Famous freemason

Who is Albert Pike?

From Section 12 of the Southern Baptist's Convention A STUDY ON FREEMASONRY
Albert Pike, born December 29, 1809, was the oldest of six children born to Benjamin and Sarah Andrews Pike. Pike was raised in a Christian home and attended an Episcopal church. Pike passed the entrance examination at Harvard College when he was 15 years old, but could not attend because he had no funds. After traveling as far west as Santa Fe, Pike settled in Arkansas, where he worked as editor of a newspaper before being admitted to the bar. In Arkansas, he met Mary Ann Hamilton, and married her on November 28, 1834. To this union were born 11 children.
He was 41 years old when he applied for admission in the Western Star Lodge No. 2 in Little Rock, Ark., in 1850. Active in the Grand Lodge of Arkansas, Pike took the 10 degrees of the York Rite from 1850 to 1853. He received the 29 degrees of the Scottish Rite in March 1853 from Albert Gallatin Mackey in Charleston, S.C. The Scottish Rite had been introduced in the United States in 1783. Charleston was the location of the first Supreme Council, which governed the Scottish Rite in the United States, until a Northern Supreme Council was established in New York City in 1813. The boundary between the Southern and Northern Jurisdictions, still recognized today, was firmly established in 1828. Mackey invited Pike to join the Supreme Council for the Southern Jurisdiction in 1858 in Charleston, and he became the Grand Commander of the Supreme Council the following year. Pike held that office until his death, while supporting himself in various occupations such as editor of the Memphis Daily Appeal from February 1867 to September 1868, as well as his law practice. Pike later opened a law office in Washington, D.C., and argued a number of cases before the U.S. Supreme Court. However, Pike was impoverished by the Civil War and remained so much of his life, often borrowing money for basic living expenses from the Supreme Council before the council voted him an annuity in 1879 of $1,200 a year for the remainder of his life. He died on April 2, 1892, in Washington, D.C.
Realizing that a revision of the ritual was necessary if Scottish Rite Freemasonry were to survive, Mackey encouraged Pike to revise the ritual to produce a standard ritual for use in all states in the Southern Jurisdiction. Revision began in 1855, and after some changes, the Supreme Council endorsed Pike's revision in 1861. Minor changes were made in two degrees in 1873 after the York Rite bodies in Missouri objected that the 29th and 30th degrees revealed secrets of the York Rite.
Pike is best known for his major work, Morals and Dogma of the Ancient and Accepted Scottish Rite of Freemasonry, published in 1871. Morals and Dogma should not be confused with Pike's revision of the Scottish Rite ritual. They are separate works. Walter Lee Brown writes that Pike "intended it [Morals and Dogma] to be a supplement to that great 'connected system of moral, religious and philosophical instruction' that he had developed in his revision of the Scottish ritual."
Morals and Dogma was traditionally given to the candidate upon his receipt of the 14th degree of the Scottish Rite. This practice was stopped in 1974. Morals and Dogma has not been given to candidates since 1974. A Bridge to Light, by Rex R. Hutchens, is provided to candidates today. Hutchens laments that Morals and Dogma is read by so few Masons. A Bridge to Light was written to be "a bridge between the ceremonies of the degrees and their lectures in Morals and Dogma." While recommended to Masons, we cannot conclude that Masons are expected to accept every thought in A Bridge to Light. Books by liberal theologians and writings by non-Christian philosophers are assigned by professors in Baptist colleges and seminaries. Students are not expected to accept the teachings found in these books and writings. Rather, they are assigned to help students understand the thoughts of men of the past and their struggle to understand themselves and their relationship to God. With exposure to these ideas, students can better form and defend their own understanding of these critical issues.
Textfile provided by Bill Maddox wdmaddox@rice.edu



Joseph Rudyard Kipling

Born in Bombay India, December 30,1865, Rudyard Kipling was educated in England. He received his learning at United Services College at Westward Ho, North Devon. By 1880, he returned to Lahore, India where he began writing as a sub-editor for "The Civil and Military Gazette". He was just seventeen.
In 1892, he married an American, Caroline Starr Balestier with whom he became acquainted with notable American authors of the day. He received an honourary degree from Oxford University in 1907 along with one of his contemporaries, Mark Twain. During the same year he was granted the Nobel prize for literature, the first British writer so honoured.
Rudyard Kipling was also a Freemason. His writing contain many allusions and references to the Masonic experience. He was made a Freemason at Hope and Perseverance Lodge No. 782 at Lahore Punjab, India on April 5, 1886. It was an English Constitution Lodge. His work required special dispensation, because he was only twenty years, two months old at the time. The Minutes of his raising are actually entered in the Minute Book in Kipling's own handwriting, he having acted as Secretary to the meeting at which he was raised.1
A few months later, he delivered a lecture to his Brethren on the "Origin of the Craft First Degree."2
He advanced in the Mark Degree in Fidelity Mark Lodge on April 12, 1887 and was elevated in Mt. Ararat Mark Mariners Lodge at Lahore on the same day. He attended an Installation meeting of Independence with Philanthropy Lodge No. 391 at Allahabad, Bengal on December 22, 1887. On March 4, 1889, he demitted from his Craft Lodge and resigned from his other Lodges three months later on June 30, 1889.
Returning to England, he was offered an honorary membership with Author's lodge No. 3456 sometime after its founding in 1910 and with Motherland Lodge No. 3861, London, in 1918. There is no record of him attending either of these Lodges. He was a Founding Member of Builders of the Silent Cities Lodge No. 12, retaining his membership until his death. In 1905, Canongate-Kilwinning Lodge No. 2, Edinburgh, Scotland chose him as poet laureate as they had a previous Brother, Robert Burns. The Philalethes Research Society in North America also lists him as an honourary member although there is no record of any attendence, correspondence or submission of research papers. Kipling joined the Quatuor Coronati Correspondence Circle in May, 1918, remaining a member until his death. Although he paid his dues promptly, there is no record of his attending a meeting. On November 17, 1924 he is recorded as attending Rosemary Lodge No. 2851 E.C., giving his Lodge as Motherland No. 3861.
In 1925, he wrote in the London Times, "I was Secretary for some years of Hope and Perseverance Lodge No. 782, E.C. Lahore which included Brethren of at least four creeds. I was entered by a member of Bramo Somaj, a Hindu; passed by a Mohammedan, and raised by an Englishman. Our Tyler was an Indian Jew. We met, of course, on the level, and the only difference anyone would notice was that at our banquets, some of the Brethren, who were debarred by caste from eating food not ceremonially prepared, sat over empty plates." The Lodge minutes prove the details of his Entry to be wrong and those of Passing are probably wrong also.3

  1. A few examples of his poetry can be found at freemasonry.bcy.ca/biography/kipling_r/kipling.html
  2. The Minutes of his raising are actually entered in the Minute Book in Kipling's own handwriting, he having acted as Secretary to the meeting at which he was raised - perhaps a unique position. "It is perhaps typical of Kipling that within a few months of his Raising he gave a Lecture in his Mother Lodge on the "Origin of the Craft First Degree", and four months later he lectured again on "Popular Views on Freemasonry". (The first Lecture was on 4 April 1887; the second on 4 July 1887.)" What a great pity that the texts of both talks have disappeared. 'He was recorded as Secretary, duly elected, at a regular meeting on 10 January 1887.' Harry Carr, "Kipling and the Craft." Ars Quatuor Coronatorum. vol. 77, London: 1964. pp. 213-253, citing a transcription of lodge minutes and notes by W. L. Murray-Brooks. p. 235. Also see: vol. 77, pp. 207-8. [This webpage originally, and incorrectly, reported that he recorded his own initiation. Corrected 2014/01/17.]
  3. '... it seems very likely that the "... Hindu and ... Mohammedan ..." were either the results of faulty memory or the creatures of a fertile imagination.' Harry Carr, "Kipling and the Craft." Ars Quatuor Coronatorum. vol. 77, London: 1964. pp. 213-253. Also see: vol. 77, pp. 207-8.
Also see: "Square and compass joins east and west, Rudyard Kipling Tells of Experience in Cosmopolitan Masonic Lodge" (Special Cable to The Globe and The New York Times. Copyright 1925.) London, Jan. 16-Rudyard Kipling has just surprised his friends by claiming a unique accomplishment in Masonry. "I was Secretary for some years of the Lodge of Hope and Perseverance No. 782, E.C. (Lahore English Constitution) which included brethren of at least four creeds. I was entered by a member of Brahmo Somaj, a Hindu, passed by a Mohammedan, and raised by an Englishman. Our tyler was an Indian Jew. We met, of course, on a [sic] level, and the only difference anyone would notice was that at our banquets, some brethren, who were debarred by caste rules from eating food not ceremoniously prepared, sat over empty plates."

The apron and its symbolism
By Bro. F.R. Worts, M.A., P.A.G.D.C.

HISTORY OF THE APRON1
There can be no doubt that the Masonic apron has been developed from the apron worn by operative masons in the middle ages. The few examples surviving show that the operative apron was fashioned from the skin of an animal, most probably a sheep. It was large enough to cover the wearer from chest to ankles, and its fall was held by a leathern thong which passed round the neck. From each side a thong, firmly stitched, enabled the mason to tie the apron round his waist, and the tied bow tended to fall as end-strings. The use of this rough apron continued for many centuries; the woven apron used by modern masons is comparatively late; it came into use in the eighteenth century.
The earliest representations of the Freemason's Apron are seen on the engraved portrait of Antony Sayer, the first G.M. of the modern Craft. (1717), and on the frontispiece illustration of Anderson's first Book of Constitutions (1723). In the former, unfortunately, only the upper part of the apron is visible, and what appears to be the bib or flap is raised. In the second example a Tyler is bringing into the hall a number of aprons; these have long tie-strings which seem to be of leather. They are also large, well capable of covering a man from chest to: ankles. The method of tying-on the apron was that of operative masons, with the bow and strings in front; this method was continued later, even when silk or linen strings were used.
The leather apron died hard. Despite the use of softer materials from possibly 1740 onwards, it survived in use until at least 1811. The evidence of this is the first official reference to the apron found in the G.L. minutes of 17th March, 1731 : 2
Masters and Wardens of particular Lodges may line their white leather Aprons with white silk, and may hang their Jewels at white Ribbons about their Necks." (A.Q.C., x, p. 146.)
This regulation was repeated in the 1738 and in subsequent editions of the Constitutions up to and including Noorthouck's edition (1784), which was the last edition before 1815.
Crowe contended that by 1738 linen had supplanted leather, but Rylands disagreed; both scholars, however, thought it possible that in the 1730's some masons were experimenting with fabrics other than leather for their aprons.3
We do not know when the very long aprons went out of use. Only four of Rylands' plates (Nos. 2, 8, 10, 23), depicting non-operative aprons, show the apron to be long. The most interesting of these is No. 23, dated 1754. It shows a group of six Masons and only one of them is certainly wearing a long apron. He is, presumably, the S.W.; he wears a level as Collar-jewel, and his apron-flap is down. The sixth figure, probably the Tyler, with drawn sword and no Collar-Jewel, wears his flap up.
The early fashion of wearing the bib or flap up soon fell into disfavour. The flap was either cut off or worn down as a fall. Rylands' illustrations offer only two or three examples of the raised flap (Nos. 1, 1717; 23, 1754; 42, 1784). Of his pictures Nos. 1 to 38, no less than nine, it seems, have no flap; in the remainder the flaps are down.
It is evident from surviving aprons and illustrations of the early period that they were designed to be worn with the flap up and fastened, by means of a button-hole, to a button on the coat or waistcoat. Many of these old aprons have a button-hole in the flap, but there seems to have been a tendency amongst Master Masons to wear the flap down or to dispense with it altogether. 4 (See Illustrations c and g.)
From 1731 onwards the apron began to assume a more convenient shape, usually kneelength. Leather gave way to softer fabrics, silk, satin, velvet, linen, and chamois-leather. The flap, when retained, was either cut to a triangular form or in a semi-circular line. The latter was increasingly adopted-by M.M.'s, presumably to mark their distinctive rank. The lower part of the apron was sometimes squared off, but generally the corners were trimmed to give a semi-circular line, and the leather thongs were displaced by ribbons or strings.
According to Dermott (Ahiman Rezon, 1764, pp. 24-3 1), some " Modern" Masons, objecting to the working apron of the operatives, introduced a new mode of wearing their aprons upside down; what was formerly the lowest part was now fastened round the abdomen and the bib and strings hung downwards, dangling in such a manner as might convince spectators that there was not a working mason amongst them. Blackham states that this "subterfuge" was introduced between 1730 and 1740, but it was short-lived. 5
Before 1760, elaborately-painted or embroidered aprons came into fashion and continued to be favoured until the Union (1813). Many of these aprons were home-made, often artistically finished and adorned with symbolic designs. From 1760 onwards the printed and engraved aprons appeared, many of them being subsequently coloured by hand. (See Illustration n.)
The tendency to decorate Masonic aprons with symbolic designs began in the 1730's, and between 1740 and 1790 this practice became widespread. These efforts were mostly crude, but many surviving examples reveal skill and taste. Indian ink, paint and embroidery were commonly used for this ornamentation. The most popular designs usually included the All-Seeing Eye, the Columns, and the Square and Compasses, all evidence of the advance of Speculative Masonry in the second half of the eighteenth century. (See Illustrations o, p, q.)
Rylands sums up the matter thus:
" ... by 1784 the apron was greatly reduced in size ... for a long time there had been considerable laxity ... and no definition laid down as to uniformity. So long as the material was white the face might be decorated with any number of Masonic symbols or other symbols without infringing the law, provided always that it did not interfere with the privileges of the Grand Officers, who used a purple edging to their aprons ... The size had grown smaller and smaller. (See Illustrations a, b, l.) ... it was quite within the power of each mason to invent for himself almost any apron he pleased." 6
In the Library of the Province of Yorkshire (West Riding) is an apron dated about 1820. It is small, hand-made, of white linen edged with narrow light blue ribbon, and there is no other adornment. The strings are very long and of the same blue ribbon. The flap is down; it is cut to a semi-circular line; but it is also cut into two halves, each half forming a semi-circle, and the two parts being neatly edged with the blue ribbon.
Among the "Antients" it became a common practice to draw or paint on their aprons the coat of arms of their own Grand Lodge, but in the main the Atholl Masons adopted the fashions of the "Moderns"; indeed., they indulged their fancy even more freely than their rivals in the choice and use of embellishments. On 2nd September, 1772, the Atholl G.L. passed the following resolution:
"It having been represented to the G.L. that several Brethren have lately appeared in public, with gold lace and fringe, together with many devices on their aprons, &c., which was thought inconsistent with the dignity, propriety and ancient custom of the Craft, Resolved and Ordered That for the future, no Brethren, Grand Officers excepted, shall appear with gold lace, gold fringe, gold embroidery, or anything resembling gold, on their Masonic clothing or ornaments." (Ahiman Rezon, 1807, pp. 90-91.)
This was simply a ban on gold decoration; there was still no attempt to prescribe uniformity of design.

