The Brotherhood of the Bell (1970) Movie Script
Mr. Patterson?
Yes.
I'm Weber, the house Proctor.
In 22 years I've forgotten how cold it
gets up here in the morning.
Fire in the library, Mr. Patterson. You remember the way.
Oh yes I do.
If you'll excuse me.
Andy?
Hello Chad.
Your hands are cold.
What about some tea?
No no no, no thanks.
It's a wild Idea. Initiation at sunrise, isn't it?
Not so wild.
The early brothers sailed on the dawn tide.
They were tough birds in those days.
You're tougher than you give yourself credit for.
Sunrise in a few minutes gentlemen.
Mr. Patterson
Philip Evers Dunning
Mr. Chad Harmon
Mr. Dunning
The Articles and letters of the Brotherhood...
Do you swear
that having been entrusted
with these articles and letters since midnight,
this night, that you alone read them
and did not communicate their content
to any person whatsoever?
I so swear.
Having so sworn,
are you now prepared to go forward?
I'm prepared.
Mister Dunning.
For over 200 years
Brothers of the Bell have been initiated before this bell
and in the same ceremony
at sunrise.
Twenty two years ago Mr. Patterson stood
due East, in your place
and I became his senior,
as Mr. Patterson
is now yours.
One day Mr. Patterson will stand
due South.
And he will induct a Brother of the Bell
and you will become senior.
So, in this fashion does the Brother
-hood express its continuity.
It will continue long after all of us are dead.
But that continuity depends
upon one thing:
obedience.
Absolute obedience.
If and when you are ever called upon
by Mr. Patterson to pay your due bill
you must comply.
Whatever is asked of you.
Well, that bill
may come due tomorrow.
In twenty years, or never.
It will not be a matter of money.
It will be an act of fealty;
of loyalty to the Brotherhood of the Bell.
Now if you require anything at all
get in touch with your senior
and he will see to it
that it's arranged for you.
Are you ready for the oath?
I am.
The oath gentlemen.
I,
do swear
in absolute faith
that I shall reveal no secret
of the Brotherhood of the Bell
that I shall respect my brothers as myself
that I will act as they desire
secure, as if they were my own
And I pledge this my honor, my fortune
and my life.
Andy.
Are you spending the day in San Francisco?
Oh no. I have to make the afternoon flight home.
It's a pity really. I thought we might have lunch together.
Oh, by the way, drop in at this address before you leave.
Oh, excuse me!
It's going to take some getting used to.
What?
I mean, being a brother.
Well, you have my home and office number don't you?
You know I still find it incredible
that I could get anything I want.
Anything a man could get with... money,
privilege and the best connections.
You know it just occurred to me that
we're part of the establishment now.
Not part.
The establishment.
My name is Patterson. I believe I'm expected.
You have a card?
Card?
This address was written on the back of it.
Oh yes.
An assignment from the Bell for you.
This has materials which will assist you
in the completion of that assignment.
Open it anytime one hour after you've left here.
Andy,
I'm delighted you could have lunch with me before leaving.
Uh, sit down.
Would you like a drink before luncheon, Sir?
No thank you.
Have a margarita!
Paul does it very well.
On second thought, perhaps a straight scotch.
No thank you.
We're having sand dabs today.
A small salad with lemon and olive dressing?
Yes, I'll have that. Thank you.
Andy. Calm, calm now.
Do you know what my assignment is?
No.
Mr. Patterson,
It will be your responsibility to see that
Dr. Konstantin Horvathy declines the position of Dean
of the College of Linguistics that has been offered to him.
Hmm.
The Bell must want that post for someone else.
Well I understand that.
Then why the frantic phone call?
I thought from your manner that the Bell
has, has asked you to, murder someone.
They have.
The Bell has given me this file on Dr. Horvathy.
It contains the names, addresses and descriptions of
every person that assisted him to defect two years ago.
This file is the death sentence for over 30 human
beings, if I send it to his country's embassy.
I presume Dr. Horvathy will see that as quickly as you,
so you needn't, you needn't use the dossier at all.
Do you think I could send it if
he refused to step down? Do you?
Andy, your presence at the initiation
this morning was no accident.
It was a reminder of your vow of obedience
so, if it comes to that, you will kill.
But why look at the worst of it?
Do you know Dr. Horvathy well?
Yes. Vivian and I were among his first friends
when he came to work at the Institute.
Well then put it on a personal basis.
Persuade him that it would be in his
best interest to stay where he is.
The climate is good.
The institute is congenial. He likes his associates there.
Stress all of the positive attributes, Andy.
But what uh, what happens if he gets kind
of curious and says why are you so interested?
What do I tell him then?
This discussion is becoming burdensome.
You have already broken one of our
rules by discussing this assignment with me.
But I will pass that, now.
You were given an assignment and the means.
Do it Andrew. Do it and be grateful
more isn't asked of you.
Andy, I'm in the kitchen!
Yes dad.
Oh I don't know. Something about at St. George.
Did I tell you about the new tennis trophy?
Hideous!
Hi darling. How was the trip.
Listen dad. Andy looks hungry. Okay.
Yes I will. Goodnight dear.
Hi. Hey darling.
Listen. I'm going to go wash up and
then I'll have something to eat.
Ah don't be silly. Wash here and
tell me all about your old school.
All right.
Voila!
That's fancy.
Leftovers from this afternoon's bridge game.
Well, how was the old St George?
The same.
Ooo! I know what I forgot to show you.
I got the sketches for the new tennis trophy.
Uh, Professor Horvathy, please.
When did he leave?
No. There's, there is no message.
No no. Just thank you very much.
Andy. I can't find them.
Hey listen. I gotta go to a briefing tonight.
Something about micro graphics or...
Oh, you're kidding!
Jerry Fielder would like a full turn out, seeing as
you know, I'm senior staff member. I should have to...
I'll go put on my faculty wife uniform.
Well honey, you don't have to go.
I know what the other wives think of me.
I think I just may show up tonight and shock them.
Hi. Good evening. Johnny, I'm so glad to see you.
Johnny. Can I speak to you for a minute?
You guys going to come back in time?
Yes. We'll be right back. Excuse us.
I am going to miss you all, terrible.
So why leave?
Yeah. Why leave?
Andy, you're a good friend, a dear friend.
You know, a man of my age,
an European
It is almost impossible to make a new friend, seriously.
That is why I prize you.
You know you have told me at least
a dozen times how much you like
the Institute, you like the climate, you
like the staff, the surroundings
Please, Andy.
I mean, you're not going to like it back East.
It's not like you're, you know, trying to prove anything.
I mean, you're an established figure in Linguistics.
There is nothing you have said that I
haven't said to myself a thousand times.
Already I said...
You are an old fool. How many times have
the roots of your life been torn up?
In the 20s, depression,
unrest, revolution.
In the 30s,
Fascists, Nazis.
In the 40s, the war.
In the 50s,
the Communists.
Come, let's go back.
Konstantin. Listen to me.
As a vital, personal favor to me,
Pass up your appointment.
What?
Pass it up.
I promise you'll have a more important opportunity.
Do you realize what you are saying?
There is nothing more important.
Please, I beg you.
Why does it matter to you so much?
Why are you begging?
I can't, I can't tell you.
Please, on faith.
Please trust me.
No.
Reasons. Reasons!
You have given me no reason yet.
Where did you get this?
If you fail to turn down that appointment
That list will be sent to people who will use it.
Do you realize what you are saying?
These are men and women who will be shot.
They will be taken to dungeons under the police stations
tortured,
killed.
I'm not going to use it.
But there are those that will.
Who are you?
How much do they pay you for this?
How could they pay you?
You don't understand. Please, please don't
make up your mind right now. Think about it.
Andy, they're starting.
What's wrong?
Are you alright?
Yes.
You sure?
The Fielders are expecting to have dinner with us.
You go along with them.
I can't.
You saw Dr. Horvathy?
Oh mister, I don't know...
The poor man's entire family was murdered in a
concentration camp. He didn't have anybody in the world.
What is it? What happened?
He wouldn't tell me anything until you came down.
We were told that you knew Dr. Horvathy very well.
What do you mean "knew him"?
He was found dead this morning.
What happened?
You spoke to Dr. Horvathy last night, didn't you?
Yes, I uh, yes.
What did you talk about?
We'd... we'd...
We talked about his leaving, his...
Did he look forward to that job?
Yes.
Did he complain of bad health?
Ah, he didn't,... I never knew a man that complained less
about anything in my life.
He had no enemies that you know of?
Of course he had enemies. He was...
very outspoken politically.
Political enemies, you mean, in Europe.
He was a very brave man.
Is that all?
Yes. Thank you Professor Patterson.
Have you any idea why?
He left a note.
I have no place left to go. It is too late to start again.
I can't believe it.
I can show you the file they sent me.
I know. I don't mean I doubt you. I...
I just can't believe that you could keep
a secret like that for so long.
I had no reason to tell you until now.
Now I'm a murderer.
Oh Andy, please don't say that. Don't, please.
Well I'm going to tell the police.
Tell them what?
About the Bell? About your membership?
No, I'm gonna tell them what I told you.
You can't do that.
You said they had a rule about keeping silent.
I don't know what you should do anymore.
You've thrown so much at me.
I really wish...
You wish your father were here don't you?
I didn't say that.
That isn't what you said, but that's what you meant.
If that's meant to be sarcasm, then just remember that,
you lied to me for 12 years,
by omission, if nothing else.
Listen Andy. Dad is no child. He's
a man of wide experience and...
You respect him don't you?
I know he respects you.
Look, what do you want me to do?
Tell him what you told me.
If you don't like his advice
just do what you think is best.
I have as much a stake as you do.
Harry... I got to talk to you.
Vivian alright?
No, she's fine, she's fine.
Why don't you walk around with us?
No. Not now.
Okay. Sorry gentlemen, you'll have
to forgive me. Next week perhaps?
Now what is it, health, money? Not a divorce.
No, none of those.
Then it can't be anything too serious.
What did you do with those papers?
Well, I have them right here with me.
I'm going to turn them over to the police.
Look, if this fraternity is as big and important
as you say--and I'm not doubting that, believe me--
wouldn't you do better to go to the federal government?
I mean, rather than some local police department.
I have a friend in the Federal Security Service.
Hmm. No, I haven't thought about that.
I think you're right.
I have a good idea from time to time.
Listen, Harry.
I gotta tell you something. I know that in the past...
Vivian is the baby in our family.
I expect she'll go on turning
to me when the pressure's on, as she
has done since the day her mother died.
But I don't want to get in your way.
Truly, I never have wanted that.
You see, I don't blame you for not trusting me.
Because I haven't really been
completely truthful about the Bell.
But you see now she's got to share
in all the results, whatever happens.
What will happen?
I don't know.
I know the Brothers of the Bell will punish me.
See, they have unlimited powers.
Forgive me Andy. I don't think unlimited powers are
so easily used these days,
not by governments or organizations.
But, you wait here. I'll go call my friend.
Oh, ask him if I can see him this afternoon.
I'll ask.
Thad! My son in law, Andrew Patterson.
Andy, Thaddeus Burns.
How do you do?
Well, Washington doesn't waste money on office decor.
This is a cover office.
After we go, no one knows why we came here.
Sit down professor. Harry?
Tell me about this secret society you belong to.
Well
They uh, call themselves the
"Brothers of the Bell," so I was recruited
when I was a senior at St. George.
It's a very old organization.
Must be oh, I think about 200 years old.
Founded in Massachusetts.
In Massachusetts Bay Colony to be exact. Two
Founders were Jonathan Bridger and Taylor Hatching.
You know about it?
Would you excuse us Harry?
Shall I wait?
