Photos: Georgetown ‘Exorcist Stairs’ honored with plaque

The stage is set to dedicate the Georgetown staircase featured in the classic horror film “The Exorcist”. (Photo: WTOP/Michelle Basch)
The stairs have long been a tourist attraction for those visiting the city. (Photo: WTOP/Michelle Basch)
One fan waited in line to meet director William Friedkin and writer William Peter Blatty with copies of both the book and the VHS movie. (Photo: WTOP/Michelle Basch)
How to make a lot next to an Exxon station creepy? Add smoke. (WTOP/Michelle Basch) (Photo: WTOP/Michelle Basch)
The line to meet director William Friedkin and writer William Peter Blatty before the dedication was unveiled. (Photo: WTOP/Michelle Basch)
The first of many fans to get in line for their chance to meet director William Friedkin and writer William Peter Blatty. (Photo: WTOP/Michelle Basch)
A long, creepy way down. (Photo: WTOP/Michelle Basch)
“I thought it was a wonderful idea,” director William Friedkin tells WTOP. “It’s been called The Exorcist Steps for many years anyway, but this is going to be official. I was very happy to participate in it.” (WTOP/Michelle Basch) (Photo: WTOP/Michelle Basch)
The house used in the film is not actually right next to the stairs as it appears in the movie. (Photo: WTOP/Michelle Basch)
Younger fans celebrated Halloween early, dressing up for the ceremony. (Photo: WTOP/Michelle Basch)
Some in line were lucky enough to receive free hats from Film DC. (Photo: WTOP/Michelle Basch)
D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser called the steps an "icon," and pledged to try to get more movies to film in the District. (Photo: WTOP/Michelle Basch)
D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser called the steps an “icon,” and pledged to try to get more movies to film in the District. (Photo: WTOP/Michelle Basch)
The dedication of the famous steps is revealed. (WTOP/Michelle Basch) (Photo: WTOP/Michelle Basch)
The plaque that now resides at the base of the steps along M St., commemorating the stairs. (Photo: WTOP/Michelle Basch)
The plaque that now resides at the base of the steps along M St., commemorating the stairs. (Photo: WTOP/Michelle Basch)
WTOP Entertainment Editor Jason Fraley at the ceremony with William Peter Blatty, writer of "The Exorcist." (Photo: WTOP/Jason Fraley)
WTOP Entertainment Editor Jason Fraley at the ceremony with William Peter Blatty, writer of “The Exorcist.” (Photo: WTOP/Jason Fraley)
“The Exorcist” director William Friedkin signed autographs for fans before dedicating the famous Georgetown staircase. Check out his in-depth, hour-long interview with WTOP Entertainment Editor Jason Fraley last week in preparation for the event.  (Photo: WTOP/Michelle Basch)
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D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser called the steps an "icon," and pledged to try to get more movies to film in the District. (Photo: WTOP/Michelle Basch)
The plaque that now resides at the base of the steps along M St., commemorating the stairs. (Photo: WTOP/Michelle Basch)
WTOP Entertainment Editor Jason Fraley at the ceremony with William Peter Blatty, writer of "The Exorcist." (Photo: WTOP/Jason Fraley)

WASHINGTON –Friday, Oct. 30, legendary director William Friedkin joined writer William Peter Blatty atop the infamous Exorcist Steps in Georgetown to commemorate the famous film locale with a plaque.

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