BLUE RIBBONS AND BLUE SILK
The resolution of the Grand Lodge on March 17th, 1721, ordained that:
"None but the Grand Master, his Deputy and Wardens shall wear their Jewels in Gold or gilt pendant to Blue Ribbons about their Necks, and White Leather aprons with Blue Silk ; which Sort of Aprons may also be worn by former Grand Officers."
This was the first official mention of Blue Silk as a trimming for aprons, and it is clear that the Blue was originally reserved for Grand Officers. The Rawlinson MS., c. 1740, mentions: " Two Grand Masters aprons Lined with Garter blue silk and turned over two inches with white silk strings."
By 1745-50 Grand Officers were beginning to edge their aprons with purple ribbon. The light blue, gradually given up by the Grand Officers, was soon adopted by Master Masons, and since there was no official ruling on the subject (until 1815), blue-edged aprons became fairly common with the rank and file of the Craft from about 1745 onwards.
Uniformity and regularity in the material, design, form and decorations of the apron were not officially insisted upon by the United Grand Lodge until 2nd March, 1814. The pattern was submitted and agreed to on the 2nd May; then the order for a general uniformity was issued. The Constitutions (1815), p. 123, prescribed:

APRONS
Entered Apprentice - A plain white lamb skin 14 to 16 inches wide, 12 to 14 inches deep, square at bottom, and without ornament; white strings.
Fellow Craft - A plain white lamb skin, similar to the, entered apprentice, with the addition only of two sky-blue rosettes at the bottom.
Master Mason - The same, with sky-blue lining and edging, 1 1/2 inch deep, and an additional rosette on the fall or flap.-No other colour or ornament shall be allowed except to officers and past officers of the lodges, who, may have the emblems of their offices in silver or white in the centre of the apron.
It will be seen that little modification of the 1815 text has been necessary in the past century-and-a-half. Today it is ruled that the apron of the E.A. must have a "flap" ; that the two rosettes of the F.C. must be attached "to the lower corners" of the apron; and that the aprons of Master Masons are to be edged with ribbon of "not more than two inches in width", that "silver tassels" must hang over the face and that the strings must be "light blue" ; it is also provided that the "emblems" of "offices ... in the centre of the apron" may be "surrounded by a double circle in which may be inserted the name and number of the Lodge".

TASSELS
The tassels, in rudimentary form, must have appeared at a very early date as a natural development of the waist-strings being tied at the front and hanging down over the apron. There are, indeed, several surviving examples of eighteenth century aprons with broad ribbon ties, the ends of the ties being edged, usually with gold fringe, so that when tied at the front the fringed ends have the appearance of a pair of tassels. (See Illustrations g, j, m.).
It is impossible to say when the silver tassels made their first appearance as standard decoration for the M.M.'s apron. They were probably in use some time before 1841, and they were officially prescribed for the first time in the 1841 Book of Constitutions.
Neither Crowe nor Rylands was able to date the introduction of the metal tassels, and they are not used in all Masonic jurisdictions. Crowe wrote:
When they were introduced I cannot tell, but excepting the Australian and Canadian Grand Lodges, which naturally copy us, the Grand Lodges of Great Britain are, so far as my researches have gone, the only Bodies which wear them, and in the case of Ireland they are omitted from the aprons of Grand Officers." (Op. cit., p. 30.)

ROSETTES
The origin of rosettes on the F.C. and M.M. aprons is also unknown. In England they were a comparatively late introduction, and were not prescribed officially until 1815, when they were specifically designed to differentiate the three grades. It is probable, however, that their original purpose was purely ornamental. There is a German Masonic medal or jewel, dated 1744 (or possibly 1755), which shows an apron with three rosettes. (See Illustrations h and k.)
Unfortunately, there is no trace of a Grand Lodge at that period, either English or European, which prescribed the use of rosettes, and in the circumstances we are compelled to assume that they were purely decorative. This does not exclude the possibility, however, that they may have had a more practical significance in the Lodges in which they were worn.

SQUARES OR LEVELS
There appears to be no official name for the squares or levels which decorate the apron of a Master or Past Master. The 1815 Constitutions described them as "perpendicular lines upon horizontal lines, thereby forming three several sets of (two) right angles", and originally they were to be of inch-wide ribbon. The same definition appears in the present Constitutions, though nowadays the emblems are usually of silver or white metal. They were designed only for purpose of distinction. (See Illustration m.)

SPECULATIVE CONCEPTIONS OF THE APRON
To all students, both young and old, a caveat must be given before this phase of our subject is considered. The modern Craft is essentially speculative, and every Mason must necessarily be to some extent speculative in his attitude to its tenets; but there is a widespread tendency to extend the limits of true speculative research and to exaggerate symbolical values. This tendency had already developed strongly towards the end of the eighteenth century, and in modern times it has become both harmful to the Craft and to a proper understanding of its moral demands and teachings.
Unfortunately, this incredibly exaggerated symbolism has been taught for nearly two centuries by many sincere and famous Freemasons, such as Oliver, Paton, Fort Newton and Wilmshurst, who exercised much influence in their time.
Students should, therefore, be on their guard and bear in mind that, in the opinion of modern Masonic scholars, such extremes of speculative interpretation are unacceptable.
Teaching by symbols is age-old practice, and Freemasonry shares with all the important organisations of civilised life, e.g., the State, the Churches, the Armed Forces, etc., the possession of appropriate symbols, all of which have an acceptable interpretation.
The best known and most widely accepted definition of Masonry is that it is "A peculiar system of morality ... illustrated by symbols", and the Craft deals in its own way, a plain and simple way, with the symbols in the W.Tls., the Tg. Bds. and the Lectures.
Although Grand Lodge has never authorised any system of interpreting Masonic symbols, it, published, in 1929, a statement of Basic Principles, in which it claimed to have ... sole and undisputed authority over the Craft or Symbolic Degrees (Entered Apprentice, Fellow Craft and Master Mason) ... (Basic Principles for Grand Lodge Recognition, September 4th, 1929, cl. 5 ; pub. in the Masonic Year Book.)
Before looking at the apron in the light of the above, it is prudent to make a clear differentiation between the terms of Symbol, Emblem and Badge.
Symbol is an idea, sign, device or object which has within itself something else - an idea, or fact, even a proposition - which it guards from facile scrutiny, but which it may yield, if it be studied. Some symbols are simple, others very complex. In Freemasonry, certain symbols denote somewhat vaguely certain "virtues" or "facts', while others are capable of a wide interpretation.
Emblem is also a symbolic device, but its meaning does not have to be discovered ; its meaning is obvious, known and accepted by common agreement: e.g., a crown means royalty, white means purity.
Badge is a mark or sign by which a person or object is distinguished ; it is a device used to make known membership of any corporate body; it really serves its owner to establish his identity, as indeed his own name does.
Masonry uses all three, symbol, emblem and badge, and in some cases symbol and emblem seem to be the same.
During the exhortation delivered by the investing officer and the address by the Master, after investment, in both the First and the Third Degrees, the candidate is informed:
That the apron is the badge; it marks his membership of the Fraternity; he must always wear it in Lodge.
That it is the "bond of friendship". This may reveal the apron as a symbol (if one be desired) of the fraternal virtues.
That it is the "badge of innocence". This is difficult; the conception probably arises from the white colour of the lamb-skin; but there are aprons which have a different colour.
That it testifies or witnesses the honourable age of the Craft. The historical claims made at an initiate's investment must often astonish him; but they are uncompromisingly made, and must be accepted. That the apron is a symbol of age cannot be argued, except in the general sense that Masons have always worn aprons. At the least it seems that the apron is an emblem of historical institutional age. That, in the Third Degree, it is a badge of preceptorial authority, which justifies the M.M. in instructing masons who have not reached his rank in the Craft.
The apron appears to have on it symbols or emblems as decorative features, e.g., the blue edged ribbon, the rosettes, the seven-chained tassels. Are these symbols or emblems? Have they any worth apart from artistic forms or embellishments?
The extremists teach that they are symbols: indeed, they go much further and state that the actual form of the apron, and the form of its flap, and the position of the flap, are important in their symbolic content. Little, if any, credence need be given to such opinions or judgments. At the best the decorations on the apron are possibly emblematic, but what the emblems mean it is impossible to state accurately; e.g., it is said that the blue ribbon edging symbolises charity. It may, but charity is a common virtue of the Craft, and many aprons have different coloured edging. The three rosettes are said to represent the Three Degrees, but no scholar knows yet what their origin was. The symbolic origins of the tassels and their seven chains are also shrouded in mystery. It is far better to accept the probability that regalia-makers from 1830 onwards contrived a symmetrical design for the apron by placing the tassels with their ornamental chains on either side of the apron. Finally, the extremists will even make the "hook" (the circle) and the "clasp" (the serpent) symbols of tremendous and mystical ideas; no better example of "wishful thinking" could be given. That these humble devices, so commonly used throughout the world to serve needs of fastening attire, should be tortured to yield such meanings is unjustified; indeed, it may be described as fatuous.
The Master's exhortation to the newly-initiated brother must be recalled. It warns him "never to put on ..." The apron is, therefore, in its final value not only an official badge of membership of the antient and honourable Society ", but a monition that a brother must ever understand and conform to the ethic of the Craft, so that in the Lodge, at least, a righteous, enjoyable and fruitful peace shall prevail.
The symbolical explanations which are virtually standardized in the modern rituals are clear, simple and wholly satisfying. It is the unchallenged right of every Mason to seek further afield for the interpretations that will fulfil his spiritual needs. But he should remember Tennyson's line on " The falsehood of extremes ", and be slow to accept the "wider explanations" until he can do so with full conviction.
  1. In 1892 Bro. W. H. Rylands wrote his paper on the Masonic Apron (A.Q.C., vol. v). An important essay with no less than 83 plates or drawings, illustrating the history of the Masonic apron, it has been largely used as the basis of the historical portion of this paper, and all Masonic students are advised to read it.
  2. Presumably, the first official reference to Masonic clothing is in the seventh clause of the General Regulations sanctioned by G.L. in 1721, but aprons are not mentioned specifically VII. Every new Brother at his making is decently to cloath the Lodge, that is, all the Brethren present ...
  3. Rylands, op. cit., p. 175 ; Crowe, Masonic Clothing (A.Q.C., v, pp. 29 et seq.).
  4. In France, F.C.'s apparently wore the flap up and buttoned to the coat (vide L'Ordre des Francs Maçons Trahi, 1745, p. 116, and Les Francs-Maçons Ecrasés, 1747, p. 221). In the exposure, Solomon in All His Glory, 1766 the description of the M M. ceremony contains the following: "... the master undid the flap of my apron, which was fastened to one of my waistcoat-buttons; and told me that in quality of master, I was at liberty to let it fall down ..."
  5. Blackham, Apron Men, p. 213. Rylands, op. cit., pp. 177-8, v. his plate No. 26, dated c. 1766, which illustrates this mode.
  6. Rylands, op. cit., pp. 180, 172, 179. For description of some, of these embellished aprons, see Rylands, p. 179; Crowe, op. cit., p. 30; Blackham, op. cit. p. 30. Reprinted with permission of Ars Quatuor Coronatorum, the Transactions of Quatuor Coronati Lodge No. 2076, UGLE, vol. lxxiv (1961) pp. 133-37. Minor typographical errors corrected and footnotes renumbered as endnotes. Two pages of photographs omitted.

Ancient Free & Accepted Masonry
Lodges and Grand Lodges whose charters' roots derive from the United Grand Lodge of Ancient Freemasons of England, The Grand Lodge of Ireland or the Grand Lodge of Ancient Free and Accepted Masons of Scotland use the expression, A∴F∴ & A∴M∴
Those Grand Lodges that don't use the appellation "Ancient", claim descent from the "Grand Lodge of Free and Accepted Masons under the constitution of England" during the period from 1717 until 1813.
This English Grand Lodge was constituted from four lodges on June 24, 1717. A later Grand Lodge in England, styling themselves Ancient, labelled the first group "Modern" although today the preferred term is "Premier." The "Moderns" and "Ancients" united in November 25, 1813 to form the United Grand Lodge of Ancient Freemasons of England [now styled the United Grand Lodge of Ancient Free and Accepted Masons of England].
The choice of style is not universal as some Grand Lodges simply chose one or other title for reasons of their own. The usage has no bearing on regularity or recognition.

