The Brotherhood of the Bell

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.

I thought I was the only person who ever saw this film. I've been asking people for years about it and no one I asked had ever heard of it. The recent film 'The Skulls' made me renew my search for some evidence of its existence. At last! It has been a long time since I've seen it but I remember it really blew me away when I did. It was so believable it was spookey. I wish it could be revived on tape or something. What happens to great old TV movies?? If you ever see it listed on late nite TV / STAY UP and WATCH IT!!!!!!!!!

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.

Glen Ford is a successful professor -- an elite member of society. Little does he know that his membership in a fraternity known as the "Brotherhood of the Bell" guaranteed him much of his success. It has been over 30 years since I saw this movie on TV and I still remember William Conrad (Bart) and his ding-a-ling bell. What a pathetic excuse for a human being. Glen Ford's troubled character is also memorable, but this movie is not even listed in his credits. What a "sleeper". I hope I can find a copy.

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.