'Exorcist Steps' commemorated in DC

WASHINGTON - If you are a fan of the horror film, "The Exorcist," you may remember the scenes shot on the iconic steps in Georgetown. On Friday, those steps finally got some recognition as a ceremony took place to commemorate the famous steep staircase highlighted in the 1973 movie.

In the final scene of the movie, the priest plummets to his death down these famous steps, which many Washingtonians drive by on a daily basis.

Fans of the movie gathered at these so-called "Exorcist Steps" near Georgetown University for the city's dedication ceremony.

And much to their delight, they got to see and meet film's director and screenwriter.

"In time, the Rockies will crumble, Gibralter may tumble, they're only made of clay, but these steps are here to stay," said director William Friedkin.

"This is a terrific moment in time to be standing in the shadow of a place that I still think of as home, my beloved alma mater, Georgetown, as I receive what I think is the highest honor," said screenwriter William Peter Blatty.

A plaque was unveiled by D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser and other city officials commemorating what the movie did for the film industry and what the steps represent for the District of Columbia's tourism industry.

Now, these steps are officially a historic site in the District.

As D.C. Councilmember Jack Evans put it, the film still scares the "bejeezus" out of people even today.

"You should remember this and do it to really scare the daylights out of your kids -- watch the movie and then bring them over here at night to the steps," said Evans. "That's what we did."