Q: The movie "The Exorcist" has been on TV several times the past seven weeks. I've heard this movie was based on a true story. Is that true? — Ralph Williams, Lavonia
A: The movie, released in 1973, was based on William Peter Blatty's best-selling book of the same name, which was published in 1971. The book was inspired by the 1949 exorcism of Roland Doe, a pseudonym for a 14-year-old boy who lived in Missouri. The real case "gave me the idea, nothing more," Blatty once told The Washington Post. Doe's possession began after the death of his Aunt Harriett, a spiritualist. Strange noises and happenings began to occur, and the boy's parents turned to Catholic priests. Among them was Father Raymond Bishop, who recorded in a diary odd events, including several violent episodes that injured both Doe and priests. The exorcism occurred over a three-month period in both Missouri and Maryland, where the family had previously lived, ending on April 18, 1949. This year marks the 40th anniversary of the movie.
Q: Has it ever snowed in November in Atlanta? If so, when was that? — Rick Brewer, Smyrna
A: There were recorded amounts on Nov. 11, 1968, when 1 inch of snow fell on metro Atlanta, and on Nov. 23, 1975, when 0.60 of an inch fell, Glenn Burns, chief meteorologist for Channel 2 Action News, told Q&A on the News in an email. "I even remember snow flurries on Halloween," he wrote.
Andy Johnston wrote this column. Do you have a question about the news? We’ll try to get the answer. Call 404-222-2002 or email q&a@ajc.com (include name, phone and city).
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