Ancient or Antient Freemasons
Mostly Irish freemasons formed this Grand Lodge in London in 1751. Properly titled the "Grand Lodge of Free and Accepted Masons of England according to the Old Institutions" it is also called Atholl freemasons, after the third and fourth Dukes of Atholl.

Free
"It is quite likely that the word 'freemason' represented at least three distinct meanings, each having respect to a different century." 1
Skilled mediaeval builders worked with an even-grained limestone or sandstone called freestone, first mentioned in 1212 in Normandy. The term free-stone mason is recorded in 1375 and the term was easily condensed to free mason. Centuries later this meaning became secondary, if not forgotten, when town mason guilds became more powerful.
It is hypothesized that a Free Mason was free of his Guild; he had the freedom of its privileges and was entrusted with certain rights. The London Company of Freemasons changed its name to that of Masons in 1655-56, perhaps recognizing that the term had undergone yet another change in meaning.
Members who were not stonemasons could be accepted in the Company and were termed speculative, free or accepted. In time the terms became synonymous and "free" then referred to an inner fraternity of speculative masons.
There are many other discredited theories. The tradition that sixth and seventh century builders travelled France and Italy freely by authority of Papal bull is unfounded. Another theory has it that a mediaeval freemason was either not tied to the land or else, being attached to a monastery or ecclesiastical order, was free from the guilds. During the height of the abbey and church building period, there were few, if any, town mason guilds so this derivation is suspect.

Free and Accepted
This term was first used in 1722 in J. Roberts', The Old Constitutions belonging to the Ancient and Honourable Society of Free and Accepted Masons.

Accepted
"Acception" was an Inner Fraternity of speculative freemasons found within the Worshipful Company of Masons of the City of London. Operative members were "admitted" by apprenticeship, patrimony, or redemption; speculative members were "accepted". First recorded use of the term dates from 1620.
1. Bernard E. Jones. Freemasons' Guide and Compendium. London: George G. Harrap & Company Ltd., 1950. p. 152 [note pp. 147-61.]
Encyclopedia of Freemasonry. Albert G. Mackey. Macoy Publishing: Virginia. 1966.
Ars Quatuor Coronatorum. vol. x . G. W. Speth (1847/04/30-1901/04/19), ed. pp. 10-33, 155-7, 159.
Ars Quatuor Coronatorum. vol. xi. G.W. Speth, ed. pp. 166-8.
Ars Quatuor Coronatorum. vol. xlviii. W.J. Williams, ed. pp. 140-98, 253-84.
Ars Quatuor Coronatorum. vol. xliii. Lionel Vibert, ed. pp. 195-226.

The liberal arts and sciences
Gra, Loquitur; Lo, vera docet; Rhe verba sonorat; Mu, canit; Ar, nemerat; Ge, ponderat; Ast, capit astra "... let one of these be that art which prepares the body to be subservient, as a prompt and robust vehicle, to the mandates of the soul, and which is denominated gymnastic. Let another art be that which is the angel of the conceptions of the soul, and which is called rhetoric; another, that which is the nurse and tutor of the juvenile mind, and which is denominated poetry; another that which is the leader of the nature of numbers, and which is called arithmetic; and another that which is the teacher of computation, and is called logistic. Let geometry, also, and music follow, who are the associates of philosophy and conscious of her arcana, and to each of which she distributes a portion of her labour."
Maximus Tyrius (circa 200 CE) "Dissertation", xxi, translated by Thomas Taylor (1758-1835). A reference to the Liberal Arts and Sciences can also be found in Fremasonry's oldest extant document, the Halliwall Manuscript.

Grammar
Grammar is the science which teaches us to explain the poets and historians; it is the art which qualifies us to write and speak correctly. "Grammar is the science which teaches us to explain the poets and historians; it is the art which qualifies us to write and speak correctly."
Freemasons are advised to make the liberal arts and sciences their study. The following links are only a small introduction to information which falls under the classic rubric of Grammar. For the most part, they are not masonic sites and the reader is advised that, unless otherwise noted, they do not represent the opinions or positions of this or any Grand Lodge

Rhetoric
Rhetoric is the art of using secular discourse effectively in the circumstances of daily life. "Rhetoric is the art of using secular discourse effectively in the circumstances of daily life."
Freemasons are advised to make the liberal arts and sciences their study. The following links are only a small introduction to information which falls under the classic rubric of Rhetoric. For the most part, they are not masonic sites and the reader is advised that, unless otherwise noted, they do not represent the opinions or positions of this or any Grand Lodge.

Dialectic
Dialectic is the science of the understanding, which fits us for investigations and definitions, for explanations, and for distinguishing the true from the false. "Dialectic is the science of the understanding, which fits us for investigations and definitions, for explanations, and for distinguishing the true from the false."
Freemasons are advised to make the liberal arts and sciences their study. The following links are only a small introduction to information which falls under the classic rubric of Dialectic. For the most part, they are not masonic sites and the reader is advised that, unless otherwise noted, they do not represent the opinions or positions of this or any Grand Lodge.

Arithmetic
Arithmetic is the science of pure extension determinable by numbers. Ignorance of numbers leaves many things unintelligible. "Arithmetic is the science of pure extension determinable by numbers. Ignorance of numbers leaves many things unintelligible."
Freemasons are advised to make the liberal arts and sciences their study. The following links are only a small introduction to information which falls under the classic rubric of Arithmetic. For the most part, they are not masonic sites and the reader is advised that, unless otherwise noted, they do not represent the opinions or positions of this or any Grand Lodge.

Geometry
It is an exposition of form proceeding from observation. For every excellent and well-ordered arrangement can be reduced to the special requirements of this science.
"It is an exposition of form proceeding from observation. For every excellent and well-ordered arrangement can be reduced to the special requirements of this science."
Freemasons are advised to make the liberal arts and sciences their study. The following links are only a small introduction to information which falls under the classic rubric of Geometry. For the most part, they are not Masonic sites and the reader is advised that, unless otherwise noted, they do not represent the opinions or positions of this or any Grand Masonic body

Music
Music is the science of time intervals as they are perceived by tones. Pythagoras testifies that this world was created by music, and can be ruled by it; thus it is possible that to him, who does not know even a little music, many things remain closed and hidden.
"It is an exposition of form proceeding from observation. For every excellent and well-ordered arrangement can be reduced to the special requirements of this science."
Freemasons are advised to make the liberal arts and sciences their study. The following links are only a small introduction to information which falls under the classic rubric of Geometry. For the most part, they are not Masonic sites and the reader is advised that, unless otherwise noted, they do not represent the opinions or positions of this or any Grand Masonic body.

Astronomy
"Astronomy, of which we now speak, teaches the laws of the steller world ... which is built up on the investigation of natural phenomena in order to determine the course of the sun, of the moon, and the stars, and to effect a proper reckoning of time."
Definitions written in 819 CE by Archbishop of Mainz, Rabanus Maurus (784 - 856 CE) [Translated from "Great Pedagogical Essays" by F.V.N. Painter, New York: 1905
Freemasons are advised to make the liberal arts and sciences their study. The following links are only a small introduction to information which falls under the classic rubric of Arithmetic. For the most part, they are not masonic sites and the reader is advised that, unless otherwise noted, they do not represent the opinions or positions of this or any Grand Lodge.



Freemasons have always been in the forefront of the scientific community; from the founding of the British Royal Society to today's NASA programme in the United States. The following is a short and incomplete list of Brethren who have contributed to the exploration of outer space

Administration
Kenneth S. Kleinknecht Manager, Apollo Program Command and Service Modules.
Deputy Manager, Gemini Program
Manager, Project Mercury.
Fairview Lodge No. 699 Fairview, Ohio
Clark C. McClelland ScO, Space Shuttle Fleet 1958 - 1992 Lodge 301 Venus, Florida
James Edwin Webb Administrator, NASA 1961-1968 University Lodge No. 408 Chapel Hill, North Carolina

Astronauts
Edwin E. "Buzz" Aldrin, Jr.3 b. January 20, 1930 Gemini XII, Apollo 11 Clear Lake Lodge No. 1417 Seabrook, Texas
Leroy Gordon Cooper, Jr. b. March 6, 1927 Mercury 9, "Faith 7", Gemini V Carbondale Lodge No. 82 Carbondale, Colorado
Donn F. Eisele b. June 23, 1930 Apollo 7 Luthor B. Turner Lodge No. 732 Columbus Ohio
John H. Glenn, Jr. 4 b. July 18, 1921 Mercury 6, "Friendship 7" Concord Lodge No. 688 New Concord, Ohio
Virgil I. "Gus" Grissom April 3, 1926 - January 27, 1967 Mercury 4 "Liberty Bell 7", Gemini 3, Apollo 1 Mitchell Lodge No. 228 Mitchell, Indiana
James Irwin 4 1930-1991 Apollo 15
Edgar D. Mitchell b. Sept. 17, 1930 Apollo 14 Artesia Lodge No. 28 Artesia, New Mexico
Walter M. Schirra, Jr b. March 12, 1923 Mercury 8 "Sigma 7", Gemini VI, Apollo 7 Canaveral Lodge No. 339 Cocoa Beach, Florida
Thomas P. Stafford b. Sept. 17, 1930 Gemini VII, Gemini IX-A, Apollo 10, Apollo 18 Western Star Lodge No. 138 Weatherford, Oklahoma
Paul J. Weitz b. July 25, 1932 Skylab 2, Challenger (STS-6) Lawrence Lodge No. 708 Erie, Pennsylvania

Scientists
Vannever Bush 1890-1974 computer pioneer and internet visionary Richard C. Maclaurin Lodge Cambridge, Massachusetts

NOTES:
  1. The New Age Magazine. Supreme Council 33° A.&A. Scottish Rite of Freemasonry of the Southern Jurisdiction, Washington, D.C.: November 1969. pp. 14-30.
  2. Eldest son of Christian Frederick Klienknecht. Ibid. page 23.
  3. Astronauts were allowed to carry personal items. Aldrin carried an embroidered flag depicting the emblem of the Scottish Rite Southern Jurisdiction. See correspondence.
  4. Freemasons Who Made A Difference Jim Harrison. Gavel Society, Vancouver, Canada: 1992.
Neil Armstrong, Jr. is not a freemason; his father, Neil Armstrong, Sr. is an active freemason. (Ohio Grand Lodge of Freemasons records).
Flight information cited from Spaceflight: A Smithsonian Guide. Valerie Neal, Cathleen S. Lewis, Frank H. Winter, in Association with the National Air and Space Museum, The Smithsonion Institution, Washington, D.C., New York, 1995. Image detail from NASA photo of Aldrin, modified by Stanley Q. Woodvine in 1998

Rosicrucianism
by Percy Jantz, Feb. 4 2002

Rosicrucians. Not rose crux, rose cross, but ros crux, dew cross.2 Dew was considered by the ancient chemists as the most powerful solvent of gold ; and cross in alchemy is the synonym of light, because any figure of a cross contains the three letters L V X (light). "Lux" is the menstruum of the red dragon (i.e. corporeal light), and this gross light properly digested produces gold, and dew is the digester. Hence the Rosicrucians are those who used dew for digesting lux or light, with the object of finding the philosopher's stone.

"As for the Rosycross philosophers.
Whom you will have to be but sorcerers,
What they pretend to is no more
Than Trismegistus did before,
Pythagoras, old Zoroaster,
And Apollonius their master."

