A new version of the infamous St. Louis exorcism is about to appear on screen.

“Possessed,” the name of the film, will be premiering exclusively on Showtime on Sunday, Oct. 22 at 8 p.m., according to Showtime’s press release. The screenplay is by Michael Lazarou and Steven E. de Souza, and is a detail of the entire history of the exorcism.

The production was based on “Possessed: The True Story of an Exorcism,” written by Thomas B. Allen, stated Showtime publicist Michele Morris.

Showtime sent the movie script to the Public Relations department of Saint Louis University for approval and revision. Members of the SLU Public Relations department assured that Showtime had planned to air a 30-minute documentary before the film, “Possessed.”

“They interviewed Francis Cleary, S.J.,” said SLU Public Relations specialist Clayton Berry. “Also, they filmed interiors and exteriors of Saint Francis Xavier (College) Church between August 24 to 25.”

However, Morris claims not to have heard about the existence of a documentary prior to the film.

“There will just be a couple of eight-minute intercessions that will explain how the movie was made,” Morris said.

According to the synopsis of “Possessed” that was released by Showtime, the film tells the story of a 14-year-old boy, Robbie Mannheim, who, in the 1950s, begins to experience “inexplicable and frightening events-including screaming obscenities in a voice different from his own and summoning the power to thrust furniture at those who bullied him at school.” Robbie’s parents turn to a Jesuit member of Saint Louis University, who ultimately performs exorcism on the child at the Alexian Brothers Hospital in Saint Louis.

Father William Barnaby Faherty, S.J., confirms this story in his book “To Rest in Charity: A History of the Alexian Brothers in Saint Louis (1869-1984).”

According to Faherty’s account of the events, based on interviews and historical evidence, in 1949 a 14-year-old boy became a victim of uncontrollable events after the death of an aunt who “had been a spiritist and taught him to work with an Ouija board.” Faherty said that the boy’s family sought help within the Jesuit community of Saint Louis University.

“Investigations suggested that there might be some possibility of extraordinary intervention, perhaps even of diabolical nature,” Faherty wrote. “No hospital in the area was eager to receive him [the boy] except the Alexians.”

Moreover, Faherty’s book explains the process by which the boy was cured through the rite of exorcism.

“Archbishop Ritter appointed as exorcist Father William S. Bowder, S.J., pastor of St. Francis Xavier (College) Church in Saint Louis,” Faherty said. “During a 10-week period of exorcism extending into mid-April, the hospital room became a chamber of horrors.”

There is a broad misconception concerning the exorcism within the SLU community. Some people think of the story simply as a myth, while others believe that the rite occurred within the limits of the SLU.

“I’m quite sure that the exorcism took place in the fourth floor of DuBourg,” said student Rocio Rivera. “I’ve always heard that the floor had been shut down for that reason.”

Showtime will present its version of the exorcism on Oct. 22.