Possession-type movies were quite popular in the 1970s thanks to "The Exorcist". In this TV-movie, clothing, papers, and people are bursting into flames at a girls' boarding school, so it's ex-priest Kevin Leahy (James Farentino) to the rescue. He tangles with the school's administrators, including the evil Louise Gelson (Joan Hackett). Although not unexpected, the nail-spitting/vomit/immolation sequence is quite a bravura finale. The movie's conclusion is a little muddled, apparently purposely so. Fine actresses Ann Dusenberry and Claudette Nevins also star.First broadcast in May 1977, this film also starred fourth-billed Harrison Ford, in his final role before becoming a worldwide superstar thanks to his appearance in "Star Wars" a few weeks later. He plays a handsome biology teacher who unfortunately finds himself locked in a room and on fire. Ford's brief appearance is a little disappointing, but how could the filmmakers have known he'd be incredibly famous in just a couple of weeks? This TV-movie is an interesting time-filler, but you've seen it all before. Try to catch it for a brief glimpse of young and pre-stardom Harrison Ford.

Lost-his-faith priest Kevin Leahy (James Farentino) dies in a car accident. He is admonished by God for having lost his faith and returned to Earth on a mission to seek out evil. He quickly finds it at an all girls school run by siblings Ellen (Claudette Nevins) and Louise (Joan Hackett). Fires have been starting with seemingly no source and it appears to actually be targeting the girls. This TV movie plays like a pilot for THE EXORCIST: THE SERIES, but WB Television never went any further with it. Farentino is good in the lead role and you'll notice some familiar faces among the students including P.J. Soles, Dinah Manoff, and Ann Dusenberry. Perhaps the biggest draw for folks is a pre-STAR WARS Harrison Ford as the girls' biology teacher. The fire bits are pretty spooky, as is the performance of the possessed person (I won't spoil it) during the last ten minutes. The end gets down to the EXORCIST-lite moments, including the possessed person puking up nails (!) on the priest.

Along with Gargoyles, Trilogy of Terror & Don't Be Afraid of the Dark, this movie scared the crap out of me when I was a kid. The premise, though somewhat formulaic, is still quite effective in this flick. The possession scenes are great, with a particular "hell yea!" during the nail spitting sequence! THAT freaked me out. Poor Harrison Ford hides from this film like it's leprosy or something. I dunno why...it beats "The Devil's Own" ANY day!!!J Richter

This late out of the blocks made-for-t.v. rip-off of "The Exorcist" is unlucky enough to 'star' James Farentino, busy nursing his two expressions until the next mini-series comes along. What redeems this film though are a strong performance by a young Harrison Ford and a simply terrific one by Joan Hackett.Her character oozes madness, repressed sexuality and fierce intelligence, displayed with a clarity reminiscent of Anthony Perkins work in "Psycho". Rarely has insanity been so chillingly portrayed as here, despite the limitations of the format.