Butler : Hudibras, pt. ii. 3. E. Cobham Brewer, The Dictionary of Phrase & Fable. Hertfordshire: Wordsworth Editions Ltd, 1993. pb. p.1076.
Many people have sought a connection between Freemasonry and Rosicrucianism. Some claim - incorrectly - that Freemasonry came from Rosicrucianism. There are enough similarities between them to make the history of Rosicrucianism of interest to freemasons.
The birth of Rosicrucianism is almost universally attributed to Johann Valentin Andreä, a German monk. He was known for his charity and his attempts to promote the betterment of mankind through study and learning.
Scholars believe it was he, in 1614, who published a fictional book called Fama Fraternitatis Rosae Crucis.1
In this book, Christian Rosenkreuz is born to a poor but good family. At a young age he joined a monastery, and at some stage he is allowed to accompany an old monk on a pilgrimage to the Holy Sepulchre. The monk dies in Cyprus and Christian goes on alone. In Damascus, he is amazed by the wonders of the city sages and he places himself under their direction.
After three years of studying their hidden mysteries, he goes to Egypt for further study. Then at the direction of his Arabian masters, he travels to Fez, where there is an annual meeting of the African and Arabian philosophers, to compare notes on their studies and travels.
After several more years, he goes to Spain but getting a poor reception, he returns to his native Germany.
There, Rosenkreuz advocated a reformation in morals and science But met with little sympathy. So he decided to start his own society.
He gathered three companions from his old monastery, swore them to secrecy, passed all his knowledge on to them and, it is transcribed, they built a temple, called "the Temple of the Holy Ghost."
They then increased their number to eight, and after all were fully instructed into the mysteries of science and nature, they agreed to separate. Two would stay with Father Rosencruetz, the others would travel to pursue learning, but would return every year to communicate the results of their study. Then they would depart again, this time with two different members of the order staying behind.
The rules of the order were:
  1. that they would devote themselves to nothing else than the free practice of Physic.
  2. that they were to wear no special clothing, but rather to adopt the customs of the land they were in.
  3. that each one was to present himself at the Temple Of the Holy Ghost on a particular day of the year, or send an excuse forhis absence.
  4. that each was to look for a brother to succeed him on his death.
  5. that the letters RC were to be their seal, watchword and title.
  6. that the brotherhood was to be kept a secret for 100 years.
When 100 years old, Christian Rosencruetz died. His burial place was known only to the two brothers who were with him at the time and they took that secret with them to the grave.
The society continued, always 8 in number, for a further 120 years. There was tradition in the brotherhood, that after 120 years, Father Rosencruetz' grave was to be discovered, and the brotherhood no longer a secret.
The Temple of the Holy Ghost was being altered, and when a brass plate was removed from the wall, a door was revealed bearing this inscription "after 120 years I will be opened"
Inside was a vault of 7 sides, each 5 feet long and 8 feet high. The ceiling was arched and the room lit by an artificial sun at its centre while in the middle of the floor was an altar bearing the inscription "while living I made this compact copy of the universe my grave".
In the centre were 4 figures with the words
  1. by no means void
  2. the yoke of the law
  3. the liberty of the gospel
  4. the unsullied glory of God
The 7 walls were each divided into 10 squares, with figures and sentences to be explained to the initiates. They also each contained a door, leading to closets, which contained all manner of wonders, from the history of the brotherhood to encyclopaedia, from the life of the founder to curious mirrors and burninglamps, of instructions on how to build up the order, and how it would eventually fall into decay.
Pushing aside the altar, they found the body of Rosencruetz, freshly preserved, with a volume under his arm.
This then was the story attributed to Andrea. It was intended to be a suggestion to the learned, to promote philanthropy, to better mankind through answering the questions posed.
It was misunderstood then, as it has been since. Everywhere his fable was accepted as fact. People searched for the Temple of the Holy Ghost. Letters appeared continuously, addressed to the order, seeking admission. None were answered.
The brotherhood was earnestly attacked and vigorously defended in books and pamphlets.
But no one ever heard from the order itself.
Eventually some, having sought vainly for the invisible society, resolved to form their own, and hence there appeared by 1622 an alchemists group in The Hague, calling themselves Rosicrucians.
The doctrine soon found its way to Britain, around 1625, and publications began to appear.
Common symbols resulted in scholars then and since trying to find a common origin between Rosicrucian and Freemasonry. But this is not so. The Rosicrucians were Theosophists, religious men whose doctrines were of spirits, of the elements, of numbers and heavenly bodies and their influence on men.
The Freemasons were founded by builders, whose symbols applied in architecture and were of a Christian character.
There is however, some Rosicrucian influence in the higher degrees of Freemasonry. Chevalier Michael Ramsey, (1668-1743) is credited with starting the higher degrees. His were designed to support a connection to the crusades and the Templars. But Rosicrucian or Hermetic philosophy crept in.
By 1758 there were over 50 degrees, with titles like "Hermetic Knight, Hermetic Rite, Philosophic Cabalist, Rite of Philalethes". Most of these are now laid aside, but the modern 28th degree in the Scottish Rite, that of Knight of the Sun, is a condensation of the Rosicrucian doctrines.
The modern 18th degree of the Scottish Rite, that of the Rose Croix is not Hermetic. it stems from Christian doctrine alluding to the blood of Christ being shed on the cross.
That leaves the origin of the word Rosicrucian, and the beliefs of the order, and that is convoluted enough to be left for another day.
  1. Fama fraternitatis Roseae Crucis oder Die Bruderschaft des Ordens der Rosenkreuzer, (The Fama), 1614, Kassel and Confessio oder Bekenntnis der Societät und Bruderschaft Rosenkreuz (The Confessio), 1615, Kassel, were published anonymously. Johann Valentin Andreä only claimed, in his autobiography, to have written Chymische Hochzeit Christiani Rosencreutz anno 1459 (The Chemical Wedding),1616, Strasbourg. Ref: History Of Freemasonry by Albert Mackey.
  2. Johann Lorenz von Mosheim, in his Ecclesiastical History (vol. 3, pp. 216-17) claimed that "Rosy Cross" derived from "ros" meaning dew. Gould notes that the genitive form of "ros" is "roris" so that if this was in fact the root of the name, then the fraternity would have been styled Roricrusians. History of Freemasonry, Robert Freke Gould. vol. 2, p. 88

Freemasonry and science


"The Operative Freemasons had to know more science than any other men in the Middle Ages; they constructed engines such as elevators, cranes etc., used chemicals in staining of glass, knew mechanics, and had to employ mathematics, geometry especially, at every step in their work. This use of science was as much a part of Freemasonry as was either morality or brotherhood."


The Royal Society
In the beginning of Speculative Fraternity under the Grand Lodge system the Freemasons avowed their devotion to the sciences more boldly, and even dramatically. The Royal Society was in the British public mind synonymous with science, and for more than a century it, and its offshoots, were the only exponents and practitioners of science in Britain. It began in 1660 and took its first organized form at a meeting of scholars in Gresham College who had assembled to hear a lecture by Bro. Sir Christopher Wren. Sir Robert Moray was elected its first president, March 6, 1661 A.D.; he was made a Freemason at Newcastle-on-Tyne on May 20, 1641. Dr. Desaguliers, who later became its secretary for a long period of years, was the "father of the Grand Lodge System." and was one of Sir Isaac Newton's closest friends. A lodge largely composed of Royal Society members met in a room belonging to the Royal Society Club in London. At a time when preachers thundered against these scientists, when newspapers thundered against them, street crowds hooted at them, and neither Oxford nor Cambridge would admit science courses, masonic lodges invited Royal Society members in for lectures, many of which were accompanied by scientific demonstrations.
Haywood, H. L. Supplement to Mackey's Encyclopedia of Freemasonry. Macoy Publishing. Richmond, Virginia: 1966. p. 1363.
Ars Quatuor Coronatorum Vol XXI, 1908. p. 233

The London Zoological Society
Founded by Sir Thomas Stamford Raffles, the Society administers the London Zoo and sponsors the Wellcome Institute of Comparative Physiology and the Nuffield Institute of Comparative Medicine. Bro. Raffles (July 5, 1781 - April, 1826), founder of Singapore, was Raised on July 5, 1813 in Lodge De Vriendschap in Sorabaya.

"There is something fascinating about science. One gets such wholesale returns of conjecture out of such trifling investment of fact."
Bro. Samuel Clemens Life on the Mississippi p. 176 (1883)

Scientists and inventors
Alexander Boden
(1913-1993)
Australian chemist and author
Vannevar Bush
(1890-1974)
MIT electrical engineer
Erasmus Darwin
(1732-1802)
physician, botonist and a Founder of the Royal Society
Harold Eugene Edgerton
(1903-1990)
professor of electrical engineering, MIT
Sir Alexander Fleming
(1881-1955)
inventor of penicillin
Sir Sandford Fleming
(1827-1915)
creator of first Canadian stamp and standard time
Edward Jenner
(1749-1823)
physician, discoverer of smallpox vaccine
William Worrall Mayo
(1819-1911)
surgeon and founder of St Mary's Hospital, Rochester
William James Mayo
(1861-1939)
surgeon and founder of Mayo Clinic [Denslow says not]
Charles Horace Mayo
(1865-1939)
surgeon and founder of Mayo Clinic
Jacques and Joseph Montgolfier inventors of the hot air balloon
Jacob Perkins
(1766-1849)
mechanical engineer and inventor;
printed first penny postage stamp in 1840
James F. Smathers
inventor of the electric typewriter,
Gate City Lodge No 522, Kansas City
James Watt
(1736-1819)
inventor of the steam engine and Fellow of the Royal Society



Masonic references in cinema

The appearances of Freemasonry in movies range from the unremarked and irrelevant use of symbols such as the square and compasses on scenery and properties, to the actual enactment of masonic ritual by principal characters. The following list of masonic references is not definitive, nor are all entries confirmed. The list contains 101 films from a non-random survey of over twenty-seven hundred films.
Theatre or television viewings, without the opportunity to replay, will sometimes lead to mistaken reports. There is another category of film that is not included in this list. Both anti-masons and over-enthusiastic freemasons will find masonic references where none were intended. That the principals in The Lord of the Rings are travelling eastward and at one point pass between two pillars does not make theirs a masonic journey. Because entry to a private club in Eyes Wide Shut (1999) requires a password does not make it a masonic society. The all-seeing eye is not necessarily a masonic symbol. Some of these films, while not actually masonic, are included as masonic obscurities. A list of references in films to the masonic club, the Shriners is also posted on this website
The internet has produced many unconfirmed sightings. Further reports, and confirmation in the form of screen captures and time marks, are always welcome. Please forward additional references, with details, to our editor.

Across the Pacific (1942)
In a shipboard scene, ju-jitsu exercises performed by Chinese sailors are compared to the initiatory nature of Freemasonry. Mary Astor, Sydney Greenstreet. Directed by John Huston. USA, English.

The Affair of the Diamond Necklace (2001)
Christopher Walken plays Cagliostro, self-styled "the Grand Master of the Illuminati", while Jonathan Pryce, as Bishop Rohen, hides his personal correspondence behind a panel in a desk decorated with masonic symbols. Hilary Swank, Jonathan Pryce, Adrien Brody, Brian Cox, Joely Richardson, Christopher Walken. Directed by Charles Shyer, written by John Sweet. Drama R 117 min., USA, English. Technicolor.

L'Âge d'or (1930)
To avoid arrest, Gaston Modot, as "the Man", produces a special delegate certificate, given to him by the International Goodwill Society. Although not immediately recognizable by the non-mason, it clearly displays a masonic design with an all-seeing eye in a radiant glory, two pillars with globes as well as three candlesticks on a checkerboard flooring. [00:28:10] Directed by Luis Buñuel, written by Luis Buñuel, Salvador Dalí. Gaston Modot, Lya Lys, Caridad de Laberdesque, Max Ernst, Josep Llorens Artigas, Lionel Salem, Germaine Noizet, Bonaventura Ibáñez. 60 min. France, French. Black and White, Mono.

Aliens (1986)
Sgt. Apone, played by Al Matthews in a strong sympathetic role, wears a masonic ring. [00:28:07] Directed by James Cameron, written by James Cameron and David Giler. Sigourney Weaver, Carrie Henn, Michael Biehn, Lance Henriksen, Paul Reiser, Bill Paxton, William Hope, Jenette Goldstein, Al Matthews, Mark Rolston, Ricco Ross, Colette Hiller, Daniel Kash, Cynthia Dale Scott, Tip Tipping. 137 min. USA | UK, English, Eastmancolor, Dolby.

American Gangster (2007)
Ted Levine, as Det. Lou Toback, wears a masonic lapel pin [0:13:18]. Directed by Ridley Scott, written by Steven Zaillian and Mark Jacobson. Denzel Washington, Russell Crowe, Chiwetel Ejiofor, Josh Brolin, Lymari Nadal, Ted Levine, Roger Guenveur Smith, John Hawkes, RZA, Yul Vazquez, Malcolm Goodwin, Ruby Dee, Ruben Santiago-Hudson, Carla Gugino, Skyler Fortgang. 157 min. USA, English, Colour, Dolby. (Action)

Anatomie (2000)
A student member of the Anti-Hippocratic Society-"a cross between the Freemasons and a college fraternity with old rituals, a lodge, the whole thing"-starts a killing spree that ends with the death of the Grand Master and the exposure of the society. Franka Potente, Benno Fürmann, Anna Loos, Sebastian Blomberg, Holger Speckhahn, Traugott Buhre. Directed and written by Stefan Ruzowitzky. AKA: Anatomy. 103 min. Germany, German / Latin. Colour, Dolby. (Horror)

El Ángel exterminador "The Exterminating Angel" (1962)
Perhaps Luis Buñuel's most surreal and allegorical film, there is one scene where, in a crowded room, two characters give each other what appears to be the sign of the Fellowcraft degree [00:18:00]. Later one asks the other for the name of his lodge. The other replies that it is Dawn Lodge No. 21. At a later point, one of the men lets out a cry that another man then explains is the masonic call for help. [01:18:00] While these two are specific masonic references, the story itself can be interpreted as a rebirth or resurrection story incorporating sacrifice and ritual. Directed by Luis Buñuel, written by Luis Buñuel. Silvia Pinal, Enrique Rambal, Claudio Brook, José Baviera, Augusto Benedico, Antonio Bravo, Jacqueline Andere, César del Campo, Rosa Elena Durgel, Lucy Gallardo, Enrique Garcia Álvarez, Ofelia Guilmáin, Nadia Haro Oliva, Tito Junco, Xavier Loya. 95 min. Mexico, Spanish, Black and White, Mono.

The Ant Bully (2006)
Lucas's grandmother, who fears alien abduction, leaps out of her customized rocking chair to reveal an obviously masonic square and compasses. Why is it there? Perhaps only to attract the attention of websites such as this. [00:18:00] Directed by John A. Davis, written by John A. Davis, John Nickle (book). Julia Roberts, Nicolas Cage, Meryl Streep, Paul Giamatti, Zach Tyler, Regina King, Bruce Campbell, Lily Tomlin, Cheri Oteri, Larry Miller, Allison Mack, Austin Majors, Ricardo Montalban, Myles Jeffrey, Jake T. Austin. 88 min. USA, English. Colour, Dolby. (Animation)

The Apocalypse Watch (1997)
In charge of a team of agents tracking down a neo-nazi plot to poison England's water supply, US Intelligence Officer Wesley Sorenson wears a masonic ring, prominently displayed in two scenes. [00:27:00] [01:18:00]. Directed by Kevin Connor, written by Robert Ludlum (novel) John Goldsmith. Patrick Bergin, John Shea, Virginia Madsen, Benedick Blythe, Malcolm Tierney, Al Matthews, Ted Maynard, Christopher Neame. 240 min. USA, English, Color, Stereo (Action)

Arachnophobia (1990)
The opening scene of the small town where the main story takes place frames a welcome sign incorporating logos for Rotary International, Freemasonry and the Lions Club. [00:17:44] Note the similarity to the welcome sign in Overboard and others. Directed by Frank Marshall, written by Don Jakoby, Al Williams. Jeff Daniels, Harley Jane Kozak, John Goodman, Julian Sands, Stuart Pankin, Brian McNamara, Mark L. Taylor, Henry Jones, Peter Jason, James Handy, Roy Brocksmith, Kathy Kinney, Mary Carver, Garette Ratliff Henson, Marlene Katz. 103 min, USA, English Colour, Dolby.