Listen Harry I want to thank you
for everything you've done.
Anything I can do to help. Anything at all.
Thanks a lot
Sit down.
What did the Bell have to do with
Konstantin Horvathy's death?
You know about that?
We know they wanted that job for a brother.
Horvathy had to be forced to withdraw.
How was he forced?
I blackmailed him.
How?
With this list.
Who gave it to you?
I don't know. I never saw him before in my life.
You were simply told to go to an address.
Yes.
And there you were given two envelopes, one containing your
assignment and the other, the means
of executing that assignment.
Yes.
Organizations as old as the Bell
develop patterns.
Then Horvathy's death, was suicide.
Was murder.
And I was responsible.
We don't deal with moral judgment professor.
Technically, you could be charged with blackmail,
unlawful possession of government documents,
conspiracy, criminal syndicalism.
But I don't think my office will make any
recommendation to the attorney general in your case.
Look I don't understand. If you, if you
have the Bell under investigation, you...
We'll recommend indictments,
when we have a solid case against them.
Stuff like this.
And a deposition from you will get us there.
In time.
I'm going to ask you to, go home professor.
Continue your normal affairs. We'll be in touch
with you to get your deposition. But, until we
Instruct you otherwise,
say nothing,
do nothing--
publicly or privately.
Or you'll compromise our investigation.
Do you understand?
Yes. Yes, I understand.
Professor, if it's any comfort to you,
if this list hadn't stopped Horvathy,
the bell would have stopped him more painfully.
No one told me you were going to paint my office.
Didn't know about it myself till last night, professor.
For Pete's sake!
Hello Marge. Marge, where's my secretary?
Uh, she's on vacation sir.
Jerry!
Excuse me.
Look Jerry, I'm a senior.
I'm a senior member of the department
and I'm unaccustomed to having my secretary
sent on vacation and my office closed
without my knowledge and permission.
Well, I'll get you another girl and another office.
That's not the point. What about my, my papers,
my files?
Andy, ask me anything. Don't ask me to
fight painting schedules. Take the week off!
Andy, what are you doing home?
Excuse me
Andy what's the matter?
What are they doing out there?
Keep your voice down.
They're the committee to the junior league ball.
Are you serious?
I do it every year.
I don't understand you. I really don't understand you.
There's a man dead just two days.
He's dead because I killed him and you're out
there worrying about who's going to sit next
to us at some silly country club dance.
What else do you want me to do?
I sure don't expect us to go on living
the empty life we have been living, that's for sure.
You went to the Institute to work today.
I went there because I wanted to get
out of the house and not think!
Oh, I see. You want me to sit here and think.
What do you want me to do?
I've known these people all my life.
You want me to go in there and tell them why
I can't pay attention to the Junior League?
Darling
Professor Horvathy was a dear,
sweet man and I'm sorry he's dead.
But I can't accept the idea that it was your fault.
And I won't accept the idea that it was mine.
Look, I know it's not your fault.
I know that.
I guess I can't expect you to, not go on
living your life the way you always have,
but I can't.
Don't you see? I, I just can't.
Excuse me. Do you have the
Federal Security office on this...?
No, on the first floor.
I just don't have an agent by the name
of Thaddeus Burns in this office.
I don't understand that. I spoke to him here.
When you say here, what exactly
do you mean? Was it on this floor?
No. It was on the third floor.
But it was in this building.
Did you go through a receptionist to get here?
No. No I didn't. It was what they call a cover office.
What kind of office?
A cover office. An office you use when you want to talk
to people who don't want to be seen coming into
government buildings.
So when we use offices like that, we don't put them in
federal buildings and we don't call them cover offices.
This is my ID card. Now this identifies me as a special
agent for the federal government. Did he show you
a card like this?
No, he didn't.
What makes you think he was an agent?
My father-in-law told me he was. He
introduced him to me as though
he were an agent. I talked to him
as though he were an agent.
Who's your father-in-law
Uh, Harry Masters.
Maybe you know him. He's President
of the Pacific Realty Investments.
Excuse me.
Uh yeah, could you get me a hold of a Mr. Harry Masters
of Pacific Realty Investments?
Right. Thank you.
You don't doubt me do you?
No. No, you could have the wrong name though.
Could you describe him for me?
Well, let's see. What I remember, he was um,
had to be about six feet tall. He had
I think he had brown eyes. Sort of... You know,
kind of stocky like and very authoritative manner.
That's about all I can remember. I'm sorry.
Yes Mr. Masters. This is agent Shepard
of the Federal Security Service.
I have a gentleman in my office here by the name of
Andrew Patterson. And Mr. Patterson
tells me that you brought him here
to see an agent by the name of Thaddeus Burns.
Mr. Shepard, my son-in-law has been terribly
upset over the death of a colleague of his.
Yes. I see.
Yes.
Thank you very much. I don't think it would
be necessary for you to come by here.
I think you've helped us a great deal. Thank you.
Professor Patterson.
Yes.
Have you ever heard the name, Professor Horvathy?
He was one of my very, very best friends
and I was responsible for his death.
Sir, do you mind if I, suggest that you just
go on home and forget all about this?
Forget?
There is no Thaddeus Burns and we have no record
of your ever having even been in this building.
What did my father-in-law say to you on the phone?
Said that you're under considerable emotional stress lately
and he thought you could use some rest and relaxation.
I see.
Is Harry here?
He's in the den but he's not at home Professor.
Will you kindly tell me what the hell you told Shepard?
Hello Andy. Want a drink?
No, I don't want a drink.
Doctor, this is my son in law,
Professor Patterson. Dr. Louis Bauer.
Glad to know you, Professor.
What did you tell Shepard?
We've been talking about you, son.
You wouldn't be a psychiatrist, now would you?
As a matter of fact, I am.
Well, I can save you the time and trouble.
I'm not insane.
No one suggested that you were.
What did you tell Shepard?
I told him nothing more than I've told you already.
That I considered the story bizarre and wild.
I also said that I thought you needed rest.
Perhaps psychiatric care...
But you didn't tell him that
the agent you took me to see
did not find the story bizarre.
As a matter of fact he took the
file I had to use as evidence.
Andy.
I thought you'd understood from Mr. Shepard
that there was no agent named Burns.
You did confirm that much.
Didn't you, Professor?
Who's the man you took me to see?
I never took you to see any man.
You're a damn liar, Harry!
Are you crazy?
We're in the middle of a game.
Your father took me to the federal
building in Los Angeles to meet an
agent named Thaddeus Burns.
Now we talked for about 20 minutes.
I gave him the file I had along with
my instructions from the Bell.
You already told me that.
Your father now flatly and absolutely
denies he ever took me
in to any federal Building in Los Angeles
or that he ever knew any agent
by the name of Thaddeus Burns.
What!
He didn't lie only to me!
He lied to the agent I went to see later on!
Andy, I don't understand. What do you want?
I said your father lied!
Why should he?
I don't know... yet.
Either he's a Brother of the Bell or he's
under their control. But he lied.
You want to know who I believe?
Yeah.
That's about it.
Andy, you're my husband. I have to believe you.
That's not part of the wedding ceremony.
You're being impossible. I said I believed you.
What more do you want?
Maybe I want a little more conviction. Right?
Seventy two hours ago you opened
a secret part of your life and told
me a wild story. Ever since then,
it's been one thing after another.
Now you call my father a liar, and
you accuse him of being part of a
conspiracy. Alright, maybe he is.
Andy, you've got to give me a chance to adjust myself.
I can't make instant changes in the way I think and feel.
C'mon. That's all I ask.
Yes
Jerry, this is Andy.
I can't talk to you now. I'm swamped.
Listen Jerry, I have kind of a problem.
I'd like to discuss it with you.
I'm gonna have to cut you off.
I have a desperate situation here.
C'mon, get me off the box and pick up the phone!
I'm in trouble, I want to talk to you!
I'm sorry Andy we've been going very hot and heavy here
but I'm not going to be able to talk to you until tomorrow.
Now I have to be firm about that. That's rock firm.
In the morning
Late morning.
And practice being brief. I'm sorry I don't mean
to be short with you Andy. Kiss Viv for me.
That doesn't sound like Jerry at all.
Honey, there's something going on.
I don't know what it is. Something's happening.
Something... You know, it's like...
Something strange is happening, Vivian.
Something... very strange.
I'm sorry that I was so abrupt last night
Andy. We were on the panic button here.
Panic?
The fact is, I was being evasive because I was stalling
in the hope that the news would be better.
What are you talking about?
The Ewing Foundation has taken
a brutal 20% cut in our funds.
Who's going?
They insisted that we let your department go first.
That's a bit of an overkill isn't it, considering
that I'm the only one they're out to get.
My dear Andy. A normal amount of vanity is essential.
I think you're going a little bit far.
Trustees of the foundation unfortunately
are very often arbitrary but
I don't think for one minute that
they cut our budget to get rid of
Professor Andrew Patterson.
Oh that's what you like the world
to believe, but I know better.
Oh, I think they'd dismiss 41 people to
cover my dismissal.
You really are in earnest, aren't you?
You honestly believe that the
foundation is out to get rid of you.
You see, I'm not guessing here anymore.
I know. The question though is,
how deeply are you involved?
Are you a Brother of the Bell?
What?
What college did you attend?
I've heard of non sequiturs...
No, no. Just answer my questions.
Did you attend the College of Saint George?
I've attended over six colleges Andy,
as an undergraduate and as a post-
graduate, both here and abroad.
I think you'll find those academic affiliations in my
biography and any recent edition of Who's Who.
I don't think that you'll find the
name of Saint George on the list.
I don't care what it says in Who's Who.
I think You're lying. I think you're just
as guilty of Dr. Horvathy's death as I am.
Andy. I talked to your father-in-law and
he's told me about your feelings.
I think... May I recommend...
A good psychiatrist?
How many does it take to have me committed?
One? Two?
Well I'm not about to let that happen.
Why are 41 innocent men and women
being punished along with me?
What about some hot chocolate Andy?
Do you realize you destroyed...
Their lives, their homes, their friendships?
It's really quite good.
Is the Bell so callous that it really doesn't care?
Now people generally, generally find a way of
mending their lives one way or another.
It really doesn't matter to the Bell does it?
Well, I resign from the Bell.
No Andy. You had your option 22 years
ago and you elected to come in.
We accepted you. Granted you all
the benefits of the Brotherhood.
Benefits! I never asked for anything.
Are you truly ignorant of what the Bell has done for you?
You know that first bid your father's firm won?
What about it?
A little piece of the big highway.
Yeah.
Won by a small contractor.
That's right, that's right.
The start of Patterson Engineering International.
Yes?
The Bell gave your father that contract. Yes.
In 22 years your father has become a multi-millionaire.
Thanks to the Bell. In 22 years, Mike
Patterson company has never lost a bid,
a contract, a negotiation.
You think that was all good luck,
just brilliance on his part?
And you Andy, you have received every option,
every Fellowship,
every post you've ever wanted.
I competed for them.
If you prefer to believe that.
Look, I know what I earned myself.
I know what I owe the Bell, what I don't owe the Bell.
Believe me Andy.
You have never competed, for one thing
In the past 22 years since you
first took the oath at sunrise.
I paid my due bill.
Konstantin Horvathy's not going to accept the appointment.
That was my bill and I paid it.
But you did break the silence, didn't you?
Well I'm giving the Bell fair warning.
If they try to harm me or my family,
I'll break the silence so hard it'll be
heard halfway around the world.
No Andy. You won't be speaking louder and louder.
In fact, I am certain we shall be hearing
less and less from you, as time goes on.
Is my father in?
Yes, Mr. Patterson.
You're telling me that I
didn't build this company?
