LOS ANGELES - "The Exorcism of Emily Rose" bedeviled its competition in its box-office debut this weekend, hauling in $30.2 million with its mix of courtroom drama and classic horror.

The film, inspired by true events, follows a Catholic priest on trial for negligent homicide following the death of a satanically possessed 19-year-old.

Its PG-13 rating and cast, including Oscar nominees Tom Wilkinson, Laura Linney and Shohreh Aghdashloo, helped give it wide appeal, bumping last week's newcomer, "Transporter 2," from the No. 1 spot.

"Transporter 2" fell to third place with ticket sales of $7.2 million. The action sequel dropped below "The 40-Year-Old Virgin," which held on to the No. 2 spot in its fourth week with $7.9 million.

Estimated ticket sales for Friday through Sunday.

1. "The Exorcism of Emily Rose," $30.2 million.

2. "The 40-Year-Old Virgin," $7.9 million.

3. "Transporter 2," $7.2 million.

4. "The Constant Gardener," $4.8 million.

5. "Red Eye," $4.6 million.

6. "The Man," $4.0 million.

7. "The Brothers Grimm," $3.3 million.

8. "Wedding Crashers," $3.2 million.

9. "Four Brothers," $2.9 million.

10. "March of the Penguins," $2.5 million.

11. "The Skeleton Key," $1.6 million.

12. "The Cave," $1.3 million.

By The Associated Press