Are You a Mason? (1915)
Based on the play Die Logenbrüder in which two non-masons attempt to convince others that they are freemasons. Also produced on Broadway by Leo Ditrichstein. John Barrymore, Helen Freeman, Charles Dixon, Harold Lockwood. Directed by Thomas N. Heffron, written by Leo Ditrichstein (play) Eve Unsell. USA, English. Black and White, Silent. (Comedy) .

Are You a Mason? (1934)
Sonnie Hale, Robertson Hare, Davy Burnaby, Gwyneth Lloyd, Bertha Belmore, Joyce Kirby. Directed by Henry Edwards, written by Leo Ditrichstein (play) Emanuel Lederer (play). 70 min. UK, English. Black and White, Mono. (Comedy).

Bad Boys II (2003)
Narcotics officers Mike Lowrey (Will Smith) and Marcus Bennett (Martin Lawrence) use a tile installer's truck, with a square and compasses sticker on the back door [00:18:00]. Martin Lawrence, Will Smith, Jordi Mollà, Gabrielle Union, Peter Stormare. Directed by Michael Bay, written by George Gallo, Marianne Wibberley. 150 min. USA, English, Colour (Comedy).

Bang Bang You're Dead (2002)
Above a police station sign can be seen a square and compasses. [00:49:20]. Directed by Guy Ferland, written by William Mastrosimone. Tom Cavanagh, Ben Foster, Randy Harrison, Janel Moloney, Jane McGregor, David Paetkau, Eric Johnson, Kristian Ayre, Brent Glenen, Gillian Barber, Eric Keenleyside, Glynis Davies, Ryan Mcdonald, Chad Faust, Sabiston. USA | Canada, English. 87 min. Dolby, Colour.

Bird (1988)
A biography of jazz musician Charlie "Yardbird" Parker. In a cemetery scene the camera pans across a row of monuments, one of which displays a square and compasses. Forest Whitaker, Diane Venora. Produced and directed by Clint Eastwood, written by Joel Oliansky. 160 min., USA, English. Colour.

Bobby Bumps Starts a lodge (1916)
Young Bobby Bumps plays a trick on his friend who wants to be initiated into his lodge. When his friend outsmarts him and saves his life, they both agree to be initiated into the lodge together. Reference is made to a lodge apron, riding the goat and the third degree. Bray Productions, Inc. Paramount Pictures. Directed by Earl Hurd (d. 1940). Produced by J. R. Bray. piano score composed and performed by Philip Carli. 5:15 min/24 fps. Released September 28, 1916. 1 reel of 1 (ca. 615 ft.) : silent animation, b&w ; 35 mm.

Brothers War (2009)
Other than the captain sporting a square and compasses tattoo and the major once crying out, "Is there no help for the widow's son", there is little other masonic content, although publicity for the movie focused on this theme. Directed by Jerry Buteyn, screenplay by Warren Lewis and Tino Struckmann. Tino Struckmann, Michael Berryman, Olivier Gruner, Hayley Carr, Hugh Daly, Jack Dimich, Adam Leadbeater, Tye Olson, Steve Holm, Dylan Kenin, Boris Kievsky, Time Winters, Joshua Minnick, Andreas T. Ramani, Mark Doerr. USA, English, Colour, Stereo.

Can't Hardly Wait (1998)
In the opening minutes of the film, Preston Meyers (Ethan Embry) wears what appears to be a masonic ring [00:02:50]. Although as a high school senior, he would only be eighteen years of age and therefore disqualified from membership in most masonic jurisdictions, in Pennsylvania - ostensibly the locale of the movie - that is the minimum age for an initiate. Or he could be wearing the ring for another reason. Or the ring might not display the masonic square and compasses but some other design that would be apparent if the image was clearer. Directed by Harry Elfont, Deborah Kaplan, written by Deborah Kaplan, Harry Elfont. Jennifer Love Hewitt, Ethan Embry, Charlie Korsmo, Lauren Ambrose, Peter Facinelli, Seth Green, Brookhurst, Alexander Martin, Erik Palladino, Channon Roe, Sean Patrick Thomas, Freddy Rodríguez, Joel Michaely, Jay Paulson, Brian Hall. USA, English. 100 min., Dolby, Technicolor.

Captains Courageous (1937)
Captain Disko (Lionel Barrymore) wears a watch fob. Without a sharper image it is not posible to determine if it is a square and compasses emblem. [01:55:30] Directed by Victor Fleming, novel by Rudyard Kipling, script by John Lee Mahin. Freddie Bartholomew, Spencer Tracy, Lionel Barrymore, Melvyn Douglas, Charley Grapewin, Mickey Rooney, John Carradine, Oscar O'Shea, Jack La Rue, Walter Kingsford, Donald Briggs, Sam McDaniel, Bill Burrud. USA, English | Portuguese, Black & White, Mono, 117 min.

The Celebration. "Dogme 1, Festen" (1998)
[00:23:49 - 00:24:09] Helge Klingenfeldt to his youngest son Michael: "I've been asked to inquire whether you are interested in the lodge. I don't see you as one of the brethren, I must say. But Christian has told Preben you're doing well. And as Christian is not interested, you may expect to be invited - to join the Freemasons. Strike while the iron is hot. There is a long ..." The camera pulls back to one of Helge's associates: "He could make something of himself." Helge finishes by saying: "We have to help you get on." Helge (Henning Moritzen) is revealed to have molested two of his children, driving one to suicide. Michael (Thomas Bo Larsen), a violent quick-tempered married man with three children, is revealed to have had an affair with one of his parents' maids, Michelle. Henning Moritzen, Paprika Steen, Thomas Bo Larsen, Ulrich Thomsen. Produced by Birgette Hald, written by Thomas Vinterberg. Danish, 106 min. Colour, Mono. 1998 (Drama)

Chan Is Missing (1982)
During a montage of San Francisco Chinatown scenes, a square and compasses is briefly seen atop the Bing Kong Tong Building at 35 Waverly Place. Calling themselves Chinese Free Masons, the link between Bing Kong Tong and Hong Men - also styling themselves Chinese Freemasons - is unclear. [00:47:20] Directed by Wayne Wang, written by Isaac Cronin and Wayne Wang. Wood Moy, Marc Hayashi, Laureen Chew, Peter Wang, Presco Tabios, Frankie Alarcon, Judi Nihei, Ellen Yeung, George Woo, Emily Woo Yamasaki, Virginia Cerenio, Roy Chan, Leong Pui Chee. 80 min. USA, English | Cantonese, Black and White, Mono.

Conspiracy Theory (1997)
Mel Gibson, as programmed assassin turned cabbie, Jerry Fletcher, says "I mean George Bush knew what he was saying when he said New World Order, you remember those fatal words, New World Order? Well he was a 33rd degree mason you know and an ex director of the CIA." [00:01:40]. Julia Roberts, as justice department lawyer, Alice Sutton, says: "I suppose they have a secret handshake." [00:38:29]. Other references, if intended as such, are less obvious. Mel Gibson, Julia Roberts, Patrick Stewart. Directed by Richard Donner, written by Brian Helgeland. Warner Bros. 129 min., USA, English, Colour (Drama).

Coup de torchon (1981)
In 1938 French West Africa, Lucien Cordier, as Philippe Noiret, describes his father: "He's one of those people who believes there's only one answer to every problem and one of those who blames everything on Jews and Freemasons." [00:59:54] Directed by Bertrand Tavernier, written by Jean Aurenche Bertrand Tavernier. Philippe Noiret, Isabelle Huppert, Jean-Pierre Marielle, Stéphane Audran, Eddy Mitchell, Guy Marchand, Irène Skobline. Also Known As Clean Up. 128 min. France, French, Colour.

Cremaster Cycle (1995-2002)
A set of five art films with numerous masonic references. Directed by Matthew Barney, written by Matthew Barney. Cremaster 1 (1995): Marti Domination, Gemma Bourdon Smith, Kathleen Crepeau. 40 min. USA, English. Colour, Mono. , Cremaster 2 (1999), Cremaster 3 (2002), Cremaster 4 (1994), Cremaster 5 (1997): Ursula Andress, Matthew Barney, Joanne Rha. 55 min. USA, Hungarian, Colour.

The Da Vinci Code (2006)
Tom Hanks, as Robert Langdon, stands in front of a display of "religious" symbols, including a masonic square and compasses in the bottom left corner. [00:03:40] The image can be seen in a promotional still but not in the film. Langdon makes a passing reference to Freemasonry near the end of the film [02:01:30] when he describes the symbols found in Rosslyn Chapel. Directed by Ron Howard, written by Akiva Goldsman (screenplay) Dan Brown (novel). Tom Hanks, Audrey Tautou, Ian McKellen, Jean Reno, Paul Bettany, Alfred Molina, Jürgen Prochnow, Jean-Yves Berteloot, Etienne Chicot, Jean-Pierre Marielle, Marie-Françoise Audollent, Rita Davies, Francesco Carnelutti, Seth Gabel, Shane Zaza. 149 min. Country: USA, English / French / Latin. Colour

Dance of the Dead (2008)
As the zombies rise from the graveyard, a masonic headstone is seen. [0:20:50] Directed by Gregg Bishop, written by Joe Ballarini. Jared Kusnitz, Greyson Chadwick, Chandler Darby, Carissa Capobianco, Randy McDowell, Michael V. Mammoliti, Mark Lynch, Justin Welborn, Mark Oliver, Blair Redford, Lucas Till, Hunter Pierce, Jonathan Spencer, Stephen Caudill, J. Jacob Adelman. 95 min. USA, English, Colour, Dolby.

Death of a Salesman (1985)
A masonic lapel pin is visible on Willy Loman's jacket throughout this made for television movie.[01:36:00]. Directed by Volker Schlöndorff, written by Arthur Miller (1915-2005), Death of a Salesman. Dustin Hoffman, Kate Reid, John Malkovich, Stephen Lang, Charles Durning, Louis Zorich, David S. Chandler, Jon Polito, Kathryn Rossetter, Tom Signorelli, Linda Kozlowski, Karen Needle, Anne McIntosh, Michael Quinlan. USA, English, 136 min., Mono, Colour.

Death Note (2017)
Absent in its manga, anime and live-action predecessors, this movie - for the usual marketing reasons - has incorporated a number of conspiracy theory tropes or clichés. The character known as "L" carries a pocket watch with a square and compasses emblem stamped on the cover. [00:49:35] Directed by Adam Wingard, written by Charley Parlapanides, Vlas Parlapanides, Jeremy Slater. Based on "Death Note" by Tsugumi Ôba, Takeshi Obata. Nat Wolff, Lakeith Stanfield, Margaret Qualley, Shea Whigham, Willem Dafoe, Jason Liles, Paul Nakauchi, Jack Ettlinger, Matthew Kevin Anderson, Chris Britton, Timothy Lambert, Kwesi Ameyaw, Justin Stone, Christian Sloan, Artin John. USA, English, 101 min, Dolby, Colour.

Dolores Claiborne (1995)
Delores' bank manager - who is wearing a square and compasses lapel pin - tells her that her husband has emptied their joint savings account. Kathy Bates as Dolores Claiborne, Jennifer Jason Leigh, Judy Parfitt, Christopher Plummer. Directed by Taylor Hackford, written by Stephen King (book), screenplay by Tony Gilroy. 132 min., USA, English. Dolby Digital, Technocolour.

Domino (2005)
Manipulative, high-powered reality television producer Mark Heiss wears a masonic ring. [00:42:40]. Directed by Tony Scott, written by Richard Kelly, Steve Barancik. Keira Knightley, Mickey Rourke, Édgar Ramírez, Delroy Lindo, Mo'Nique, Mena Suvari, Macy Gray, Jacqueline Bisset, Dabney Coleman, Brian Austin Green, Ian Ziering, Stanley Kamel, Peter Jacobson, T.K. Carter, Kel O'Neill, Shondrella Avery, Lew Temple, Lucy Liu, Christopher Walken, Riz Abbasi, Joe Nunez, Dale Dickey, Charles Paraventi, Jerry Springer, Frederick Koehler, Tom Waits. France | USA | UK, English, 127 min. Dolby, Colour.

Elmer Gantry (1960)
Edward Andrews as real estate agent, George F. Babbitt, says, "Do you realize that practically every American president was a mason and a Protestant?" He later exclaims, "I'm in business! I'm a thirty-second degree mason!" Burt Lancaster, Jean Simmons, Shirley Jones. Directed and written by Richard Brooks. Novel by Sinclair Lewis (1885-1951). Fox, MGM, 146 min. USA, English, Colour.

The End of Days (1999)
Arnold Schwartzenegger plays a former police officer who carries an amulet. At one point he says "Now this amulet is from a masonic order in the former sub-heredom of the Vatican Knights, the Knights of the Holy See. They await the return of the dark angel to earth." Also, during the opening titles Elephis Lévi's baphomet can be briefly seen. Gabriel Byrne, Kevin Pollak, Rod Steiger. Directed by Peter Hyams, written by Andrew W. Marlowe.

Erin Brockovich (2000)
The cornerstone of the Barstow Courthouse displays a square and compasses. Although there is a report that in a later scene a friend of Erin tells her that her husband is out at a lodge meeting, your editor has been unable to find this scene in the DVD release. Julia Roberts, David Brisbin, Dawn Didawick, Albert Finney. Directed by Steven Soderbergh, written by Susannah Grant. 130 min. USA, English, Colour.