You remember what you told me
when you sent me off to college?
Know the right people and you
can go anywhere, and the right
people send their sons to St. George?
Well, that was only an expression.
No, you were right.
And you are absolutely right, because that is the place
where you join the Bell and the
Bell made you a millionaire.
Well, this generation gap is too much for me.
I'm accustomed to kids who hate the world they didn't make
but you're telling me that I
didn't make it? That you had it
made for me as if I was some sort of a zombie,
or if I were the son and you were the father?
Look, I don't mean to put you
down or demean the work you put
into this firm but the Bell made this family rich
and the Bell's out to destroy me!
You don't believe me do you?
Oh come off it, Andy.
Have I ever doubted your honesty?
Your sanity perhaps, but you wouldn't lie to your old man,
unless you were crazy.
Are you?
Do I look it?
No. No you don't.
But, you're putting a powerful strain on my mind.
Well you've heard of insiders dealing
with each other, haven't you?
Sure I have,
and I've seen it.
Can you imagine
the amount of smug,
self-satisfied
fat cat feelings they must enjoy to
have the gall to tell us what to do?
Well, I'll see them in Hell before
I let them get away with this!
What are you going to do?
I've helped the election of a couple of
Congressmen and a Senator or two.
They'll find out they're not dealing with shoe clerks!
Now wait a minute! You won't know who you're talking to.
Now, I haven't figured out yet how to fight
them but I know I can't play their game.
I like behind-the-scenes influence.
You, you see, it's just too powerful.
But believe me, I'm going to fight them.
And I'd like you to,
to stand by and be my reserve.
I suppose that's the polite way to tell me
not to stick my nose into it, mm?
Would I let my Irish carry me away?
My flesh?
My blood?
My fight?
Yes.
But let me start.
If I need help, I'll call on you.
If you need help, you call on me.
But don't try to fight them alone.
Cause, I know them better than you do.
There is an existence in this country,
a secret organization known as the Brotherhood of the Bell.
I was a member of that Organization for 22 years.
And as a member,
I was ordered to blackmail Professor Konstantin Horvathy.
An act, which I'm,
I'm ashamed to say I committed.
Now as the result of that blackmail, Professor Horvathy
committed suicide.
So you see, I was really an accessory
to the crime of murder.
I, I accuse my accomplices,
Chad Harmon of San Francisco,
and the Brothers of the Bell.
Alright, standby. Coming up on two in two seconds.
One, two. Take it to Harold!
Professor Patterson would offer no names
except his own, and financier Chad Harmon.
District Attorney Avery Hazelton was interviewed
by Ed Larksburg of the 6 o'clock news.
If the blackmail took place and Dr. Horvathy's
death was the result of such blackmail,
we'll present the facts to the grand
jury and make a suitable indictment.
But you have Professor Patterson's own confession.
I've been a police officer and
District Attorney for many years.
Lots of people confess to crimes
of which they're not guilty.
Then are you suggesting that Professor Patterson is
not responsible for what he's saying?
All I'm saying is, the existence
of a super secret organization,
the kind of white Anglo-Saxon Protestant Mafia of
rich, influential men, is a bit lurid for my taste.
Cue L.
Meanwhile, in San Francisco, financier Chad
Harmon, named by Professor Patterson as
co-conspirator in the alleged secret
society was asked about his
alleged connection in the Brothers of the Bell.
But you did attend the College of St. George?
Sure. Forty years ago, one semester.
And I am a member of Beta Epsilon Lambda.
And, I have been on the show
called Secret Chamber of the Bell.
Now this is a room that contains some priceless antiques.
You see, St. George is, is one of eighteen chapters.
And I don't know really what the total membership is.
40,000 members nationally.
Well, anytime 40,000 people can keep a secret for 22 years,
I would consider that something of a miracle, wouldn't you?
[laughter]
Professor Patterson does not say that all members
of the fraternity are brothers of the Bell.
He claims the Brotherhood is a very small highly selective
secret organization of which you and he are members.
Well, it must be terribly secret because I wasn't even
aware that I was a member.
[laughter]
Professor Patterson claims that you accompanied him to
the Federal Security Service.
I did not.
The government will confirm that.
I believe they already have.
What did you do when you heard your
son-in-law's account of the conspiracy of the Bell?
I consulted with a reputable psychiatrist.
Well, at least that part of it is true.
[phone ringing]
How many times did the police say
to let it ring before we answer it?
Four times.
Gives the police a chance to monitor the call.
[phone still ringing]
Hello?
Oh, Hi Dad!
He's fine.
Yes he is. You want to talk to him? Hold on...
I don't want to speak to your father.
It's your father.
Hello?
You're friends appear to have started work on me.
At least they're trying.
Trying what?
I'm up to my neck in accountants, lawyers, Internal
Revenue agents. There's considerable talk around here about
income tax fraud, Federal grand jury indictment.
Right out of a blue sky.
What?
We were conducting a routine corporate...
...audit when all of a sudden the IRS accountant seemed
to have found some invoices that we've never seen.
The only reason without getting forgery is no-one gives a reasonable motive.
for creating such a forgery.
The Bell has a reason. It has a good reason.
The fight is on my end of the field and I will not back away and I'm not
asking for help - yours or anyone else's.
What you going to do?
Let me handle this son. Maybe they won't be
bothering either one of us when I get finished.
Mike! What are you doing here?
Harry. Would you do me a favor and see that
we aren't disturbed? Will you lock that door now?
Harry, let me tell you something. I don't
call press conferences, like my son.
I've had men crowd me before when I was a ditch digger
and I used my fists and I'm not above using them now!
What's wrong with you! Are you crazy?
Don't misunderstand me Harry. I'm not talking
about a beating. I'm talking about a killing!
With my two hands, Harry!
You see, I believe my son.
There is a Bell, or whatever
you call your little boy's club!
It doesn't exist!
You are going to get on that phone and call your buddies
and tell them to call it off now! Do you hear now?
I can't!
You see I, I can beat you to death and
I'm going to unless you make that call!
I'm Andrew Patterson. How's my father?
I was telling Mr. Masters here...
Tell me!
Your father's had a stroke.
Technically, a cerebral hemorrhage.
How bad?
He's comatose, Mr. Patterson.
He wouldn't recognize you, but if you
want to see him... wait here.
What happened dad?
I don't think Andy wants to know.
Of course, he does.
Do you?
Well, I can guess.
He came to get the Bell off our backs!
I blame you for this Andy.
Your neurosis drove him to this.
You get out of here.
You get out of here now!
Whatever you may think Andy, I didn't want this to happen.
Truly, I hope he recovers.
Call me if you want me.
Mr. Patterson?
Just Mr. Patterson, please.
[phone rings]
Hello!
Oh, Hello Andy. How is he?
Well, there's no change.
They don't know when he's coming out of the coma.
You sound exhausted.
Well, its... It's just that I,
I feel so responsible for what's happened.
Darling, please don't talk like that.
Do you want me to come back to the hospital?
No Vivian. I'd like to be alone with him.
I know it sounds like I'm, I'm shutting you...
Don't explain to me. I understand.
Just stay with him.
[gasps]
What's up? What happened?
Nothing darling. The light just burned out
in the kitchen. I was really surprised.
I feel a little foolish standing here in the dark.
Well you're not alone are you?
This isn't Marcus' night off?
No... Darling, please don't fuss! I'm perfectly alright.
I have neighbors on both sides and I'm a
grown woman and I, I don't frighten easily.
Just stay with him. I'm sure everything will be fine.
We're all worth, honey.
Okay. Bye bye.
I'm Andrew Patterson.
Are you all right?
Did you identify the man? Who is he?
Baxter! Mr. Baxter.
Baxter? You mean our next door neighbor?
Evidently your neighbor thought
there was a prowler in the house.
I was using a flashlight when the lights went out.
You remember. I was I was talking
to you on the phone when it got...
Oh my God! I didn't kill him!
That was one of those mix-ups. Good
thing it didn't turn out any worse.
Are you satisfied with Baxter's story?
Of course it happened that way!
Now let me ask you, is there any
reason why we shouldn't be satisfied?
There's an organization known as the Brotherhood
of the Bell that's out to harm me and my family.
Let's don't go into that!
It happened exactly the way the police said it did!
It was a mistake!
It was a mistake on my part,
and it was a mistake on
Mr. Baxter's part.
Andy, Andy!
Couldn't you sleep?
I'm trying to re-trace Baxter's movements.
What for?
Well maybe the police believe him, but I don't.
I believe him Andy.
Why did you panic? Why did you shoot?
Because a month ago I wouldn't have.
Because a month ago I was afraid to be alone in this house.
And because a month ago my life
was not a recurring nightmare!
I'm sorry!
I don't know how I'm gonna face it.
It was an accident all right!
I'm ashamed to go to town!
I was born and raised here.
My family, my parents, my sister...
All right! All right!
[phone rings]
Andy, wait for a fourth ring.
Well it might be the hospital.
It might be some... nut.
You see who it was.
Can you imagine what they're going to say
when they find out about poor Mr. Baxter?
They're going to say, I'm as crazy as you are.
It doesn't matter what people are gonna say. I mean really.
I'm not as strong as you are Andy.
I don't want to hear them say oh, Vivian Masters,
she's gone ape just like her husband.
Do they still call you "Vivian Masters"
after twelve years?
I'm in
Did ya?
Don't psychoanalyze me!
It's cheap and it's easy to call me hysterical!
Just as cheap and easy to call me a nut!
I never have.
Let's just, let's just sell the house; sell the house
and we'll go someplace, somewhere together.
Just the two of us, until this all disappears.
Oh, we can sell the house but all this
isn't going to just disappear you know.
What do you mean?
I have a...
I have a couple of television and
radio interviews I'm going to give.
Why?
Because, I...
Is anyone left in this civilized world
who hasn't heard about the Bell,
the Brothers of the Bell?
I owe Konstantin Horvathy a dash.
You don't owe him anything.
I paid. Do you want me to pay for the rest of my life?
I shot Mr. Baxter.
What do I owe him?
That was an accident.
He bled, didn't he?
Is his blood or his flesh, any less... precious?
Well, there's a difference.
I don't understand the difference.
Oh, you don't?
Well there is.
Andy.
This obsession of yours is destroying us.
Isn't it clear that everyone who's
heard you, doesn't believe you?
And even the people who believe you don't care.
Look! All I know is, that I want to hurt them.
Vivian, I want to hurt them bad... I want to hurt them.
How will you know when you have?
I know I want it...
It doesn't bleed. It doesn't cry out.
It doesn't, it doesn't fight back!
Don't try to stop me Vivian.
Just don't try.
I will try!
Because I won't allow this to continue.
It's got to stop here, and it's got to stop now.
Because otherwise, I'm leaving you.
Right now.
And I won't be back!
[phone rings]
Alright, go ahead you lousy creep!
Yes doctor.
I, I know you did the best you could.
I know.
Ah, listen. I'll make the arrangements.
You know, all the necessary... arrangements.
All right.
If you've come to apologize, forget it.
Andy, why must you be so stubborn?
My father can get you another
job if that's what's worrying you.
Look what you've caused with all of your hysteria?
Two men, that I love are dead,
not because of my hysteria as you...
as you call it, but because I bought a lie.
The lie that you can get something for nothing.
Well, you can't get nothing from nothing. Not even you.
You were given to me just like everything else.
Now I have to give you back and
I don't care. I just don't care.
I don't want you anymore.
I don't know what you're talking about.
Just get out.
Just, get out!
Well, what have you and Professor Patterson decided Bob?
Mark, this is a cheap con.
I'm sorry...
I'll sue him for every nickel he's got.
Look, I changed my mind.
