 Contortionist Linda R. Hager (qv) was hired to perform the famous  "spider walk" scene, filmed on April 11, 1973, but deleted by  William Friedkin (qv) before the films December release. He felt  it was "too much" of an effect because it appeared too early in the  film before the possession was fully established by the end of the  first hour of the movie. Almost 30 years later, Friedkin changed his  mind and added the scene back for the special edition. Ms. Hager was  able to perform the scene by use of a harness and flying wires hung  above the staircase used in the set; she would advise Friedkin when  she was just barely touching the stairs with her hands and feet, and  then she maintained that light touch as she was moved down the  staircase by the harness and wires.