Face (1997)
During a robbery in a locker room, thieves find a brown masonic case with Royal Arch regalia. [01:27:00]. Directed by Antonia Bird, written by Ronan Bennett. Robert Carlyle, Ray Winstone, Steve Sweeney, Gerry Conlon, Leon Black, David Boateng, Lena Headey, Eddie Nestor, Steven Waddington, Christine Tremarco, Andrew Tiernan, Sue Johnston, Damon Albarn, Philip Davis, Hazel Douglas. UK, English, 105 min. Dolby, Colour

Fargo (1996)
Mean-spirited millionaire, Wade Gustafson, appears to be wearing a square and compasses ring. [00:08:20] Directed by Joel Coen, written by Joel Coen, Ethan Coen. William H. Macy, Steve Buscemi, Frances McDormand, Peter Stormare, Harve Presnell. 98 min, USA, English, Colour, Dolby.

Flushed Away (2006)
The Toad, villain of the film, wears a ring, seen at [00:16:00] and [00:20:00]. It may represent a masonic square and compasses but unfortunately it is not shown in sharp enough focus to be sure. Directed by David Bowers and Sam Fell, weitten by Sam Fell (story) and Peter Lord. Hugh Jackman, Kate Winslet, Ian McKellen, Jean Reno, Bill Nighy, Andy Serkis, Shane Richie, Kathy Burke, David Suchet, Miriam Margolyes, Rachel Rawlinson, Susan Duerden, Miles Richardson, John Motson, Douglas Weston. 84 min. UK / USA, English. Color, Dolby.

Forces occultes (1943)
Vichy France anti-masonry propaganda commissioned by German Nazis in 1942, this short film depicts the rise of a young French Member of Parliament who joins a masonic lodge only to realize that the Freemasons, along with the Jews, are plotting to push France into war against Germany. Directed by Jean Mamy, written by Jean Marquès-Rivière. Maurice Rémy, Marcel Vibert, Auguste Bovério, Gisèle Parry, Léonce Corne, Pierre Darteuil, Marcel Raine, Louise Flavie, Simone Arys, Colette Darfeuil, Henri Valbel. France, French, First release: 10 March 1943. 43 min., Mono, Black and White.

The Freemason (2013)
The tagline for this movie reinforces the stereotypical conspiracy theory trope: "Freemasons don't control everything, only the things that matter." Directed by Sohrab Mirmont, written by Allen Johnson. Sean Astin, Randy Wayne, Alex McKenna, Richard Dutcher, Joseph James, Jaisaac, Joe Pike, Skip Carlsen, Blake Webb, Mark Webb, Howard Charleboix, Rodney O'Neil Lewis, Jason Buchanan, Harris Chandler, Chad Wright. USA, English, 95 min., Colour.

From Hell (2001)
Implicates the Craft as being responsible for the Whitechapel murders in London. The many masonic images and references places this movie in the catagory of intentional anti-masonry. Johnny Depp, Heather Graham, Ian Holm. Directed by Albert Hughes, based on a graphic novel written by Alan Moore, Eddie Campbell. USA, English, 121 min., Colour.

Gattopardo, Il "The Leopard" (1963)
Father Pirrone exclaims: "You nobles will come to an arrangement with the liberals...and even the masons? At the expense of the Church? [00:17:00]. Directed by Luchino Visconti. Written by Giuseppe Tomasi Di Lampedusa (novel), Suso Cecchi d'Amico (screenplay). Burt Lancaster, Claudia Cardinale, Alain Delon. 205 min. Italy / France. Italian. Technicolor, Mono. (Drama)

Gettysburg (1993)
When Colonel Chamberlain is knocked to the ground, several soldiers help him up. The corporal on the left has a square and compass patch on his uniform. [02:07:00]. Directed by Ronald F. Maxwell, written Michael Shaara (novel), Ronald F. Maxwell. Tom Berenger, Martin Sheen, Stephen Lang, Jeff Daniels, Richard Jordan, Andrew Prine, Cooper Huckabee, Patrick Gorman, Bo Brinkman, James Lancaster , William Morgan Sheppard, Kieran Mulroney, James Patrick Stuart, Tim Ruddy, Royce D. Applegate. USA, English, 271 min, Dolby, Colour

Ghosts of Mississippi (1996)
In a depiction of a true story, convicted murderer, Byron "Delay" De La Beckwith (1920/11/09-2001/01/21) - played by James Wood - is shown driving a car with a Shriners symbol attached to his rear view mirror and, in several scenes, wearing a Shriners lapel pin. His victim, NAACP field secretary Medger W. Evers (1925/07/02-1963/06/12), is shown in his coffin with his Order of Elks fez placed on his chest. In real life, Byron De La Beckwith received his Master Mason degree in Greenwood Lodge No. 35, Mississippi, on 30 September, 1954. He was expelled from the lodge on 2 January, 1978. Directed by Rob Reiner, written by Leo Colick. Alec Baldwin, Whoopi Goldberg, James Woods, USA

The Godfather Part III (1990)
This fictional film echoes several events of the 1981 Italian P2 scandal. [00:00:00] Directed by Francis Ford Coppola, written by Mario Puzo, Francis Ford Coppola. Al Pacino, Diane Keaton, Talia Shire, Andy Garcia, Eli Wallach, Joe Mantegna, George Hamilton, Bridget Fonda, Sofia Coppola. 162 min / USA:169 min (video version). USA, English / Italian. Technicolor, Dolby.

The Grand Budapest Hotel (2014)
Ludwig has what appears to be a square and compasses tattoo on his left hand. [00:46:00] Directed by Wes Anderson, written by Stefan Zweig. Ralph Fiennes, F. Murray Abraham, Mathieu Amalric, Adrien Brody, Willem Dafoe, Jeff Goldblum, Harvey Keitel, Jude Law, Bill Murray, Edward Norton, Saoirse Ronan, Jason Schwartzman, Léa Seydoux, Tilda Swinton, Tom Wilkinson. USA | Germany | UK, English | French, 99 min., Dolby, Color | Black and White.

Help! (1965)
Ringo Starr asks an Indian restaurant doorman, "You know what this ring means?" He replies, "Freemason?" Ringo Starr, Paul McCartney, John Lennon, George Harrison, Leo McKern. Directed by Richard Lester, written by Charles Wood, Marc Behm.

Hobson's Choice (1954)
Three comments are made regarding Hobson attending a masonic meeting and his Master Mason's certificate is briefly seen. [00:21:50] Directed by David Lean, written by Harold Brighouse, David Lean. Charles Laughton, John Mills, Brenda De Banzie, Daphne Anderson, Prunella Scales, Richard Wattis, Derek Blomfield, Helen Haye, Joseph Tomelty, Julien Mitchell, Gibb McLaughlin, Philip Stainton, Dorothy Gordon, Madge Brindley, John Laurie. UK, English, 107 min., Mono, Black and White.

Hollywood Homicide (2003)
Keith David as Leon, Detective Joe Gavilan's supervising officer, wears a masonic ring [00:55:50], clearly seen on the hand he's holding the phone with. Harrison Ford, Josh Hartnett, Lena Olin, Bruce Greenwood, Isaiah Washington, Lolita Davidovich, Keith David, Master P, Dwight Yoakam, Martin Landau, Lou Diamond Phillips, Gladys Knight. Directed by Ron Shelton, written by Robert Souza, Ron Shelton. 116 min. USA, English. Colour, Dolby Digital (Action)

The House at the End of Time (2013)
Unfortunately billed as a horror movie, this suspense movie incorporates multiple masonic images, all of which are irrelevent to the story but reinforce public perceptions of Fremasonry as mysterious and occult.[00:43:20], "La casa del fin de los tiempos". Directed and written by Alejandro Hidalgo. Rosmel Bustamante, Adriana Calzadilla, Simona Chirinos, Gonzalo Cubero, Alexander Da Silva, Miguel Flores, Guillermo García, Amanda Key, José León, Guillermo Londoño, Héctor Mercado, Yucemar Morales, Ruddy Rodríguez, Efraín Romero. Venezuela, Spanish, 101 min., Colour.

The Imaginarium of Doctor Parnassus (2009)
This film will provide further opportunity for the conspiracy-minded to claim a Hollywood based agenda presenting perceived illuminati/masonic/luciferian symbols [00:13:13] harbinging the coming endtimes. Oddly enough there actually is a masonic square and compasses emblem, briefly seen on a painted stage backdrop. Also noteworthy is the number of all-seeing eyes in triangles or glories [00:22:46] that on two occasions are erroneously described as being satanic symbols. And what can only be described as a masonic obscurity is Terry Gilliam's self-described homage to Roberto Calvi (found hanged under Blackfriars Bridge on 18 June 1982), when Heath Ledger's character Tony is found hanging under the same bridge. [00:25:10]. Directed by Terry Gilliam, written by Terry Gilliam and Charles McKeown. Johnny Depp, Heath Ledger, Jude Law, Lily Cole, Colin Farrell, Christopher Plummer, Tom Waits, Andrew Garfield, Peter Stormare, Verne Troyer, Paloma Faith, Montserrat Lombard, Michael Eklund, Cassandra Sawtell, Carrie Genzel. 123 min. UK | Canada | France, English | Russian | French, Colour, Dolby.

In Cold Blood (1967)
During a police interrogation, accused murderer Dick Hickock says: "Everybody's got a tattoo. Only you people call them clubs. Elks, Masons, Boy Scouts. Salute. High sign. Low sign. Secret this and secret that." [01:29:00] A different line appears in the original book. Robert Blake, Scott Wilson. Directed and written by Richard Brooks, Truman Capote (book). 134 minutes. USA, English, B&W.

Into the Wild (2007)
Both the Elks hall and Masonic Temple in Fairbanks can be seen in the opening scenes [00:01:42]. Directed by Sean Penn, written by Jon Krakauer, Sean Penn. Emile Hirsch, Marcia Gay Harden, William Hurt, Jena Malone, Brian Dierker, Catherine Keener. 140 min., USA, English / Danish, Colour, Dolby.

Jack the Ripper (1988)
Sherlock Holmes is shown giving a sign of an Entered Apprentice to the Chief of the Metropolitan Police; other references throughout the movie. Michael Caine as Inspector Frederick Abberline. [unconfirmed]

Keeping in Shape (1942)
An unidentified lunch companion in this comedy short is wearing a masonic ring. [00:03:28] Directed by Leslie M. Roush, written by Robert Benchley. Robert Benchley, Ruth Lee. 10 min. USA, English, Black and White, Mono.

League of Extraordinary Gentlemen (2003)
The square and compasses appear four times: twice in close-ups of an oversize masonic ring worn by the Phantom, a villain who tries to ignite a world war at the turn of the last century in order to create a market for his futuristic weapons and once on the office doors of the founder of the League, "M", who is later revealed to be the same person. No other reference is made to Freemasonry. A shot of the square and compasses - four big shiny ones that flash and sparkle in the light as the door on which they're mounted closes - also appears in the trailer. Sean Connery. Based on a graphic novel of the same name by Alan Moore, who also gave us From Hell.

The Librarian: The Curse of the Judas Chalice (2008)
A square and compasses pendant, important in the earlier The Librarian: Quest for the Spear, reappears as part of the opening credits montage. [00:01:00] Joe Knezevich also plays a minor character named Mason. Directed by Jonathan Frakes, written by Marco Schnabel. Noah Wyle, Bruce Davison, Stana Katic, Bob Newhart, Jane Curtin, Dikran Tulaine, Jason Douglas, Beth Burvant, Joe Knezevich, David Born, Joe Ross, John Curran, Connor Hill, Aimee Spring Fortier, Todd Voltz. USA, English, 90 min, Dolby, Colour.

The Librarian: Return to King Solomon's Mines (2006)
Flynn Carsen discovers that his father was a member of the Order of the Cryptic Masons [00:34:10], being the lineal descendant of one of twenty-four masons, hand-picked by King Solomon to build an immense temple to store his wealth [00:22:47]. First seen at [00:08:00], an unusual amulet depicting a triangle inside a square and compasses is shown again at [00:19:00] and [00:22:47], and is later used as the key to unlock the treasure room. Directed by Jonathan Frakes, written by Marco Schnabel. Noah Wyle, Gabrielle Anwar, Bob Newhart, Jane Curtin, Olympia Dukakis, Erick Avari, Hakeem Kae-Kazim, Robert Foxworth, Zahn McClarnon, Lisa Brenner, Mehboob Bawa, Jonathan Frakes. 92 min. USA, English | French | Arabic, Colour, Dolby.

Lies & Illusions (2009)
El Katif Shrine in Spokane, Washington, provided a float for a St. Patrick's Day parade in this adventure drama movie [00:00:00]. Neither the Shrine nor Freemasonry play any role in the story. Directed by Tibor Takács, written by Eric James. Christian Slater, Cuba Gooding Jr., Sarah Ann Schultz, Christa Campbell, Robert Giardina, Al Madrigal, John Casino, Merritt Yohnka, Lochlyn Munro, Alba Jeanne MacConnell, Barrie McConnell, Tracy Schornick, Kelly Hyde, Andrea Hubbard, Saybher Perrigo. USA, English, 93 min., Colour.

Like Water for Chocolate [Como agua para chocolate] (1992)
A masonic funeral is briefly seen through a window. Later, the young doctor shows the main character a drawing incorporating the square and compasses and an all-seeing eye [00:37:35] . Marco Leonardi, Tita Regina Torné, Iván Martínez. Directed by Alfonso Arau, written by Laura Esquivel. Novel by Laura Esquivel. 123 min. Mexico : Spanish

Lone Star (1996)
Corrupt sheriff Charley Wade, played by Kris Kristofferson, is identified as a freemason by his ring as the movie begins. The ring is clearly seen in a later scene as he accepts a bribe [00:08:38]. Stephen Mendillo, Stephen J. Lang, Chris Cooper. Directed and written by John Sayles. USA, English, 135 min. (Drama/Mystery).

