Originally a novel published under the title Twinkle Twinkle Killer Kane in 1966. Reworked by Blatty and published as The Ninth Configuration in 1978. Adapted to film in 1980 with the same title. Released August 8, 1980 Screenplay written by Blatty Produced by Blatty Starring; Stacy Keach as Col. Vincent Kane, Scott Wilson, Jason Miller, Ed Flanders, Neville Brand, George DiCenzo, Moses Gunn, Robert Loggia, Joe Spinell, Alejandro Rey, Tom Atkins, Linda Blatty (Blatty's wife)as a waitress, Billy Blatty (Blatty's son) as Young Cane, and William Petter Blatty as Dr. Fromme (uncredited). Original score by Barry De Vorzon Blatty once referred to The Ninth Configuration as the true sequel to The Exorcist and has stated that he intended the character of Captain Cutshaw to be the same astronaut that a sleepwalking Regan in The Exorcist warns, "You're going to die up there." In the Ninth Configuration, Cpt. Cutshaw mentions a fear of dying in space, a reference to Regan's line in the previous film. The characters were played by different actors. The novel is set in a decaying gothic mansion hidden in a remote forrest near the coast of the pacific north west; which the US government is using as a military asylum. Twenty- seven men confined for the treatment of inexplicable mental disturbances. It is called Center 18 by the pentagon. A Marine Corps psychiatrist with a crisis of faith encourages his patients to enact their fantasies as part of their therapy. - *SPOILER* Several versions of the film were released on vhs and DVD. In the original theatrical release and the Blatty endorsed DVD, Kane kills himself with a knife. In some versions, an alternate ending was used in which Kane dies from wounds inflicted by bikers. *SPOILER* - A often overlooked masterpiece willtrib EasyCityBooks NOLARead full review
I bought this film for a friend who is a Vietnam Veteran, a Marine. He asked me to watch it, and so I did. The film is full of twists and turns that make the viewer think. It reminded me in some ways of One Flew Over the Cukoo's Nest, with Jack Nicholson. To me, this movie shows the sane turned insane by war; also the insane turned sane by the lead character "Killer Kane" at a secret hospital. I do not want to give away the story as it would ruin the film for others, so I will stop. Do I recommend this film for others? Yes; but for only adults. There is some violence, but not much; humans showing compassion for others, yes. It is in my view a movie that should be seen. I am glad to have seen it. It's not like most movies in the 1990's or 2000's where everything is in you face. This film draws you closer and closer into the story as it goes along. Have fun!Read full review
this is one of the strangest movies you will ever see. what william peter blatty considers the true sequel to the original exorcist, the ninth configuration makes you think, makes you ask yourself questions and you can quote from it forever. one problem: the audio sucks. one would think that warner bros would have cleaned up the soundtrack or at least close captioned the movie. if you dont already know what they are saying you will find it very difficult to understand their conversations, which is a major problem because this is one of those movies that everything that is said is crucial to the story. very esoteric and philosophical. not for everyone.
The Ninth Configuration was written, produced and directed by William Peter Blatty, and has a great cast of Stacy Keach, Scott Wilson, Jason Miller, Ed Flanders, Neville Brand, George DiCenzo, Moses Gunn and Robert Loggia. Even the secondary supporting performers are stellar in their roles, especially Joe Spinell, Alejandro Rey, Tom Atkins, Steve Sandor and Richard Lynch. The setting is an old castle which houses a crew of men who display symptoms of mental disturbances brought on by combat or scheduled combat. Keach, who portrays Colonel Hudson Kane, could be a decorated Marine, "Killer Kane", or a psychiatrist coming to take over the asylum. Wilson portrays Captain Billy Cutshaw, an astronaut who aborts a mission into outer space and is the resident leader of the looneys. The banter between Kane and Cutshaw is mostly about the existence of God. Some very clever humor is injected into the storyline to keep it from becoming too serious. And there is a lot of humor to go around in this film. Lieutenant Reno (Miller), is trying to put on a Shakespearean play for dogs. Colonel Fell, the medic (Flanders), spends most of his time trying to track down the culprit who stole his pants. Major Groper (Brand), the often frustrated regular Army man, finds himself the butt of the inmates taunts and teases. Captain Fairbanks (DiCenzo) is either taking a hammer to the walls of the castle or masquerading as a nun. Major Nammack (Gunn) thinks he's Superman and Lieutenant Bennish (Loggia) believes he's trapped on Venus and that Kane banished him there. Even Blatty has a role as an inmate. The DVD has a slew of special features, including outtakes, a featurette about the film and cast and director biographies. And, if that's not enough, commentary by Blatty and author/documentary filmmaker Mark Kermode. The fans of this film will want to have the DVD as a keepsake. For myself, this film is a modern classic!!!Read full review
I had never heard of this movie. I bought it because of Scott Wilson's passing. It is awesome. An extraordinary story of redemption and love. In addition there is so much humor. I've watched it many times to savor every little bit. Spectacular performances by all.
Verified purchase: Yes | Condition: Pre-owned
Current slide {CURRENT_SLIDE} of {TOTAL_SLIDES}- Best Selling in DVDs & Blu-ray Discs
Current slide {CURRENT_SLIDE} of {TOTAL_SLIDES}- Save on DVDs & Blu-ray Discs