Popes Exorcist

The history of the Papacy parallels the history of Western civilization itself, from the founding of the Church nearly 2,000 years ago by Peter through the end of the second Millennium and the reign of Pope John Paul II. In that time, the Church has become one of the most enduring and influential of all human institutions, outliving great empires and shaping the political and moral destinies of nations and continents.

Guided by historians deciphering the Vatican's rich archives following recent restorations and excavations, the Vatican delivers new untold secrets and reveals a fascinating historical saga.

Mark Kermode revisits his 1998 cult documentary on The Exorcist.

Discover the true stories that inspired some of pop culture's most iconic heroes and villains. Smithsonian Channel separates fact from fiction in second season of THE REAL STORY. Series takes in-depth look at inspiration for iconic motion pictures The Exorcist, Silence of the Lambs, Casino, The Bourne Identity & The Hunt for Red October.

Mark Kermode continues his fresh and very personal look at the art of cinema by examining the techniques and conventions behind classic film genres, uncovering the ingredients that keep audiences coming back for more. Mark turns to horror and shows how film-makers have devilishly deployed a range of cinematic tricks to exploit our deepest, darkest and most elemental fears. He explores the recurring elements of horror, including the journey, the jump scare, the scary place, the monster and the chase.