Take it easy.
What do you mean, take it easy?
I didn't sign anything did I?
Bob, why don't you sit down and rest a while.
It's now two and a half hours before showtime.
Professor, I want you to tell me why you
don't want to appear on my program.
You can level with me.
I don't get upset like my producer does.
I came down here and I saw what I was getting into.
I know I conduct a sideshow.
But that's where I get my audiences from. It's my rating.
If you've watched the show over the last few years
you've seen some very important people
who were not afraid to appear with me.
A couple of President of the United States,
candidates for pretty high office,
a Supreme Court justice or two.
I wouldn't pass over that.
I'm gonna tell you something I don't think you realize.
The whole story about the Brothers
of the Bell or whatever you call it,
is not newsworthy anymore.
The story's pretty well kicked.
Nothing new has happened to make
anybody sit up and take notice.
So if you want attention,
you're going to have to be pretty persuasive.
You see, the difference now professor
Is that I don't have to compete with another show for you.
You're going to have to convince me
that you're worth putting on my show.
You know your father's company's in big trouble.
What did the SEC decide about
Patterson International stock, Bob?
They suspended its rating, pending the
trial for the indictment on income tax fraud.
is up for sale. Is that true or false?
Yes. I, I put it up for sale.
And that your wife has left you
because she thinks you're a kook?
Well, we're, we're separated.
But the reasons are our business, and nobody else's.
Ah, professor, professor.
You're yelling down a rain barrel. Come on!
Here I am trying to convince myself to give
you 30 minutes of airtime that should be worth
its weight in platinum to you,
so that you can stand up and speak out.
Well if you tell the truth this TV lens will show it.
But nothing shows up a phony quicker
than this TV lens either, professor.
Now if you believe in what you say,
you can make a million people believe it too.
This organization was responsible for
the death of Konstantin Horvathy.
It was responsible for my being
dismissed from The Institute.
And it was responsible for the indictment
against my father, Mike Patterson.
And you persist in these accusations despite the fact
that you haven't come up with one shred of evidence.
Wait a minute now!
As far as the indictment about my father is concerned,
there is evidence that there was forgery
in some of those, those documents.
There was forgery in some of those documents!
Thank you Professor. I think we've
heard quite enough of your story.
And now we're going to open up the forum.
Anybody can step down to the little
red box and ask any question they like.
We have a gentleman there.
Yes sir. May we have your name please?
Chief Wahbinsee.
Chief of... Chief of what?
In the land from which I was
brought, I was of a clan of chiefs.
Beg your pardon Chief.
Do you have a question for Professor Patterson?
No question, but an observation.
The microphone is yours, Chief.
This organization which the gentleman
describes is not secret at all.
It is well known to every black man, woman and child.
Is that a fact?
Yes, Mr. Harris! This is the white power structure of the
United racial States of America!
[audience responds]
The United what?
Racial or races, Mr. Harris.
There's only one thing that unites
the white people in this country,
and that is their racism!
And the organization which the gentleman
describes is well known to us!
Really?
Yes really Mr. Harris and do not
take that sarcastic tone with me!
I beg your pardon. I wouldn't upset you for the world.
I'm awfully sorry. Now I take it that you understand
all about the professor's organization,
The Brothers of the Bell. Is that correct, sir?
They can call themselves anything they want, but we know
essentially what they are. They are the
enemies of my people, of my blood.
And they have not been a secret to
me, Mr. Harris; not for 600 years!
[audience reacts]
Thank you very much for your kind words. You may sit down.
Alright! Anybody else step to the Forum.
Eh... Here comes a young lady.
[audience applauds]
May I have your name, Madam?
Mr. Harris,
May I ask a question of your distinguished guest?
Well, certainly you may but what's your name?
Well. Mr Harris...
For reasons which will become evident to you
shortly I cannot give you my full real name.
We're gonna have to call you something
now, aren't we darling?
Could you call me simply, a patriot?
Certainly, we can.
Mrs. Patriot proceed.
I mean, simply "patriot".
Oh, you're not married, huh?
Alright, simply Patriot proceed!
Professor Patterson,
Is it not a fact that your real name is not
Andrew Patterson but, Abraham Warsaw?
My name is Andrew Patterson.
Now that's my name!
Of course.
I expected you to deny it, Mr. Abraham
Warsaw. I have here documentary proof
that this man is really named Abraham
Warsaw and that he's a jew!
We're here to ask questions about
his organization isn't that so?
Right. It certainly does exist!
It's an organization of secret international jewry.
Oh, it's been fully described in many books,
documented records...
A lot of which I'm sure you picked up in Berlin, huh?
[laughter]
I'm not going to reveal my sources to you naturally.
I mean, after all, these people are out to
kill anyone who would expose them.
But if you desire, I could give your viewers
a post office box in Pasadena where they can
get literature that exposes this
organization of jews and their hirelings.
It's post office box 472...
Ah, ah...
That's a no no! You really wouldn't do a dirty thing
like that to a nice town like Pasadena, would you?
Dump all that garbage on them?
Come on. You don't live there, do ya?
If you want to give them an address, give them the address
of the last kooky farm you were at!
[crowd goes wild]
Couldn't they write to me, care of you, Bart?
It costs me money to handle my mail, darling.
It'd cost me more to handle yours. No thank you.
I would think you would contribute it
as your patriotic American duty, Bart!
Well I gave at the office last week, dear. Thank you.
STEP DOWN!
All right! Quiet down a minute. I want to say something.
You want to hear a thought that just occurred to me?
I don't think our Professor Patterson is part of a
jewish conspiracy
or part of a white power conspiracy
but he is part of a conspiracy.
The Brothers of the Bell, I am
certain in my mind at this moment
is, in fact, an underground
catholic organization formed
by the secret College of Cardinals in Rome.
Formed to seize
political, economic and religious control
of the United States of America!
[crowd goes wild]
About the Bell, alright?
We refer to the Bell as
the great Bell of St. Peter's in Rome.
Therefore, we are not dealing
with a jewish plot,
or a white power plot
but a catholic plot.
[crowd goes wild]
Thank you for your observation, Mr. Harris.
Do you dumdums
really believe what I just told you?
But I've got one real opinion anyway.
And that is, that our friend, the Professor is an idiot!
Like all of you idiots who stumbled down to that stupid
red box and proclaimed conspiracy everywhere you look!
But the truth of the matter Professor, is that
you lost your job, your wife ran out on you,
your father's company faces financial ruin and your father
had to die to escape a jail sentence. Isn't that right?
Well all of those...
All those things are the work of the Bell!
Oh, sure they are. So anytime anybody lowers the boom
it's somebody else's fault.
You're a ding-a-ling! You hear that, you're a ding-a-ling!
When you start seeing butterflies,
you better watch out for the net!
Those vilifications don't answer the points I made!
Somebody's gonna drop the net on you, you creep!
I can understand why those meatballs
believe in you, because they're sick,
and ill-educated and stupid!
And they haven't got a thing in the world to believe in.
And when somebody as well-educated as you,
as fat, as protected and privileged as you are
starts to yell conspiracy, you make me sick!
This country gave you everything you ever had
and you ought to get down on your knees and Thank God
for every day of your life rather
than throwing garbage on the flag
and the government and the decent people
who are trying to do what they can to keep it
How much did Harmon and his gang...
How much did he and his Brothers pay you to do this?
Or, are you a Brother too?
Did you go to the College of St. George?
You answer that question!
These are accusations you're making!
These are accusations. I have a law and slander suit.
Did you graduate from the College of
St. George? Answer that question!
I've never...
You answer that question!!!
Ahhhh...
Don't stop it. I want this whole thing on tape!
I want it all on tape!
Ding-a-ling! Ding-a-ling!
Patterson?
You posted my bail?
Yes.
I pulled some strings to get you out an hour earlier.
The newspapers are going to get
a picture of you sooner or later
and I thought you might look more presentable later on.
Come on.
I don't know anything about you, Dr. Fielder.
This is a photostat of my academic history.
You won't find any mention of the College of St. George.
I posed two possibilities to myself.
One, that the cutting funds made by the
foundation was completely arbitrary.
And two, that it was not, and it had a hidden purpose.
The purpose was to get rid of me.
Yes, I agree.
The Ewing Foundation told me
that the cutting funds was made
at the direction of their bank.
And the bank told me that it was against their
policy to disclose who decided what they did.
However, I threatened to make an issue out of...
Tell me something.
How many members of the investment committee
were Alumni of St. George?
One.
The Chairman.
I don't think that constitutes real proof.
I began to get all the signals.
Such as?
I felt honored bound to help all
those who have been separated
as a result of the cut to get comparable or better jobs.
I succeeded in every case except...
except mine.
It was as though your name was
on an invisible, national blacklist.
It is.
You two are going to be up till
all hours, so I'll say goodnight.
Andy, why don't you sleep here?
Ah, no. Listen Betty. If I stay in this house
it'll bring in nothing but trouble for
you and your family. It's just no good.
You're staying!
No.
Jerry agrees with me. See ya in the morning!
Andy. What it boils down to is this.
Can you get somebody to stand up with
you and say yes, I'm a Brother of the Bell too?
Suppose I found them. What good would it do?
Why should they believe him? They didn't believe me.
Well, I don't know if it'll work, but...
one of those strange quirks of human psychology...
What you hesitate to believe from one
person, you will believe from two;
especially, if the second person has
nothing to gain from helping the first.
If I just had some place to begin, some...
a clue.
Come on. Why don't you get some sleep?
We can do this again in the morning.
C'mon.
Of course.
Of course!
You won't be speaking louder and louder.
Andy, this obsession of yours is destroying us!
I am certain we shall hear less and less from you as time goes on.
Isn't it clear that everyone who's heard you, doesn't believe you?
My blood. My blood.
And even the people who believe you don't care.
Please.
I, I just want to talk to you, that's all.
Now you are going to come forward and you are
going to identify yourself as a Brother of the Bell.
and you're going to tell the whole
world what you know about it.
Wait a minute!
Listen.
I'm going to give you a chance that I never had.
A chance to see what your due bill is going to be
before you take anything from them.
Now that due bill is a blank check, Phil.
And that's something they don't tell you.
And on that check they write your payment, your father's life,
your marriage,
your reputation, anything and everything.
It's a blue sky payment, Philip.
And you've agreed to meet it.
Well, you agreed once!
If I'd known this when I was your age, I would have
told them to go to hell no matter what they offered.
Because whatever I have, I can persuade myself
I could have gotten without their help or I didn't need it.
You see, I didn't call on them.
They called on me and they will call on you, Phillip.
Remember, whatever they ask
you are going to have to deliver.
Have they told you why they're out to
destroy me and everyone around me?
Have they?
Oh no. It's not because I refused to make the payment.
I made it.
At the cost of a man's life.
And then I was sick of it. I said no, this is not going
to go on. I'm going to stop it. I'm going to break it.
I'm at war with them, Philip!
You see, that's... you either got to be at war with them
or you're in their service. They won't allow anything else.
They won't allow any kind in-between ground.
Alright. You know? I won't allow it.
As long as I last, I'm your friend, I'm your ally.
I'm your way out of the Bell. You... see,
you don't owe them anything.
All that mumbo-jumbo spoken downstairs...
That doesn't make you a brother.
They've done nothing for you
and you've done nothing for them.
And now you can escape them.
You can escape them using me.
Me is your way out Phillip.
But when I'm gone
there will be no escape.
Come with me
and you're free of the Brotherhood.
You won't owe them anything.
We catch the noon plane
you know, to Los Angeles you and me.
You're my last chance, Philip.
And I'm your last chance.
Do you know what I'm saying?
What I'm...
What I'm, I'm offering you? What that freedom is worth?
