I spent some time in the company of Jason Miller while he was with my dad on the set of "The Exorcist" (I was an undergrad at Georgetown U. at the time.) Thought I would share my impressions of him in brief.
First, I think he was a terrific actor and perfect in the role of Karras. (If you haven't seen him in the made for tv film about F. Scott Fitzgerald you have missed another great performance.) I know that my dad had Richard Burton and then Stacey Keach in mind initially, but no one could have been better or more haunted in the role than Mr. Miller.
When I first met him (at lunch with my dad in The Tombs pub in Geogetown) he was in his priest's garb from the film and I thought he was one of the actual priests advising my dad about exorcisms, etc. His language was pretty salty (to say the least), and afterwards I remarked to my dad, "Gee, I never heard a Catholic priest talk that way before!" My dad looked at me, incredulous, and said, "That's Jason Miller, the actor! He's not a priest!" Embarassing. Several weeks later, in New York City, I was with my dad and Mr. Miller at Elaine's where he absolutely mesmerized me with his brilliant conversation even though it was obvious that he had been drinking more than he should. Sometime later I tried to find a copy of his play, "That Championship Season," but none of my local bookstores carried it. When I next saw him, at my dad's house at Malibu Beach, I asked him rather ungraciously if he would send me a copy since I couldn't find it anywhere (not particularly sensitive of me, but he inspired bluntness of speech.) I gave him my address but didn't really expect him to follow through, as busy a man as he then was. A week later a package arrived at my house. It was a first edition of his play in hardback, inscribed to me:
"Michael! Keep the faith!
Jason Miller, S.J."
That's the sort of considerate person he was.
I never saw him in the flesh again, but when I saw him in my dad's film "Exorcist 3" I felt sad because he looked so run down. Then years later, I saw that he had died. I am glad that he will be preserved forever on film for future generatons and that so many of his friends in Scranton and elsewhere will keep the memory of such a beautiful human being alive.
Thanks for letting me share these brief memories with you on these pages.

Thursday, August 16, 2007

Repost Of RIP Jason Miller

It was six years ago today that the man who played Damien Karras in The Exorcist died. I have only had the pleasure of seeing three of his movies, but he left quite an impression. Having read what I could about him, he seemed to leave an impression on most people; through his movies to most and to the lucky few who actually knew him. (Watch me turn green) I wish I had known him... Not that I could make interesting conversation, but I could listen to him forever. My one true Halloween tradition, since the first time I saw it, is to watch The Exorcist. A great film and the most marvelous acting I have ever seen. He had me mesmerized the whole way through. It was probably the first time I really saw a movie as a story rather than entertainment. His role stuck with me, nudging me to buy the book, leading me to my favorite author , William Peter Blatty, and to his other book Legion. I've read each twice, leading me to want to be a writer. I will be a writer, if my books will be good is another matter altogether. It turns out that a leap for Karras was a leap for me too. So I owe much to this guy who I never met and didn't know existed until he was dead for three years... Funny how things work! Go Irish, Jason, I miss you.

Sunday, August 12, 2007

Rare photos from Justin

7 new photos are in the gallery. Hooray!

Friday, August 10, 2007

Wonderful news

I've been lucky enough to find two more great guys who will add their thoughts and memories to this site. John Nasser (of most viewed pic fame) has wonderful stories to tell... Jason lived with him for 2 months. Jason also wrote poems for John's homeless cd for charity. And Pim's ghost was also kind enough to drop a line here. You can go see his 5 Year Memoriam post. I look forward to seeing all the wonderful people yet to come here and share their love of him with others. Take care, all.

Friday, August 3, 2007