The Brotherhood of the Bell

I saw this when I was sixteen, and was struck by how intelligent it was. Ford is superb: smart, baffled, hurt, edgy, terrified. Geer is wonderful. Much like life in a police state, you never know if your friends can be trusted; everytime I saw Smithers on screen, I was waiting for them to ruin it by making him the baddie, but no! I remember how disheartened I was to read a Harlan Ellison essay in which he shrugged it off, and the "so-so" novel on which it was based. Well, I still think that this was one of the best television films ever made. Tnank you, Paul Wendkos!!

The Brotherhood of the Bell is an elite fraternity whose members effectively control much of the government and non-government power in the U.S. Glenn Ford's character is a disillusioned member of the Brotherhood who attempts to expose it following the suicide of a friend whom it has victimized. Ford's attempts to expose the Brotherhood bring its power to bear on him, resulting in the destruction of his reputation, his job, and even his marriage. So convincing was this movie that I was left with the impression that much of the real power in this country could indeed be held by an elite oligarchy of rich and powerful people without the awareness of the general populace. See this one if you can.

Brotherhood of the Bell, unlike it's progeny The Skulls (1-3 at present), deals with issues of conscience confronting moral adults. Mr. Ford's membership in a secret society (patterned after Yale's Skull and Bones society) forces him into very difficult life choices. I can only imagine these are similar to those facing actual members of this secret elite organization. This film courageously and sensitively throws a light on what it means to follow truth. Both President Bush the First and Second and Mr. John Kerry, are actual members of the Yale secret fraternity. During this last election both were asked (separately at different times and locations) to explain about this group. Both replied from the same script (paraphrasing) "I can't, it's secret!". Video tape available showing this from infowars.com. Isn't this a conflict of interest? An original draft of the 13th Amendment to our US Constitution would have prohibited office seekers from membership in secret organizations. But the strength of Yale College (as it was then called) and the elite "Bonesmen" could never have allowed such a law. Could this also explain why this film, which boldly exposes conspiracy and corrupt loyalties, is never shown on movie channels and rarely if ever found in a video rental store? Buy the video wherever you can find it (the internet has sites where you can find it), watch it and show it to friends. Spread the message. Remember, all that is needed for evil to win is for good men (and women) to do nothing.

I saw this in 1970 when it was on TV and it was the beginning of a long fascination with movies of this ilk. The Brotherhood of the Bell paved the way for follow-up films like "The Star Chamber" and "Skulls". I've always wondered if there wasn't some hidden group that has this kind of control, but I know that I've never been recruited (darn it). Personally, I think Glenn Ford should have just carried out his task and put it behind him - but then I guess if he had done that there wouldn't have been a movie. The fact that this theme has appeared in several films convinces me that there must be a "brotherhood" that runs government and finance. But then I've always felt that there are secrets lurking away from the public at Area 51 too.

I hadn't seen this movie since it was first aired on TV in the early '70s; 30 years later, it is much better than what I recalled. Glenn Ford is at his very best; actually, all of the actors are really great. The script as well as the photography are first class. In an era where we all look for enemies outside North America, it is appropriate to remind ourselves that there might be enemies within. I wish WB would release this movie on DVD.