Oh my God!
Yes.
I'm Weber, the house Proctor.
In 22 years I've forgotten how cold it
gets up here in the morning.
Fire in the library, Mr. Patterson. You remember the way.
Oh yes I do.
If you'll excuse me.
Andy?
Hello Chad.
Your hands are cold.
What about some tea?
No no no, no thanks.
It's a wild Idea. Initiation at sunrise, isn't it?
Not so wild.
The early brothers sailed on the dawn tide.
They were tough birds in those days.
You're tougher than you give yourself credit for.
Sunrise in a few minutes gentlemen.
Mr. Patterson
Philip Evers Dunning
Mr. Chad Harmon
Mr. Dunning
The Articles and letters of the Brotherhood...
Do you swear
that having been entrusted
with these articles and letters since midnight,
this night, that you alone read them
and did not communicate their content
to any person whatsoever?
I so swear.
Having so sworn,
are you now prepared to go forward?
I'm prepared.
Mister Dunning.
For over 200 years
Brothers of the Bell have been initiated before this bell
and in the same ceremony
at sunrise.
Twenty two years ago Mr. Patterson stood
due East, in your place
and I became his senior,
as Mr. Patterson
is now yours.
One day Mr. Patterson will stand
due South.
And he will induct a Brother of the Bell
and you will become senior.
So, in this fashion does the Brother
-hood express its continuity.
It will continue long after all of us are dead.
But that continuity depends
upon one thing:
obedience.
Absolute obedience.
If and when you are ever called upon
by Mr. Patterson to pay your due bill
you must comply.
Whatever is asked of you.
Well, that bill
may come due tomorrow.
In twenty years, or never.
It will not be a matter of money.
It will be an act of fealty;
of loyalty to the Brotherhood of the Bell.
Now if you require anything at all
get in touch with your senior
and he will see to it
that it's arranged for you.
Are you ready for the oath?
I am.
The oath gentlemen.
I,
do swear
in absolute faith
that I shall reveal no secret
of the Brotherhood of the Bell
that I shall respect my brothers as myself
that I will act as they desire
secure, as if they were my own
And I pledge this my honor, my fortune
and my life.
Andy.
Are you spending the day in San Francisco?
Oh no. I have to make the afternoon flight home.
It's a pity really. I thought we might have lunch together.
Oh, by the way, drop in at this address before you leave.
Oh, excuse me!
It's going to take some getting used to.
What?
I mean, being a brother.
Well, you have my home and office number don't you?
You know I still find it incredible
that I could get anything I want.
Anything a man could get with... money,
privilege and the best connections.
You know it just occurred to me that
we're part of the establishment now.
Not part.
The establishment.
My name is Patterson. I believe I'm expected.
You have a card?
Card?
This address was written on the back of it.
Oh yes.
An assignment from the Bell for you.
This has materials which will assist you
in the completion of that assignment.
Open it anytime one hour after you've left here.
Andy,
I'm delighted you could have lunch with me before leaving.
Uh, sit down.
Would you like a drink before luncheon, Sir?
No thank you.
Have a margarita!
Paul does it very well.
On second thought, perhaps a straight scotch.
No thank you.
We're having sand dabs today.
A small salad with lemon and olive dressing?
Yes, I'll have that. Thank you.
Andy. Calm, calm now.
Do you know what my assignment is?
No.
Mr. Patterson,
It will be your responsibility to see that
Dr. Konstantin Horvathy declines the position of Dean
of the College of Linguistics that has been offered to him.
Hmm.
The Bell must want that post for someone else.
Well I understand that.
Then why the frantic phone call?
I thought from your manner that the Bell
has, has asked you to, murder someone.
They have.
The Bell has given me this file on Dr. Horvathy.
It contains the names, addresses and descriptions of
every person that assisted him to defect two years ago.
This file is the death sentence for over 30 human
beings, if I send it to his country's embassy.
I presume Dr. Horvathy will see that as quickly as you,
so you needn't, you needn't use the dossier at all.
Do you think I could send it if
he refused to step down? Do you?
Andy, your presence at the initiation
this morning was no accident.
It was a reminder of your vow of obedience
so, if it comes to that, you will kill.
But why look at the worst of it?
Do you know Dr. Horvathy well?
Yes. Vivian and I were among his first friends
when he came to work at the Institute.
Well then put it on a personal basis.
Persuade him that it would be in his
best interest to stay where he is.
The climate is good.
The institute is congenial. He likes his associates there.
Stress all of the positive attributes, Andy.
But what uh, what happens if he gets kind
of curious and says why are you so interested?
What do I tell him then?
This discussion is becoming burdensome.
You have already broken one of our
rules by discussing this assignment with me.
But I will pass that, now.
You were given an assignment and the means.
Do it Andrew. Do it and be grateful
more isn't asked of you.
Andy, I'm in the kitchen!
Yes dad.
Oh I don't know. Something about at St. George.
Did I tell you about the new tennis trophy?
Hideous!
Hi darling. How was the trip.
Listen dad. Andy looks hungry. Okay.
Yes I will. Goodnight dear.
Hi. Hey darling.
Listen. I'm going to go wash up and
then I'll have something to eat.
Ah don't be silly. Wash here and
tell me all about your old school.
All right.
Voila!
That's fancy.
Leftovers from this afternoon's bridge game.
Well, how was the old St George?
The same.
Ooo! I know what I forgot to show you.
I got the sketches for the new tennis trophy.
Uh, Professor Horvathy, please.
When did he leave?
No. There's, there is no message.
No no. Just thank you very much.
Andy. I can't find them.
Hey listen. I gotta go to a briefing tonight.
Something about micro graphics or...
Oh, you're kidding!
Jerry Fielder would like a full turn out, seeing as
you know, I'm senior staff member. I should have to...
I'll go put on my faculty wife uniform.
Well honey, you don't have to go.
I know what the other wives think of me.
I think I just may show up tonight and shock them.
Hi. Good evening. Johnny, I'm so glad to see you.
Johnny. Can I speak to you for a minute?
You guys going to come back in time?
Yes. We'll be right back. Excuse us.
I am going to miss you all, terrible.
So why leave?
Yeah. Why leave?
Andy, you're a good friend, a dear friend.
You know, a man of my age,
an European
It is almost impossible to make a new friend, seriously.
That is why I prize you.
You know you have told me at least
a dozen times how much you like
the Institute, you like the climate, you
like the staff, the surroundings
Please, Andy.
I mean, you're not going to like it back East.
It's not like you're, you know, trying to prove anything.
I mean, you're an established figure in Linguistics.
There is nothing you have said that I
haven't said to myself a thousand times.
Already I said...
You are an old fool. How many times have
the roots of your life been torn up?
In the 20s, depression,
unrest, revolution.
In the 30s,
Fascists, Nazis.
In the 40s, the war.
In the 50s,
the Communists.
Come, let's go back.
Konstantin. Listen to me.
As a vital, personal favor to me,
Pass up your appointment.
What?
Pass it up.
I promise you'll have a more important opportunity.
Do you realize what you are saying?
There is nothing more important.
Please, I beg you.
Why does it matter to you so much?
Why are you begging?
I can't, I can't tell you.
Please, on faith.
Please trust me.
No.
Reasons. Reasons!
You have given me no reason yet.
Where did you get this?
If you fail to turn down that appointment
That list will be sent to people who will use it.
Do you realize what you are saying?
These are men and women who will be shot.
They will be taken to dungeons under the police stations
tortured,
killed.
I'm not going to use it.
But there are those that will.
Who are you?
How much do they pay you for this?
How could they pay you?
You don't understand. Please, please don't
make up your mind right now. Think about it.
Andy, they're starting.
What's wrong?
Are you alright?
Yes.
You sure?
The Fielders are expecting to have dinner with us.
You go along with them.
I can't.
You saw Dr. Horvathy?
Oh mister, I don't know...
The poor man's entire family was murdered in a
concentration camp. He didn't have anybody in the world.
What is it? What happened?
He wouldn't tell me anything until you came down.
We were told that you knew Dr. Horvathy very well.
What do you mean "knew him"?
He was found dead this morning.
What happened?
You spoke to Dr. Horvathy last night, didn't you?
Yes, I uh, yes.
What did you talk about?
We'd... we'd...
We talked about his leaving, his...
Did he look forward to that job?
Yes.
Did he complain of bad health?
Ah, he didn't,... I never knew a man that complained less
about anything in my life.
He had no enemies that you know of?
Of course he had enemies. He was...
very outspoken politically.
Political enemies, you mean, in Europe.
He was a very brave man.
Is that all?
Yes. Thank you Professor Patterson.
Have you any idea why?
He left a note.
I have no place left to go. It is too late to start again.
I can't believe it.
I can show you the file they sent me.
I know. I don't mean I doubt you. I...
I just can't believe that you could keep
a secret like that for so long.
I had no reason to tell you until now.
Now I'm a murderer.
Oh Andy, please don't say that. Don't, please.
Well I'm going to tell the police.
Tell them what?
About the Bell? About your membership?
No, I'm gonna tell them what I told you.
You can't do that.
You said they had a rule about keeping silent.
I don't know what you should do anymore.
You've thrown so much at me.
I really wish...
You wish your father were here don't you?
I didn't say that.
That isn't what you said, but that's what you meant.
If that's meant to be sarcasm, then just remember that,
you lied to me for 12 years,
by omission, if nothing else.
Listen Andy. Dad is no child. He's
a man of wide experience and...
You respect him don't you?
I know he respects you.
Look, what do you want me to do?
Tell him what you told me.
If you don't like his advice
just do what you think is best.
I have as much a stake as you do.
Harry... I got to talk to you.
Vivian alright?
No, she's fine, she's fine.
Why don't you walk around with us?
No. Not now.
Okay. Sorry gentlemen, you'll have
to forgive me. Next week perhaps?
Now what is it, health, money? Not a divorce.
No, none of those.
Then it can't be anything too serious.
What did you do with those papers?
Well, I have them right here with me.
I'm going to turn them over to the police.
Look, if this fraternity is as big and important
as you say--and I'm not doubting that, believe me--
wouldn't you do better to go to the federal government?
I mean, rather than some local police department.
I have a friend in the Federal Security Service.
Hmm. No, I haven't thought about that.
I think you're right.
I have a good idea from time to time.
Listen, Harry.
I gotta tell you something. I know that in the past...
Vivian is the baby in our family.
I expect she'll go on turning
to me when the pressure's on, as she
has done since the day her mother died.
But I don't want to get in your way.
Truly, I never have wanted that.
You see, I don't blame you for not trusting me.
Because I haven't really been
completely truthful about the Bell.
But you see now she's got to share
in all the results, whatever happens.
What will happen?
I don't know.
I know the Brothers of the Bell will punish me.
See, they have unlimited powers.
Forgive me Andy. I don't think unlimited powers are
so easily used these days,
not by governments or organizations.
But, you wait here. I'll go call my friend.
Oh, ask him if I can see him this afternoon.
I'll ask.
Thad! My son in law, Andrew Patterson.
Andy, Thaddeus Burns.
How do you do?
Well, Washington doesn't waste money on office decor.
This is a cover office.
After we go, no one knows why we came here.
Sit down professor. Harry?
Tell me about this secret society you belong to.
Well
They uh, call themselves the
"Brothers of the Bell," so I was recruited
when I was a senior at St. George.
It's a very old organization.
Must be oh, I think about 200 years old.
Founded in Massachusetts.
In Massachusetts Bay Colony to be exact. Two
Founders were Jonathan Bridger and Taylor Hatching.
You know about it?
Would you excuse us Harry?
Shall I wait?
Listen Harry I want to thank you
for everything you've done.
