FILMGOERS are having a shocking time at Bolton's only cinema. They are flocking to the Warner Village at Middlebrook, Horwich, to see the re-released horror classic The Exorcist. On Saturday, staff at the 12-screen theatre had to turn hundreds away who arrived to watch the film after midnight.

General manager Andy Stone said: "The response has been absolutely phenomenal, the film has made a big impact. We are sold out during week nights, not just the weekends."

The controversial film about a little girl who is possessed by the devil, starring Linda Blair and Max Von Sydow, caused uproar when it was released 25 years ago.

Even now it is banned on TV and video in Britain. Figures for the first weekend of its release show it dominated UK box offices by raking in nearly £1 million more than nearest contenders Mulan and Small Soldiers.

Director William Friedkin said: "I am thrilled that The Exorcist is as powerful to today's cinemagoers in the UK and Ireland as it was 25 years ago."

Latest figures now put the film's UK box office takings at £2,788,698 since Friday.

Mr Stone said: "What makes its success even more amazing is that it is an 18 certificate and consequently appeals to a limited market.

"We have had all age groups, 18 to 24-year-olds who have never seen it before, and older people who fancy having another look at a film that terrified them when they were younger."

He added: "There has been a generally favourable response from people who have seen it, but I think the feeling is that for today's more sophisticated audiences it's not as scary as it once was."

He joked: "We have not had reports of anyone fainting or throwing holy water about.

"Our main concern is to get everyone in, so don't worry, we'll be keeping The Exorcist on for quite a while."

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