Lonely Hearts (2006)
Nassau County Police Detective Elmer C. Robinson is shown in several scenes wearing what appears to be a masonic ring [00:07:00], [00:49:13], [00:50:10], [01:30:40]. The story is based on the director's grandfather who was responsible for the apprehension and conviction of two murderers who, between 1947 and 1949, are believed to have killed as many as 20 women. Directed by Todd Robinson, written by Todd Robinson. John Travolta, James Gandolfini, Jared Leto, Salma Hayek, Scott Caan, Laura Dern, Michael Gaston, Bruce MacVittie, Dan Byrd, Andrew Wheeler, Alice Krige, Dagmara Dominczyk, John Doman, Bailee Madison, Ellen Travolta. 108 min. Germany | USA, English, Colour, Dolby.

Lost Horizon (1937)
British diplomat Robert Conway and three others crash land in the Himalayas, and are rescued by the people of the mysterious, Eden-like valley of Shangri-la. Edward Everett Horton is interrupted, as he exclaims, "I've just finished translating one of the most interesting old tablets you can imagine. It told me all about the origin of the masonic symbols and science and ..." Ronald Colman as Conway, Edward Everett Horton (1886/03/18 - 1970/09/29) as Alexander P. Lovett. Directed by Frank Capra, written by James Hilton & Robert Riskin. 132 min., USA, English, b&w.

Mad Max Beyond Thunderdome (1985)
Edwin Hodgeman as Dr. Dealgood, the announcer introducing the fight between Max and Blaster wears a square and compasses image on his shirt front. Frank Thring, as the Collector, wears a lapel jewel that may be from a concordant masonic body. Mel Gibson, Tina Turner, Bruce Spence. Directed by George Millar. Australia/USA, English, 107 min. Colour, Dolby (Action/SF).

Magnolia (1999)
Just before gameshow host Jimmy Gator, played by Philip Baker Hall, goes on stage, Burt Ramsey, played by Ricky Jay - who is wearing a masonic ring - asks him, "You with me, Jimmy?" Jimmy says, "The book says we may be through with the past but the past ain't through with us." to which Burt replies, "We met upon the level and we're parting on the square." [00:51:23]. While studying in the public library, gameshow contestant Stanley Specter, played by Jeremy Blackman, has a stack of books, one of which is Mackey's History of Freemasonry.
Almost masonic is the stage backdrop which includes a number of symbols one of which is a compasses over a laurel. Of no masonic significance, it is a curious piece of forshadowing when a stagehand briefly flashes a cue card with "Exodus 8:12" written on it. The movie ends with a rain of frogs. Jason Robards, Philip Seymour Hoffman, Julianne Moore, Tom Cruise, Philip Baker Hall, Melora Waters, John C. Reilly, Jeremy Blackman, William H. Macy. Directed by Paul Thomas Anderson, written by Paul Thomas Anderson. 188 min. USA, English. Colour (DeLuxe), Dolby Digital. R. (Drama)

The Majestic (2001)
Unrelated to the story, the square and compasses symbol can be seen once on a mausoleum in the cemetery scene and once on a building on Main Street in the later half of the movie. Jim Carrey, Bob Balaban, Jeffrey DeMunn, Hal Holbrook, Laurie Holden, Martin Landau. Directed by Frank Darabont, written by Michael Sloane. 152 min. USA, English. Technicolor, Dolby Digital. (Drama / Romance).

The Man (2005)
The murderous, gun-dealing villain of the story, Joey Trent, is shown in two scenes wearing a masonic ring. In the first scene [00:13:32] the ring is unnaturally twisted on his finger so that it directly faces the camera. In the second scene [01:12:40] the ring is visible in close-up shots of Joey pointing a pistol during a stand-off with Samuel L. Jackson's character, Derrick Vann. The positioning is too blatant to be unintentional but whether the intent was anti-masonic or marketing is impossible to determine. The motives of any film-maker who includes masonic references in a movie produced since the launch of the web are suspect. Directed by Les Mayfield, written by Jim Piddock, Margaret Oberman. Samuel L. Jackson, Eugene Levy, Luke Goss, Miguel Ferrer, Susie Essman, Anthony Mackie, Gigi Rice, Rachael Crawford, Philip Akin, Christopher Murray, Joel S. Keller, John Hemphill, Kathryn Greenwood, Carrie Cain-Sparks, George Ghali. 83 min. USA, English. Color, Dolby.

The Man Who Would Be King (1975)
Based on a Rudyard Kipling story. Mercenary soldiers convince Kafiristan tribespeople that they are gods after discovering masonic symbols on religious artifacts. Sean Connery, Michael Caine. Directed by John Huston. 129 min. UK/USA, English, Colour. (Drama/Action).

Miami Vice (2006)
Colin Farrell and Jamie Foxx are parked in front of a Scottish Rite hall. [01:53:00]. Directed by Michael Mann, written by Michael Mann, Anthony Yerkovich. Colin Farrell, Jamie Foxx, Li Gong, Luis Tosar, Naomie Harris, Elizabeth Rodriguez, Justin Theroux, Ciarán Hinds, Barry Shabaka Henley, Domenick Lombardozzi, Isaach De Bankolé, John Ortiz, Eddie Marsan, Ana Cristina De Oliveira, John Hawkes. 134 min. Germany / USA, English / Spanish / Cree. Colour, Dolby.

Mississippi Burning (1988)
Willem Dafoe as Agent Alan Ward talks to Gene Hackman as Agent Rupert Anderson:
"There's something wrong with him. He's too confident."
"What? Did you see the wedding photograph?"
"No. Why?"
"His three pals are ushers. They had this way of hooking their thumbs in their belts with the three fingers pointing down, like that."
"So what is that? Some sort of masonic thing?"
"No. K K K." [00:46:21]. Directed by Alan Parker, written by Chris Gerolmo. Gene Hackman, Willem Dafoe, Frances McDormand. 128 min. USA, English. Colour (DeLuxe), Dolby (Drama)

Murder at the Gallop (1963)
Charles 'Bud' Tingwell as Inspector Craddock and Margaret Rutherford as Miss Marple stand in front of a fireplace which displays a square and compasses horse brass. [00:24:00]. Directed by George Pollock. Agatha Christie (novel), James P. Cavanagh (screenplay). Margaret Rutherford, Stringer Davis, Robert Morley, Flora Robson, Charles 'Bud' Tingwell, Gordon Harris, Robert Urquhart, Katya Douglas, James Villiers, Noel Howlett, Finlay Currie, Duncan Lamont, Kevin Stoney. 81 min. UK, English. Black and White, Mono

Murder by Decree (1979)
Sherlock Holmes investigates London's most infamous case, Jack the Ripper. As he investigates, he finds that the Ripper has friends in high places, implicating freemasons. Christopher Plummer, James Mason. Directed by Bob Clark.

National Treasure (2004)
Benjamin Franklin Gates, played by Nicholas Cage, descends from a family of treasure-seekers who've all hunted for the same thing: a war chest hidden by the American founding fathers. This movie is yet another fictional attempt to link the freemasons, the Knights Templar and the founding of the USA through the use of various symbols, also seen in the film's trailer. Nicolas Cage, Justin Bartha, Sean Bean, Diane Kruger, Harvey Keitel, Christopher Plummer, Jon Voight. Directed by Jon Turteltaub, written by Ted Elliott, E. Max Frye. USA, English. Colour, Stereo. (Adventure). Movie trailer found at bvim-qt.vitalstream.com.

National Treasure Two: Book of Secrets (2007)
Artifact hunter Benjamin Franklin Gates, again played by Nicholas Cage, returns in this adventure sequel. Masonic references are limited mainly to citations of a secret correspondence between Queen Victoria and Confederate General Albert Pike and a suggestion that French freemason Frederic Bartholdi incorporated a clue to the treasure in his design of the Statue of Liberty because "Masons built clues into everything." Nicolas Cage, Justin Bartha, Ed Harris, Jon Voight, Diane Kruger, Harvey Keitel, Helen Mirren. Directed by Jon Turteltaub, written by Gregory Poirier, Cormac Wibberley, Marianne Wibberley, Ted Elliott, Terry Russio. USA, English. Colour, Stereo. (Adventure).

Once a Mason (1919)
Sidney Drew, Mrs. Sidney Drew. Directed by Mrs. Sidney Drew, Sidney Drew, written by Mrs. Sidney Drew, Sidney Drew. USA, English. Black and White, Silent. (Comedy). [Mrs. Sidney Drew (18/04/1890- 3/11/1925), née: Lucille McVey: AKA: Lucille M. Drew, Lucille McVey, Jane Morrow), appeared in 54 films, wrote 29, directed 25 and produced one. Sidney Drew (28/08/1863 - 09/04/1919) appeared in 160 films, directed 143, and wrote 53.]

Overboard (1987)
In the beginning of the movie, as Dean (Kurt) is driving into town, the camera pans past the "Welcome to "Elk Cove" sign. Attached is a very obvious large blue masonic emblem. Goldie Hawn, Kurt Russell, Edward Herrmann, Katherine Helmond, Michael G. Hagerty, Roddy McDowall. Directed by Garry Marshall, written by Leslie Dixon . 106 min / 112 min (TCM print). USA, English. Metrocolour, Dolby.

Paint Your Wagon (1969)
Alan Dexter, as Parson: "Ye godless jaspers! Who are you? Freemasons? Rosicrucians? Heathen emissaries from the dens of Babylon? Boozers. Gluttons. Gamblers. Harlots. Fornicators!" [01:33:00] This line dos not appear in the original 1951 Broadway production book by Alan Jay Lerner. Directed by Joshua Logan, written by Paddy Chayefsky, Alan Jay Lerner. Lee Marvin, Clint Eastwood, Jean Seberg.

Paper Moon (1973)
Ryan O'Neal plays a travelling con-artist, Moses Pray, who sells "deluxe, gold-embossed personalized" Bibles to recently bereaved widows. His first sale after meeting Tatum O'Neal, as Addie Loggins, is to a widow whose late husband's services were held at "Masonic Lodge No. 721" [00:18:00]. Directed by Peter Bogdanovich, writing credits Joe David Brown (novel) Alvin Sargent (screenplay). Ryan O'Neal, Tatum O'Neal, Madeline Kahn, John Hillerman, P.J. Johnson, Lee Fulton, James N. Harrell, Lila Waters, Noble Willingham, Bob Young, Jack Saunders, Jody Wilbur, Liz Ross, Yvonne Harrison, Dorothy Price. 102 min. USA, English. Black and White, Mono. Based on Addie Pray, Joe David Brown. Boston, G. K. Hall, 1971. 529 p. 25 cm. ISBN: 0816160090.

Passport to Pimlico (1949)
A Master Mason certificate is seen on a wall of the Home Secretary's office. [00:30:30] Directed by Henry Cornelius, written by T.E.B. Clarke. Stanley Holloway, Betty Warren, Barbara Murray, Paul Dupuis, John Slater, Jane Hylton, Raymond Huntley, Philip Stainton, Roy Carr, Sydney Tafler, Nancy Gabrielle, Malcolm Knight, Hermione Baddeley, Roy Gladdish, Frederick Piper. UK, English, 84 min., Mono, Black and White

Peggy Sue Got Married (1986)
A masonic lodge hall sign with square and compasses can be seen early in the movie. Kathleen Turner, Nicolas Cage. Directed by Francis Ford Coppola.

Prisoners (2013)
Jake Gyllenhaal, as a police detective, wears a large masonic ring on his left little finger. It is seen on numerous occasions throughout the film as well as in the trailer. Directed by Denis Villeneuve, written by Aaron Guzikowski. Hugh Jackman, Jake Gyllenhaal, Viola Davis, Maria Bello, Terrence Howard, Melissa Leo, Paul Dano, Dylan Minnette, Zoe Borde, Erin Gerasimovich, Kyla Drew Simmons, Wayne Duvall, Len Cariou, David Dastmalchian, Brad James. USA, English. 153 min., Dolby, Colour.

The Pyramid (2014)
Archaeologists trying to escape from a pyramid discover the dessicated body of an earlier archaeologist whose last journal entry is dated May 21st, 1887. Dr. Nora comments on his large ring. [01:03:50 - 01:05:00]. Directed by Grégory Levasseur, written by Daniel Meersand, Nick Simon. Ashley Hinshaw, Denis O'Hare, James Buckley, Christa Nicola, Amir K, Faycal Attougui, Philip Shelley, Ait Hamou Amine, Omar Benbrahim, Joseph Beddelem, Chakir El Faaiz, Garsha Arristos, Prince Shah. USA, English, 89 min., Dolby, Colour.

Revelation (2001)
The Knights Templar are searching for an ancient relic, the Loculus, so that they can resurrect Christ. Lord Martel tells the story of a masonic order called the Knights Templars (sic); a Knights Templar ceremony, several all-seeing eye symbols and pentagrams are depicted. A TV newscast mentions an illegal masonic order called the P2 CIA; the camera then pans to the word "Masonic" on a newspaper headline. The overall theme of the movie is anti-masonic. Terence Stamp, James D'Arcy, Natasha Wightman, Liam Cunningham, Heathcote Williams, Derek Jacobi. Directed by Stuart Urban, written by Frank Falco (idea) Stuart Urban. 111 min. UK, English, Colour (DeLuxe), Dolby Digital. Romulus Films, Overseas Filmgroup (Drama/Fantasy).

Rosewood (1997)
Based on an actual incident in 1923, this movie has played fast and loose with the historical facts but none-the-less presents a scathing and realistic indictment of the times. While there is evidence of a masonic angle, the movie gives it far too much prominence. Masonic symbols are prominently displayed in several scenes. Jon Voight, Ving Rhames, Don Cheadle. Directed by John Singleton, written by Gregory Poirier. 140 min. USA, English. Technicolor, Dolby Digital. R. (Action/Drama).