Anything I can do to help. Anything at all.
Thanks a lot
Sit down.
What did the Bell have to do with
Konstantin Horvathy's death?
You know about that?
We know they wanted that job for a brother.
Horvathy had to be forced to withdraw.
How was he forced?
I blackmailed him.
How?
With this list.
Who gave it to you?
I don't know. I never saw him before in my life.
You were simply told to go to an address.
Yes.
And there you were given two envelopes, one containing your
assignment and the other, the means
of executing that assignment.
Yes.
Organizations as old as the Bell
develop patterns.
Then Horvathy's death, was suicide.
Was murder.
And I was responsible.
We don't deal with moral judgment professor.
Technically, you could be charged with blackmail,
unlawful possession of government documents,
conspiracy, criminal syndicalism.
But I don't think my office will make any
recommendation to the attorney general in your case.
Look I don't understand. If you, if you
have the Bell under investigation, you...
We'll recommend indictments,
when we have a solid case against them.
Stuff like this.
And a deposition from you will get us there.
In time.
I'm going to ask you to, go home professor.
Continue your normal affairs. We'll be in touch
with you to get your deposition. But, until we
Instruct you otherwise,
say nothing,
do nothing--
publicly or privately.
Or you'll compromise our investigation.
Do you understand?
Yes. Yes, I understand.
Professor, if it's any comfort to you,
if this list hadn't stopped Horvathy,
the bell would have stopped him more painfully.
No one told me you were going to paint my office.
Didn't know about it myself till last night, professor.
For Pete's sake!
Hello Marge. Marge, where's my secretary?
Uh, she's on vacation sir.
Jerry!
Excuse me.
Look Jerry, I'm a senior.
I'm a senior member of the department
and I'm unaccustomed to having my secretary
sent on vacation and my office closed
without my knowledge and permission.
Well, I'll get you another girl and another office.
That's not the point. What about my, my papers,
my files?
Andy, ask me anything. Don't ask me to
fight painting schedules. Take the week off!
Andy, what are you doing home?
Excuse me
Andy what's the matter?
What are they doing out there?
Keep your voice down.
They're the committee to the junior league ball.
Are you serious?
I do it every year.
I don't understand you. I really don't understand you.
There's a man dead just two days.
He's dead because I killed him and you're out
there worrying about who's going to sit next
to us at some silly country club dance.
What else do you want me to do?
I sure don't expect us to go on living
the empty life we have been living, that's for sure.
You went to the Institute to work today.
I went there because I wanted to get
out of the house and not think!
Oh, I see. You want me to sit here and think.
What do you want me to do?
I've known these people all my life.
You want me to go in there and tell them why
I can't pay attention to the Junior League?
Darling
Professor Horvathy was a dear,
sweet man and I'm sorry he's dead.
But I can't accept the idea that it was your fault.
And I won't accept the idea that it was mine.
Look, I know it's not your fault.
I know that.
I guess I can't expect you to, not go on
living your life the way you always have,
but I can't.
Don't you see? I, I just can't.
Excuse me. Do you have the
Federal Security office on this...?
No, on the first floor.
I just don't have an agent by the name
of Thaddeus Burns in this office.
I don't understand that. I spoke to him here.
When you say here, what exactly
do you mean? Was it on this floor?
No. It was on the third floor.
But it was in this building.
Did you go through a receptionist to get here?
No. No I didn't. It was what they call a cover office.
What kind of office?
A cover office. An office you use when you want to talk
to people who don't want to be seen coming into
government buildings.
So when we use offices like that, we don't put them in
federal buildings and we don't call them cover offices.
This is my ID card. Now this identifies me as a special
agent for the federal government. Did he show you
a card like this?
No, he didn't.
What makes you think he was an agent?
My father-in-law told me he was. He
introduced him to me as though
he were an agent. I talked to him
as though he were an agent.
Who's your father-in-law
Uh, Harry Masters.
Maybe you know him. He's President
of the Pacific Realty Investments.
Excuse me.
Uh yeah, could you get me a hold of a Mr. Harry Masters
of Pacific Realty Investments?
Right. Thank you.
You don't doubt me do you?
No. No, you could have the wrong name though.
Could you describe him for me?
Well, let's see. What I remember, he was um,
had to be about six feet tall. He had
I think he had brown eyes. Sort of... You know,
kind of stocky like and very authoritative manner.
That's about all I can remember. I'm sorry.
Yes Mr. Masters. This is agent Shepard
of the Federal Security Service.
I have a gentleman in my office here by the name of
Andrew Patterson. And Mr. Patterson
tells me that you brought him here
to see an agent by the name of Thaddeus Burns.
Mr. Shepard, my son-in-law has been terribly
upset over the death of a colleague of his.
Yes. I see.
Yes.
Thank you very much. I don't think it would
be necessary for you to come by here.
I think you've helped us a great deal. Thank you.
Professor Patterson.
Yes.
Have you ever heard the name, Professor Horvathy?
He was one of my very, very best friends
and I was responsible for his death.
Sir, do you mind if I, suggest that you just
go on home and forget all about this?
Forget?
There is no Thaddeus Burns and we have no record
of your ever having even been in this building.
What did my father-in-law say to you on the phone?
Said that you're under considerable emotional stress lately
and he thought you could use some rest and relaxation.
I see.
Is Harry here?
He's in the den but he's not at home Professor.
Will you kindly tell me what the hell you told Shepard?
Hello Andy. Want a drink?
No, I don't want a drink.
Doctor, this is my son in law,
Professor Patterson. Dr. Louis Bauer.
Glad to know you, Professor.
What did you tell Shepard?
We've been talking about you, son.
You wouldn't be a psychiatrist, now would you?
As a matter of fact, I am.
Well, I can save you the time and trouble.
I'm not insane.
No one suggested that you were.
What did you tell Shepard?
I told him nothing more than I've told you already.
That I considered the story bizarre and wild.
I also said that I thought you needed rest.
Perhaps psychiatric care...
But you didn't tell him that
the agent you took me to see
did not find the story bizarre.
As a matter of fact he took the
file I had to use as evidence.
Andy.
I thought you'd understood from Mr. Shepard
that there was no agent named Burns.
You did confirm that much.
Didn't you, Professor?
Who's the man you took me to see?
I never took you to see any man.
You're a damn liar, Harry!
Are you crazy?
We're in the middle of a game.
Your father took me to the federal
building in Los Angeles to meet an
agent named Thaddeus Burns.
Now we talked for about 20 minutes.
I gave him the file I had along with
my instructions from the Bell.
You already told me that.
Your father now flatly and absolutely
denies he ever took me
in to any federal Building in Los Angeles
or that he ever knew any agent
by the name of Thaddeus Burns.
What!
He didn't lie only to me!
He lied to the agent I went to see later on!
Andy, I don't understand. What do you want?
I said your father lied!
Why should he?
I don't know... yet.
Either he's a Brother of the Bell or he's
under their control. But he lied.
You want to know who I believe?
Yeah.
That's about it.
Andy, you're my husband. I have to believe you.
That's not part of the wedding ceremony.
You're being impossible. I said I believed you.
What more do you want?
Maybe I want a little more conviction. Right?
Seventy two hours ago you opened
a secret part of your life and told
me a wild story. Ever since then,
it's been one thing after another.
Now you call my father a liar, and
you accuse him of being part of a
conspiracy. Alright, maybe he is.
Andy, you've got to give me a chance to adjust myself.
I can't make instant changes in the way I think and feel.
C'mon. That's all I ask.
Yes
Jerry, this is Andy.
I can't talk to you now. I'm swamped.
Listen Jerry, I have kind of a problem.
I'd like to discuss it with you.
I'm gonna have to cut you off.
I have a desperate situation here.
C'mon, get me off the box and pick up the phone!
I'm in trouble, I want to talk to you!
I'm sorry Andy we've been going very hot and heavy here
but I'm not going to be able to talk to you until tomorrow.
Now I have to be firm about that. That's rock firm.
In the morning
Late morning.
And practice being brief. I'm sorry I don't mean
to be short with you Andy. Kiss Viv for me.
That doesn't sound like Jerry at all.
Honey, there's something going on.
I don't know what it is. Something's happening.
Something... You know, it's like...
Something strange is happening, Vivian.
Something... very strange.
I'm sorry that I was so abrupt last night
Andy. We were on the panic button here.
Panic?
The fact is, I was being evasive because I was stalling
in the hope that the news would be better.
What are you talking about?
The Ewing Foundation has taken
a brutal 20% cut in our funds.
Who's going?
They insisted that we let your department go first.
That's a bit of an overkill isn't it, considering
that I'm the only one they're out to get.
My dear Andy. A normal amount of vanity is essential.
I think you're going a little bit far.
Trustees of the foundation unfortunately
are very often arbitrary but
I don't think for one minute that
they cut our budget to get rid of
Professor Andrew Patterson.
Oh that's what you like the world
to believe, but I know better.
Oh, I think they'd dismiss 41 people to
cover my dismissal.
You really are in earnest, aren't you?
You honestly believe that the
foundation is out to get rid of you.
You see, I'm not guessing here anymore.
I know. The question though is,
how deeply are you involved?
Are you a Brother of the Bell?
What?
What college did you attend?
I've heard of non sequiturs...
No, no. Just answer my questions.
Did you attend the College of Saint George?
I've attended over six colleges Andy,
as an undergraduate and as a post-
graduate, both here and abroad.
I think you'll find those academic affiliations in my
biography and any recent edition of Who's Who.
I don't think that you'll find the
name of Saint George on the list.
I don't care what it says in Who's Who.
I think You're lying. I think you're just
as guilty of Dr. Horvathy's death as I am.
Andy. I talked to your father-in-law and
he's told me about your feelings.
I think... May I recommend...
A good psychiatrist?
How many does it take to have me committed?
One? Two?
Well I'm not about to let that happen.
Why are 41 innocent men and women
being punished along with me?
What about some hot chocolate Andy?
Do you realize you destroyed...
Their lives, their homes, their friendships?
It's really quite good.
Is the Bell so callous that it really doesn't care?
Now people generally, generally find a way of
mending their lives one way or another.
It really doesn't matter to the Bell does it?
Well, I resign from the Bell.
No Andy. You had your option 22 years
ago and you elected to come in.
We accepted you. Granted you all
the benefits of the Brotherhood.
Benefits! I never asked for anything.
Are you truly ignorant of what the Bell has done for you?
You know that first bid your father's firm won?
What about it?
A little piece of the big highway.
Yeah.
Won by a small contractor.
That's right, that's right.
The start of Patterson Engineering International.
Yes?
The Bell gave your father that contract. Yes.
In 22 years your father has become a multi-millionaire.
Thanks to the Bell. In 22 years, Mike
Patterson company has never lost a bid,
a contract, a negotiation.
You think that was all good luck,
just brilliance on his part?
And you Andy, you have received every option,
every Fellowship,
every post you've ever wanted.
I competed for them.
If you prefer to believe that.
Look, I know what I earned myself.
I know what I owe the Bell, what I don't owe the Bell.
Believe me Andy.
You have never competed, for one thing
In the past 22 years since you
first took the oath at sunrise.
I paid my due bill.
Konstantin Horvathy's not going to accept the appointment.
That was my bill and I paid it.
But you did break the silence, didn't you?
Well I'm giving the Bell fair warning.
If they try to harm me or my family,
I'll break the silence so hard it'll be
heard halfway around the world.
No Andy. You won't be speaking louder and louder.
In fact, I am certain we shall be hearing
less and less from you, as time goes on.
Is my father in?
Yes, Mr. Patterson.
You're telling me that I
didn't build this company?
You remember what you told me
when you sent me off to college?
