The Ninth Configuration was filmed, with Blatty both scripting and directing, and released in 1981 to generally negative reviews. Many critics found the dialogue (and monologues) too arch, the bikerbar scene too violent and unbelievable, and the two together a mismatch worse than either alone. Most praised was the cinematography, especially atmospheric shots of the castie (said to be in the United States Pacific Northwest but filmed in Germany), constantly in rain, fog, or dusk until the final scene.

Those who already like the book, however, will probably like the understandably similar movie, featuring the same basic plot and characters, and many of the same shticks, events, and speeches.

(Since the novel is relatively short, less had to be cut than with other adaptations of books into feature films.) Stacy Keach and Scott Wilson play off each other well as Kane and Cutshaw, respectively; Jason Miller (Father Karras in...