Review of The Brotherhood of the Bell

Glen Ford has always manage to persuade me of his Character in whatever movie he starred in. This film was no different. The story was written by David Karp and directed by Paul Wendkas. It tells the frightening story of an accomplished, successful man Prof. Andrew Patterson who thought he had reached obtained the pinnacle of professional success and the all American Dream. However, in returning to his old College Alma Mater and being reminded of the dark Secret Society, he joined is now pressed into servitude. " The Brotherhood of the Bell " is a frightening film which reminds us, there are and always have been secret organizations who can and will manipulate others to serve their needs. Although the Mafia comes to mind immediately, other groups such as the Free Masons and The Skulls are also threats. In the film, the 'Brotherhood' requires Andrew to seek out a close colleague and persuade him to not make a certain trip abroad. Unable to change his mind, he is thereafter Blackmailed into doing it. Instead of traveling, the friend commits suicide which creates a dizzying and disastrous train of events for Andrew who decides to expose the immensely powerful secret society. He is fired, from his job, considered unbalanced, his Wife leaves him. his family is threatened and he is thereafter ridiculed and ostracized. The end result has actually happened before during the Communist Scare of the 1950s and the Aids Epidemic of the 80's. Today's society is no different and that is why this movie is so important. Glenn Ford does a masterful job. Indeed the lists of fine stars is quite impressive. Stars like Dean Jagger, Maurice Evans and Will Geer make the movie and the terror which accompanied it, unforgettable. Recommended to all Conspiracy buffs. ****