Know the right people and you
can go anywhere, and the right
people send their sons to St. George?
Well, that was only an expression.
No, you were right.
And you are absolutely right, because that is the place
where you join the Bell and the
Bell made you a millionaire.
Well, this generation gap is too much for me.
I'm accustomed to kids who hate the world they didn't make
but you're telling me that I
didn't make it? That you had it
made for me as if I was some sort of a zombie,
or if I were the son and you were the father?
Look, I don't mean to put you
down or demean the work you put
into this firm but the Bell made this family rich
and the Bell's out to destroy me!
You don't believe me do you?
Oh come off it, Andy.
Have I ever doubted your honesty?
Your sanity perhaps, but you wouldn't lie to your old man,
unless you were crazy.
Are you?
Do I look it?
No. No you don't.
But, you're putting a powerful strain on my mind.
Well you've heard of insiders dealing
with each other, haven't you?
Sure I have,
and I've seen it.
Can you imagine
the amount of smug,
self-satisfied
fat cat feelings they must enjoy to
have the gall to tell us what to do?
Well, I'll see them in Hell before
I let them get away with this!
What are you going to do?
I've helped the election of a couple of
Congressmen and a Senator or two.
They'll find out they're not dealing with shoe clerks!
Now wait a minute! You won't know who you're talking to.
Now, I haven't figured out yet how to fight
them but I know I can't play their game.
I like behind-the-scenes influence.
You, you see, it's just too powerful.
But believe me, I'm going to fight them.
And I'd like you to,
to stand by and be my reserve.
I suppose that's the polite way to tell me
not to stick my nose into it, mm?
Would I let my Irish carry me away?
My flesh?
My blood?
My fight?
Yes.
But let me start.
If I need help, I'll call on you.
If you need help, you call on me.
But don't try to fight them alone.
Cause, I know them better than you do.
There is an existence in this country,
a secret organization known as the Brotherhood of the Bell.
I was a member of that Organization for 22 years.
And as a member,
I was ordered to blackmail Professor Konstantin Horvathy.
An act, which I'm,
I'm ashamed to say I committed.
Now as the result of that blackmail, Professor Horvathy
committed suicide.
So you see, I was really an accessory
to the crime of murder.
I, I accuse my accomplices,
Chad Harmon of San Francisco,
and the Brothers of the Bell.
Alright, standby. Coming up on two in two seconds.
One, two. Take it to Harold!
Professor Patterson would offer no names
except his own, and financier Chad Harmon.
District Attorney Avery Hazelton was interviewed
by Ed Larksburg of the 6 o'clock news.
If the blackmail took place and Dr. Horvathy's
death was the result of such blackmail,
we'll present the facts to the grand
jury and make a suitable indictment.
But you have Professor Patterson's own confession.
I've been a police officer and
District Attorney for many years.
Lots of people confess to crimes
of which they're not guilty.
Then are you suggesting that Professor Patterson is
not responsible for what he's saying?
All I'm saying is, the existence
of a super secret organization,
the kind of white Anglo-Saxon Protestant Mafia of
rich, influential men, is a bit lurid for my taste.
Cue L.
Meanwhile, in San Francisco, financier Chad
Harmon, named by Professor Patterson as
co-conspirator in the alleged secret
society was asked about his
alleged connection in the Brothers of the Bell.
But you did attend the College of St. George?
Sure. Forty years ago, one semester.
And I am a member of Beta Epsilon Lambda.
And, I have been on the show
called Secret Chamber of the Bell.
Now this is a room that contains some priceless antiques.
You see, St. George is, is one of eighteen chapters.
And I don't know really what the total membership is.
40,000 members nationally.
Well, anytime 40,000 people can keep a secret for 22 years,
I would consider that something of a miracle, wouldn't you?
[laughter]
Professor Patterson does not say that all members
of the fraternity are brothers of the Bell.
He claims the Brotherhood is a very small highly selective
secret organization of which you and he are members.
Well, it must be terribly secret because I wasn't even
aware that I was a member.
[laughter]
Professor Patterson claims that you accompanied him to
the Federal Security Service.
I did not.
The government will confirm that.
I believe they already have.
What did you do when you heard your
son-in-law's account of the conspiracy of the Bell?
I consulted with a reputable psychiatrist.
Well, at least that part of it is true.
[phone ringing]
How many times did the police say
to let it ring before we answer it?
Four times.
Gives the police a chance to monitor the call.
[phone still ringing]
Hello?
Oh, Hi Dad!
He's fine.
Yes he is. You want to talk to him? Hold on...
I don't want to speak to your father.
It's your father.
Hello?
You're friends appear to have started work on me.
At least they're trying.
Trying what?
I'm up to my neck in accountants, lawyers, Internal
Revenue agents. There's considerable talk around here about
income tax fraud, Federal grand jury indictment.
Right out of a blue sky.
What?
We were conducting a routine corporate...
...audit when all of a sudden the IRS accountant seemed
to have found some invoices that we've never seen.
The only reason without getting forgery is no-one gives a reasonable motive.
for creating such a forgery.
The Bell has a reason. It has a good reason.
The fight is on my end of the field and I will not back away and I'm not
asking for help - yours or anyone else's.
What you going to do?
Let me handle this son. Maybe they won't be
bothering either one of us when I get finished.
Mike! What are you doing here?
Harry. Would you do me a favor and see that
we aren't disturbed? Will you lock that door now?
Harry, let me tell you something. I don't
call press conferences, like my son.
I've had men crowd me before when I was a ditch digger
and I used my fists and I'm not above using them now!
What's wrong with you! Are you crazy?
Don't misunderstand me Harry. I'm not talking
about a beating. I'm talking about a killing!
With my two hands, Harry!
You see, I believe my son.
There is a Bell, or whatever
you call your little boy's club!
It doesn't exist!
You are going to get on that phone and call your buddies
and tell them to call it off now! Do you hear now?
I can't!
You see I, I can beat you to death and
I'm going to unless you make that call!
I'm Andrew Patterson. How's my father?
I was telling Mr. Masters here...
Tell me!
Your father's had a stroke.
Technically, a cerebral hemorrhage.
How bad?
He's comatose, Mr. Patterson.
He wouldn't recognize you, but if you
want to see him... wait here.
What happened dad?
I don't think Andy wants to know.
Of course, he does.
Do you?
Well, I can guess.
He came to get the Bell off our backs!
I blame you for this Andy.
Your neurosis drove him to this.
You get out of here.
You get out of here now!
Whatever you may think Andy, I didn't want this to happen.
Truly, I hope he recovers.
Call me if you want me.
Mr. Patterson?
Just Mr. Patterson, please.
[phone rings]
Hello!
Oh, Hello Andy. How is he?
Well, there's no change.
They don't know when he's coming out of the coma.
You sound exhausted.
Well, its... It's just that I,
I feel so responsible for what's happened.
Darling, please don't talk like that.
Do you want me to come back to the hospital?
No Vivian. I'd like to be alone with him.
I know it sounds like I'm, I'm shutting you...
Don't explain to me. I understand.
Just stay with him.
[gasps]
What's up? What happened?
Nothing darling. The light just burned out
in the kitchen. I was really surprised.
I feel a little foolish standing here in the dark.
Well you're not alone are you?
This isn't Marcus' night off?
No... Darling, please don't fuss! I'm perfectly alright.
I have neighbors on both sides and I'm a
grown woman and I, I don't frighten easily.
Just stay with him. I'm sure everything will be fine.
We're all worth, honey.
Okay. Bye bye.
I'm Andrew Patterson.
Are you all right?
Did you identify the man? Who is he?
Baxter! Mr. Baxter.
Baxter? You mean our next door neighbor?
Evidently your neighbor thought
there was a prowler in the house.
I was using a flashlight when the lights went out.
You remember. I was I was talking
to you on the phone when it got...
Oh my God! I didn't kill him!
That was one of those mix-ups. Good
thing it didn't turn out any worse.
Are you satisfied with Baxter's story?
Of course it happened that way!
Now let me ask you, is there any
reason why we shouldn't be satisfied?
There's an organization known as the Brotherhood
of the Bell that's out to harm me and my family.
Let's don't go into that!
It happened exactly the way the police said it did!
It was a mistake!
It was a mistake on my part,
and it was a mistake on
Mr. Baxter's part.
Andy, Andy!
Couldn't you sleep?
I'm trying to re-trace Baxter's movements.
What for?
Well maybe the police believe him, but I don't.
I believe him Andy.
Why did you panic? Why did you shoot?
Because a month ago I wouldn't have.
Because a month ago I was afraid to be alone in this house.
And because a month ago my life
was not a recurring nightmare!
I'm sorry!
I don't know how I'm gonna face it.
It was an accident all right!
I'm ashamed to go to town!
I was born and raised here.
My family, my parents, my sister...
All right! All right!
[phone rings]
Andy, wait for a fourth ring.
Well it might be the hospital.
It might be some... nut.
You see who it was.
Can you imagine what they're going to say
when they find out about poor Mr. Baxter?
They're going to say, I'm as crazy as you are.
It doesn't matter what people are gonna say. I mean really.
I'm not as strong as you are Andy.
I don't want to hear them say oh, Vivian Masters,
she's gone ape just like her husband.
Do they still call you "Vivian Masters"
after twelve years?
I'm in
Did ya?
Don't psychoanalyze me!
It's cheap and it's easy to call me hysterical!
Just as cheap and easy to call me a nut!
I never have.
Let's just, let's just sell the house; sell the house
and we'll go someplace, somewhere together.
Just the two of us, until this all disappears.
Oh, we can sell the house but all this
isn't going to just disappear you know.
What do you mean?
I have a...
I have a couple of television and
radio interviews I'm going to give.
Why?
Because, I...
Is anyone left in this civilized world
who hasn't heard about the Bell,
the Brothers of the Bell?
I owe Konstantin Horvathy a dash.
You don't owe him anything.
I paid. Do you want me to pay for the rest of my life?
I shot Mr. Baxter.
What do I owe him?
That was an accident.
He bled, didn't he?
Is his blood or his flesh, any less... precious?
Well, there's a difference.
I don't understand the difference.
Oh, you don't?
Well there is.
Andy.
This obsession of yours is destroying us.
Isn't it clear that everyone who's
heard you, doesn't believe you?
And even the people who believe you don't care.
Look! All I know is, that I want to hurt them.
Vivian, I want to hurt them bad... I want to hurt them.
How will you know when you have?
I know I want it...
It doesn't bleed. It doesn't cry out.
It doesn't, it doesn't fight back!
Don't try to stop me Vivian.
Just don't try.
I will try!
Because I won't allow this to continue.
It's got to stop here, and it's got to stop now.
Because otherwise, I'm leaving you.
Right now.
And I won't be back!
[phone rings]
Alright, go ahead you lousy creep!
Yes doctor.
I, I know you did the best you could.
I know.
Ah, listen. I'll make the arrangements.
You know, all the necessary... arrangements.
All right.
If you've come to apologize, forget it.
Andy, why must you be so stubborn?
My father can get you another
job if that's what's worrying you.
Look what you've caused with all of your hysteria?
Two men, that I love are dead,
not because of my hysteria as you...
as you call it, but because I bought a lie.
The lie that you can get something for nothing.
Well, you can't get nothing from nothing. Not even you.
You were given to me just like everything else.
Now I have to give you back and
I don't care. I just don't care.
I don't want you anymore.
I don't know what you're talking about.
Just get out.
Just, get out!
Well, what have you and Professor Patterson decided Bob?
Mark, this is a cheap con.
I'm sorry...
I'll sue him for every nickel he's got.
Look, I changed my mind.
Take it easy.
What do you mean, take it easy?
