It was unfortunate for Blatty, but he was unable obtain permission to read the diaries; therefore, he had to turn to lengthy newspaper investigations, which resulted in some amazing discoveries. In January 1949, a young boy called, Roland Doe and his dysfunctional family began experiencing strange occurrences in their home. The location is still undecided for many reasons. Years later when Father Bowdern was asked by Blatty during the making of the film if he should visit the Doe family, the Father became insistent that the family's location and confidentiality remain secret to protect the boy. However, I can reveal that it was either Maryland or Mount Rainer in the United States. Wherever the true location may be, it is known that the family's troubles began with minor disturbances, namely scratching sounds heard in various locations of their home (usually coming from the ceiling or the walls). This led the family to suspect rodent infestation. However, after contacting a rodent extermination firm, who carried out a full investigation, it was determined that the house was free of infestation. It was not long after this that the cause of these disruptions began taking on a more dramatic and sinister role. Roland Doe was to be the unfortunate victim of these relentless phenomena. While sleeping, he began experiencing violent bed shaking episodes and sheets being dragged off his bed. These onslaughts rapidly increased in intensity and could often be heard and witnessed by the family. As Roland's family became convinced these attacks were genuine, they also started to link them to Roland's fascination with the Ouija board. Roland began to dabble with this 'game' thanks to his Aunt Tillie, who introduced him to it before she died on January 26th, 1949 - eleven days prior to the start of the paranormal activity. Although Roland's mother suspected Aunt Tillie was the cause of the haunting, the family had to act quickly as concern grew for Roland's welfare. As Roland had been baptised a Lutheran after birth, the family called in the help of two Lutheran ministers, one being Rev. Luther Schultze. Accompanying them was a Rabbi, who it is believed was only there because of his knowledge in this type of suspected phenomena. While the young boy was being assessed by the Rabbi,

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