The Exorcist (1973)

Thomas Bermingham: Tom - President of University

Quotes 

• Tom, President of University : [discussing the case, referring to Karras]  Well, he does know the background. I doubt there's any danger in just having him assist. There should be a psychiatrist present, anyway.

  Bishop Michael : What about the exorcist? Have you any ideas?

  Tom, President of University : How about Lankester Merrin?

  Bishop Michael : Merrin? Why, I'd a notion he was over in Iraq. I think I read he was working on a dig near Nineveh.

  Tom, President of University : Yeah, you're right, Mike, but he's finished. He came back three or four months ago. He's at Woodstock now.

  Bishop Michael : What's he doing there? Teaching?

  Tom, President of University : No, he's working on another book.

  Bishop Michael : Don't you think he's too old, Tom? How's his health?

  Tom, President of University : He must be all right, he's still running around digging up tombs. Besides, he's had experience.

  Bishop Michael : I didn't know that.

  Tom, President of University : Ten, twelve years ago, I think, in Africa. The exorcism supposedly lasted several months. I heard it damn near killed him.

• Father Karras : It's my mother, Tom. She's alone. I never should have left her. At least in New York, I'd be near, I'd be closer.

  Tom, President of University : Could see about a transfer, Damien.

  Father Karras : I need re-assignment, Tom. I want out of this job. It's wrong. It's no good.

  Tom, President of University : You're the best we've got.

  Father Karras : Am I really? It's more than psychiatry, and you know that Tom. Some of their problems come down to faith, their vocation and meaning of their lives, and I can't cut it anymore. I need out. I'm unfit. I think I've lost my faith, Tom.