I didn't sign anything did I?
Bob, why don't you sit down and rest a while.
It's now two and a half hours before showtime.
Professor, I want you to tell me why you
don't want to appear on my program.
You can level with me.
I don't get upset like my producer does.
I came down here and I saw what I was getting into.
I know I conduct a sideshow.
But that's where I get my audiences from. It's my rating.
If you've watched the show over the last few years
you've seen some very important people
who were not afraid to appear with me.
A couple of President of the United States,
candidates for pretty high office,
a Supreme Court justice or two.
I wouldn't pass over that.
I'm gonna tell you something I don't think you realize.
The whole story about the Brothers
of the Bell or whatever you call it,
is not newsworthy anymore.
The story's pretty well kicked.
Nothing new has happened to make
anybody sit up and take notice.
So if you want attention,
you're going to have to be pretty persuasive.
You see, the difference now professor
Is that I don't have to compete with another show for you.
You're going to have to convince me
that you're worth putting on my show.
You know your father's company's in big trouble.
What did the SEC decide about
Patterson International stock, Bob?
They suspended its rating, pending the
trial for the indictment on income tax fraud.
is up for sale. Is that true or false?
Yes. I, I put it up for sale.
And that your wife has left you
because she thinks you're a kook?
Well, we're, we're separated.
But the reasons are our business, and nobody else's.
Ah, professor, professor.
You're yelling down a rain barrel. Come on!
Here I am trying to convince myself to give
you 30 minutes of airtime that should be worth
its weight in platinum to you,
so that you can stand up and speak out.
Well if you tell the truth this TV lens will show it.
But nothing shows up a phony quicker
than this TV lens either, professor.
Now if you believe in what you say,
you can make a million people believe it too.
This organization was responsible for
the death of Konstantin Horvathy.
It was responsible for my being
dismissed from The Institute.
And it was responsible for the indictment
against my father, Mike Patterson.
And you persist in these accusations despite the fact
that you haven't come up with one shred of evidence.
Wait a minute now!
As far as the indictment about my father is concerned,
there is evidence that there was forgery
in some of those, those documents.
There was forgery in some of those documents!
Thank you Professor. I think we've
heard quite enough of your story.
And now we're going to open up the forum.
Anybody can step down to the little
red box and ask any question they like.
We have a gentleman there.
Yes sir. May we have your name please?
Chief Wahbinsee.
Chief of... Chief of what?
In the land from which I was
brought, I was of a clan of chiefs.
Beg your pardon Chief.
Do you have a question for Professor Patterson?
No question, but an observation.
The microphone is yours, Chief.
This organization which the gentleman
describes is not secret at all.
It is well known to every black man, woman and child.
Is that a fact?
Yes, Mr. Harris! This is the white power structure of the
United racial States of America!
[audience responds]
The United what?
Racial or races, Mr. Harris.
There's only one thing that unites
the white people in this country,
and that is their racism!
And the organization which the gentleman
describes is well known to us!
Really?
Yes really Mr. Harris and do not
take that sarcastic tone with me!
I beg your pardon. I wouldn't upset you for the world.
I'm awfully sorry. Now I take it that you understand
all about the professor's organization,
The Brothers of the Bell. Is that correct, sir?
They can call themselves anything they want, but we know
essentially what they are. They are the
enemies of my people, of my blood.
And they have not been a secret to
me, Mr. Harris; not for 600 years!
[audience reacts]
Thank you very much for your kind words. You may sit down.
Alright! Anybody else step to the Forum.
Eh... Here comes a young lady.
[audience applauds]
May I have your name, Madam?
Mr. Harris,
May I ask a question of your distinguished guest?
Well, certainly you may but what's your name?
Well. Mr Harris...
For reasons which will become evident to you
shortly I cannot give you my full real name.
We're gonna have to call you something
now, aren't we darling?
Could you call me simply, a patriot?
Certainly, we can.
Mrs. Patriot proceed.
I mean, simply "patriot".
Oh, you're not married, huh?
Alright, simply Patriot proceed!
Professor Patterson,
Is it not a fact that your real name is not
Andrew Patterson but, Abraham Warsaw?
My name is Andrew Patterson.
Now that's my name!
Of course.
I expected you to deny it, Mr. Abraham
Warsaw. I have here documentary proof
that this man is really named Abraham
Warsaw and that he's a jew!
We're here to ask questions about
his organization isn't that so?
Right. It certainly does exist!
It's an organization of secret international jewry.
Oh, it's been fully described in many books,
documented records...
A lot of which I'm sure you picked up in Berlin, huh?
[laughter]
I'm not going to reveal my sources to you naturally.
I mean, after all, these people are out to
kill anyone who would expose them.
But if you desire, I could give your viewers
a post office box in Pasadena where they can
get literature that exposes this
organization of jews and their hirelings.
It's post office box 472...
Ah, ah...
That's a no no! You really wouldn't do a dirty thing
like that to a nice town like Pasadena, would you?
Dump all that garbage on them?
Come on. You don't live there, do ya?
If you want to give them an address, give them the address
of the last kooky farm you were at!
[crowd goes wild]
Couldn't they write to me, care of you, Bart?
It costs me money to handle my mail, darling.
It'd cost me more to handle yours. No thank you.
I would think you would contribute it
as your patriotic American duty, Bart!
Well I gave at the office last week, dear. Thank you.
STEP DOWN!
All right! Quiet down a minute. I want to say something.
You want to hear a thought that just occurred to me?
I don't think our Professor Patterson is part of a
jewish conspiracy
or part of a white power conspiracy
but he is part of a conspiracy.
The Brothers of the Bell, I am
certain in my mind at this moment
is, in fact, an underground
catholic organization formed
by the secret College of Cardinals in Rome.
Formed to seize
political, economic and religious control
of the United States of America!
[crowd goes wild]
About the Bell, alright?
We refer to the Bell as
the great Bell of St. Peter's in Rome.
Therefore, we are not dealing
with a jewish plot,
or a white power plot
but a catholic plot.
[crowd goes wild]
Thank you for your observation, Mr. Harris.
Do you dumdums
really believe what I just told you?
But I've got one real opinion anyway.
And that is, that our friend, the Professor is an idiot!
Like all of you idiots who stumbled down to that stupid
red box and proclaimed conspiracy everywhere you look!
But the truth of the matter Professor, is that
you lost your job, your wife ran out on you,
your father's company faces financial ruin and your father
had to die to escape a jail sentence. Isn't that right?
Well all of those...
All those things are the work of the Bell!
Oh, sure they are. So anytime anybody lowers the boom
it's somebody else's fault.
You're a ding-a-ling! You hear that, you're a ding-a-ling!
When you start seeing butterflies,
you better watch out for the net!
Those vilifications don't answer the points I made!
Somebody's gonna drop the net on you, you creep!
I can understand why those meatballs
believe in you, because they're sick,
and ill-educated and stupid!
And they haven't got a thing in the world to believe in.
And when somebody as well-educated as you,
as fat, as protected and privileged as you are
starts to yell conspiracy, you make me sick!
This country gave you everything you ever had
and you ought to get down on your knees and Thank God
for every day of your life rather
than throwing garbage on the flag
and the government and the decent people
who are trying to do what they can to keep it
How much did Harmon and his gang...
How much did he and his Brothers pay you to do this?
Or, are you a Brother too?
Did you go to the College of St. George?
You answer that question!
These are accusations you're making!
These are accusations. I have a law and slander suit.
Did you graduate from the College of
St. George? Answer that question!
I've never...
You answer that question!!!
Ahhhh...
Don't stop it. I want this whole thing on tape!
I want it all on tape!
Ding-a-ling! Ding-a-ling!
Patterson?
You posted my bail?
Yes.
I pulled some strings to get you out an hour earlier.
The newspapers are going to get
a picture of you sooner or later
and I thought you might look more presentable later on.
Come on.
I don't know anything about you, Dr. Fielder.
This is a photostat of my academic history.
You won't find any mention of the College of St. George.
I posed two possibilities to myself.
One, that the cutting funds made by the
foundation was completely arbitrary.
And two, that it was not, and it had a hidden purpose.
The purpose was to get rid of me.
Yes, I agree.
The Ewing Foundation told me
that the cutting funds was made
at the direction of their bank.
And the bank told me that it was against their
policy to disclose who decided what they did.
However, I threatened to make an issue out of...
Tell me something.
How many members of the investment committee
were Alumni of St. George?
One.
The Chairman.
I don't think that constitutes real proof.
I began to get all the signals.
Such as?
I felt honored bound to help all
those who have been separated
as a result of the cut to get comparable or better jobs.
I succeeded in every case except...
except mine.
It was as though your name was
on an invisible, national blacklist.
It is.
You two are going to be up till
all hours, so I'll say goodnight.
Andy, why don't you sleep here?
Ah, no. Listen Betty. If I stay in this house
it'll bring in nothing but trouble for
you and your family. It's just no good.
You're staying!
No.
Jerry agrees with me. See ya in the morning!
Andy. What it boils down to is this.
Can you get somebody to stand up with
you and say yes, I'm a Brother of the Bell too?
Suppose I found them. What good would it do?
Why should they believe him? They didn't believe me.
Well, I don't know if it'll work, but...
one of those strange quirks of human psychology...
What you hesitate to believe from one
person, you will believe from two;
especially, if the second person has
nothing to gain from helping the first.
If I just had some place to begin, some...
a clue.
Come on. Why don't you get some sleep?
We can do this again in the morning.
C'mon.
Of course.
Of course!
You won't be speaking louder and louder.
Andy, this obsession of yours is destroying us!
I am certain we shall hear less and less from you as time goes on.
Isn't it clear that everyone who's heard you, doesn't believe you?
My blood. My blood.
And even the people who believe you don't care.
Please.
I, I just want to talk to you, that's all.
Now you are going to come forward and you are
going to identify yourself as a Brother of the Bell.
and you're going to tell the whole
world what you know about it.
Wait a minute!
Listen.
I'm going to give you a chance that I never had.
A chance to see what your due bill is going to be
before you take anything from them.
Now that due bill is a blank check, Phil.
And that's something they don't tell you.
And on that check they write your payment, your father's life,
your marriage,
your reputation, anything and everything.
It's a blue sky payment, Philip.
And you've agreed to meet it.
Well, you agreed once!
If I'd known this when I was your age, I would have
told them to go to hell no matter what they offered.
Because whatever I have, I can persuade myself
I could have gotten without their help or I didn't need it.
You see, I didn't call on them.
They called on me and they will call on you, Phillip.
Remember, whatever they ask
you are going to have to deliver.
Have they told you why they're out to
destroy me and everyone around me?
Have they?
Oh no. It's not because I refused to make the payment.
I made it.
At the cost of a man's life.
And then I was sick of it. I said no, this is not going
to go on. I'm going to stop it. I'm going to break it.
I'm at war with them, Philip!
You see, that's... you either got to be at war with them
or you're in their service. They won't allow anything else.
They won't allow any kind in-between ground.
Alright. You know? I won't allow it.
As long as I last, I'm your friend, I'm your ally.
I'm your way out of the Bell. You... see,
you don't owe them anything.
All that mumbo-jumbo spoken downstairs...
That doesn't make you a brother.
They've done nothing for you
and you've done nothing for them.
And now you can escape them.
You can escape them using me.
Me is your way out Phillip.
But when I'm gone
there will be no escape.
Come with me
and you're free of the Brotherhood.
You won't owe them anything.
We catch the noon plane
you know, to Los Angeles you and me.
You're my last chance, Philip.
And I'm your last chance.
Do you know what I'm saying?
What I'm...
What I'm, I'm offering you? What that freedom is worth?
Oh my God!