AN expert on witchcraft and the Devil will present one of the most famous horror films of all time at a film screening in Worcester.

It’s an ideal event, perhaps, as the nights draw in and minds turn to Halloween and things that go bump in the night.

Darren Oldridge, Professor of Early Modern History at the University of Worcester, will present and give a talk at a screening of The Exorcist at Henry Sandon Hall on Monday, October 22, starting at 7.30pm.

Professor Oldridge has written books on witchcraft and the Devil - the latter being a theme running through the film which first hit the big screen in 1973.

Prof. Oldridge said: “ I love this film. It is wonderful to give people the chance to see it on a big screen. Despite its fearsome reputation, it is rooted in profoundly Christian ideas.

“Its screenwriter, William Peter Blatty, intended it explicitly as a vehicle for religious faith.”

Profess” The film explores the idea that the Devil conceals his presence in the modern world, and seeks to encourage cynicism and despair. But ultimately he is the unwilling servant of a benevolent God. It is because the film takes the Devil so seriously that it is so terrifying.”

Prof. Oldridge has been lecturing at the university for 25 years, and has published books including The Devil: A Very Short Introduction and The Witchcraft Reader.

“I’m really interested in religion in general, and the Christian Devil is a good way to approach the subject,” he said.

“Over the years I have found more and more to say about this strange and important figure - and more and more that I don’t know. I suspect some people rather like him because he is a rebel. More seriously, some people still feel the need for a supernatural force to explain the wickedness and pain in the world.”

The Henry Sandon Hall, based in the recently redeveloped Royal Porcelain Works off King Street, opened in July this year.

Tickets cost £7.50, with this price including a drink.

To see what films are coming up, visit www.worcesterlive.co.uk.