Sands of Oblivion (2007)
When The Ten Commandments was filmed in 1923, Egyptian artifacts were brought to the United States for the filming. One contained an Anubis demon. "Director (and brother) Cecil B. DeMille was commissioned by a Hollywood Masonic Lodge to trap the demon in the sands of California. [00:57:40] The movie ends with Hollywood Masonic Lodge coming back and sealing the demon away again."
(TV) Directed by David Flores, written by Jeff Coatney, Kevin VanHook. Morena Baccarin, Adam Baldwin, Victor Webster, George Kennedy, Azie Tesfai, Richard Kind, John Aniston, Kristina Sisco, Grinnell Morris, Alan Kemper Armani, Eric Artell, April Bowlby, Dan Castellaneta, Henry Dankwah, Melissa Di Meglio, Jeremy Fitzgerald, Shannon Garnett, Jamel Gay, Kathleen LaGue, Charles Lister, Jeff Manzanares, Raymond O'Connor, Alejandro Patino, A.J. Presley, Angel Princess, Nick Principe, Anthony Reynolds, Wayne Roadie, Jack Samson, Daniel Mark Stafford, Chelse Swain, Diana Terranova, Sigmund Watkins, Paul Weber. 90 min. USA, English, Colour.

The Searchers (1956)
In a scene where Wayne rides into a Camanche camp after a battle, one of the dead Camanches is lying sprawled face up, wearing a blue cloth apron, similar in size to a masonic apron, with white ribbons sewn in the shape of a square and compasses. John Wayne, Jeffrey Hunter, Vera Miles, Ward Bond, Natalie Wood. Directed by John Ford, Script by Frank Nugen. USA. English, 120 min., Colour (Western).

Secrets (1982)
A group of girls at a boarding school re-enact a masonic ritual based on one girl's deceased father's ritual book. Helen Lindesey, Anne Campbell-Jones, Daisy Cockburn, Directed by Gavin Millar. British.

Shoot 'Em Up (2007)
Returning to the negative depictions of Freemasonry found in films such as The Man (2005), Giamatti plays a hired killer who, throughout the movie, wears a large masonic square and compasses on his jacket lapel. Directed by Michael Davis, written by Michael Davis. Clive Owen, Paul Giamatti, Monica Bellucci, Stephen McHattie, Greg Bryk, Daniel Pilon, Sidney Mende-Gibson, Lucas Mende-Gibson, Kaylyn Yellowlees, Ramona Pringle, Julian Richings, Tony Munch, Scott McCord, Wiley M. Pickett, Stephen R. Hart. 86 min. USA, English / Italian, Colour.

The Shop on Main Street (1965)
In 1943 Czechoslovakia a police officer warns a nightclub crowd that they will have no mercy on "Jew-Bolshevists, Freemasons, plutocrats and other riff-raff." [01:43:20] (Obchod na Korze) Idá Kaminská, Josef Kroner. Directed by Ján Kadár & Elmar Klos, screenplay by L. Grosman, Ján Kadár & Elmar Klos. 1965. 125 min. Czechoslovakia, Czechoslovakian, Filmové Studio Barrandov. B&W, mono.

Short Circuit (1986)
Early in the film, shortly after a military demonstration, a computor programmer is shown working on a keyboard. A close-up of his hands typing on the keyboard shows what may be a masonic ring on his left hand. [00:00:00] Directed by John Badham, written by Brent Maddock, S.S. Wilson. Ally Sheedy, Steve Guttenberg, Fisher Stevens, Austin Pendleton, G.W. Bailey, Brian McNamara, Tim Blaney, Marvin J. McIntyre, John Garber, Penny Santon, Vernon Weddle, Barbara Tarbuck, Tom Lawrence, Fred Slyter, Billy Ray Sharkey. 98 min. USA, English, Color, Dolby.

Silent Hill: Revelation 3D (2012)
Heather Mason walks by a masonic tracing board. [00:00:00]. Directed by Michael J. Bassett, written by Michael J. Bassett, Laurent Hadida, Adelaide Clemens, Kit Harington, Carrie-Anne Moss, Sean Bean, Radha Mitchell, Malcolm McDowell, Martin Donovan, Deborah Kara Unger, Roberto Campanella, Erin Pitt, Peter Outerbridge, Jefferson Brown, Milton Barnes, Heather Marks, Rachel Sellan. France | USA | Canada, English, 94 min., Dolby, Colour.

Sabotage (2014)
An enlargement of a masonic-themed poster is clearly seen in a drug cartel safe house.[01:10:09]. Directed by David Ayer, written by Skip Woods, David Ayer. Arnold Schwarzenegger, Sam Worthington, Joe Manganiello, Josh Holloway, Terrence Howard, Max Martini, Kevin Vance, Mark Schlegel, Ned Yousef, Mireille Enos, Maurice Compte, Martin Donovan, Michael Monks, Nick Chacon, Tim Ware. USA, English, 109 min, Dolby, Colour.

Slacker (1991)
A montage of interconnected conversations and monologues, one is a rant on UFO conspiracies, one is on Kennedy assassination conspiracies and one later conversation is about the freemasons: "The reason these guys are being forgotten though, is that they're not Freemasons. The masons are the one's that control history. Look at it, every ... every president but one: mason. Every man that's walked on the moon ... thirty-third degree mason. I mean, look at the Warren commission, a Shriner convention without go-carts.".
"Exactly. The slate of American history needs to be wiped clean. We need to start all over again. Let's put Larry Fieman in the history books. Let's put Squeaky Fromme on the one dollar bill."
"Least we ought to get that masonic pyramid bullshit off the back." [01:14:40].
Directed and written by Richard Linklater. 'Espresso Czar/Masonic Malcontent' played by Dan Kratochvil. 97 min. USA, English. Colour, Ultra Stereo

Spartan (2004)
Curtis (Derek Luke): "My name's Curtis."
Scott (Val Kilmer): "Do I need to know that? If I want camaraderie, I'll join the Masons." [00:05:30] Writen and directed by David Mamet. Tia Texada, Derek Luke, Val Kilmer, William H. Macy, David Paymer. Directed by David Mamet, written by David Mamet. 106 min. USA / Germany, English / Russian / Swedish. Colour, Dolby Digital.

State of Play (2009)
A cobalt blue travel mug emblazened with the masonic square and compasses is visible on Washington Globe reporter Cal McAffrey's cluttered kitchen table. [00:15:00] Directed by Kevin Macdonald, written by Matthew Michael Carnahan and Tony Gilroy. Russell Crowe, Ben Affleck, Rachel McAdams, Helen Mirren, Robin Wright Penn, Jason Bateman, Jeff Daniels, Michael Berresse, Harry Lennix, Josh Mostel, Michael Weston, Barry Shabaka Henley, Viola Davis, David Harbour, Sarah Lord. 127 min. USA | UK | France, English, Colour, Dolby.

Take Me Out To The Ball Game (1948)
The lyrics in the closing number, a reprise of Strictly USA, end with: "Like the annual Elks convention / Like masonic halls or firemen's balls / Like honeymooning at Niagara Falls / They're really here to stay / Cause it's strictly USA." Directed by Busby Berkeley, produced by Arthur Freed, written by Gene Kelly and Stanley Donen. Frank Sinatra, Esther Williams, Gene Kelly, Betty Garrett. Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer, Loew's Incorporated. 93 min. USA. English, Technicolor. (Musical / Comedy)

They All Laughed (1981)
Patti Hansen, as Sam (Deborah Wilson), drives a taxi with a square and compasses pendant hanging from her rear view mirror. [00:00:00] Directed by Peter Bogdanovich, written by Peter Bogdanovich Blaine Novak. Audrey Hepburn, Ben Gazzara, Patti Hansen, John Ritter, Dorothy Stratten, Blaine Novak, Linda MacEwen, George Morfogen, Colleen Camp, Sean H. Ferrer, Glenn Scarpelli, Vassili Lambrinos, Antonia Bogdanovich, Sashy Bogdanovich, Sheila Stodden. 115 min. USA, English. Colour, Mono.

Things to Come (1936)
In the year 1936 a global war begins. This war drags out over many decades ... Raymond Massey as John Cabal/Oswald Cabal makes a reference to "The brotherhood of efficiency. The freemasonry of science." [00:36:00] A later reference to "our children's children" and the framing of many shots by pillars or arches is not necessarily significant. Edward Chapman as Pippa Passworthy/Raymond Passworthy, Ralph Richardson as The Boss, Margaretta Scott as Roxana/Rowena. Directed by William Cameron Menzies, Writing credits: H.G. Wells (also novel The Shape of Things to Come) AKA: The Shape of Things to Come. UK, English, 100 min., b&w, Mono. (Sci-Fi).

Tombstone (1993)
A retelling of the gunfight at the OK Corral and its aftermath. Jon Tenney, as John Behan, Cochise County Sheriff wears a square and compasses watchfob. Buck Taylor, as Turkey Creek Jack Johnson, wearing a square and compasses pendant responds to Val Kilmer's Doc Holliday saying he has no friends by saying, "Hell, I've got lots of friends." Kurt Russell, Val Kilmer. Directed by George P. Cosmatos, written by Kevin Jarre. USA, English. 130 min. Dolby, Technicolor (Western).

Tooth Fairy 2 (2012)
Duplicitous mayorial candidate, Beauguard 'Bo' Billings, wears a large square and compasses emblem ring throughout the film, clearly visible in several close-ups during a wedding cake tasting scene. [00:56:50] Directed by Alex Zamm, written by Ben Zazove. Larry the Cable Guy (Daniel Lawrence Whitney), David Mackey, Erin Beute, John Connon, Bob Lipka, Lucius Baston, Gabriel Suttle, Brady Reiter, Ellie Brannan, Ashton Brown, Dajalynn Sanchez, Matthew Romeo, Reilly Gentges, Holland Hayes, Kristen Wharton. 90 min., USA, English, Colour.

Travelling Salesman (2012)
Dialogue parodying ritual found in many nineteenth century masonic exposures is heard in a dream sequence. Considering the otherwise intellectual and philosophical depth of the script, the introduction of pseudo-masonic ritual is incongruous. The introduction of the all-seeing eye in a triangle as a watermark on presidential stationery is also gratuitous. [00:74:40] Directed by Timothy Lanzone, written by Andy Lanzone, Timothy Lanzone. Danny Barclay, Eric Bloom, David John Cole, Malek Houlihan, Matt Lagan, Marc Raymond, Tyler Seiple, Steve West. USA, English, 80 min, Dolby, Colour.

True Grit (1969)
Kim Darby's character, Matty, on viewing her recently deceased father in a coffin in a funeral parlour, tells the farm hand, "When you get home, you put him in a better coffin and you bury him in a mason's apron." [00:13:12] This line is based on the 1968 novel by Charles Portis. John Wayne, Glen Campbell, Robert Duvall. Directed by Henry Hathaway. USA, English. Colour (Western).

True Grit (2010)
In an early scene in this version, Mattie, played by Hailee Steinfeld, looks down at her dead father's belongings and among the items is a large gold square and compasses emblem [00:13:32]. An ashtray with a masonic square and compasses bordered by two pillars, is also seen in half-shadow while Mattie is counting money. [00:28:25] Directed by Ethan Coen, Joel Coen, written by Joel Coen and Ethan Coen. Jeff Bridges, Hailee Steinfeld, Matt Damon, Josh Brolin, Barry Pepper, Dakin Matthews, Jarlath Conroy, Paul Rae, Domhnall Gleeson, Elizabeth Marvel, Roy Lee Jones, Ed Corbin, Leon Russom, Bruce Green, Candyce Hinkle. USA, English, 110 min. Dolby, Colour.

Unstable Fables: 3 Pigs & a Baby (2008)
In this contemporary re-interpretation of the tale of the three little pigs and the big bad wolf, the pig who builds his house with bricks is named Mason. In the scene when they discuss keeping a foundling, a masonic square and compasses emblem is visible on the archway. [00:18:53] This completely irrelevent introduction of the masonic square and compasses is similar to an appearance in The Ant Bully (2006). Directed by Howard E. Baker, Arish Fyzee, written by Craig Bartlett, Joseph Purdy. Voices: Jon Cryer, Brad Garrett, Steve Zahn, Tom Kenny, Jesse McCartney, Timothy McCartney, Steve Wilcox, Nolan North, Chris Elwood, Mark Adair-Rios, Tara Strong, Audrey Wasilewski. Animation. 76 min. USA, English, Colour, Dolby.

U-Turn (1997)
A married real estate salesman, Jake McKenna played by Nick Nolte, in Superior Arizona later married his daughter by his Apache mistress then hires a gambler on the run to kill her. He wears a masonic ring, seen in a close-up [00:41:05]. Directed by Oliver Stone, written by John Ridley. Sean Penn, Nick Nolte, Jennifer Lopez, Powers Boothe, Claire Danes, Joaquin Phoenix, Jon Voight, Billy Bob Thornton. 125 min, France / USA, English. Technicolor, Dolby Digital. (Drama).

War and Peace (1968)
Andre : "Have you made your mind at last? The Imperial Guard or diplomacy?"
Pierre Bezukhov : "I don't know yet. I don't like to be either. He must be a freemason, anyway. [00:09:40, Part 1]
Countess : "You're flirting with him too."
Natasha Rostova : "No, he [Pierre] is a freemason." [00:05:41, Part 2]
Voyna i mir (1968) (War and Peace). Directed by Sergei Bondarchuk, written by Sergei Bondarchuk, Vasili Solovyov . Irina Gubanova, Antonina Shuranova, Sergei Bondarchuk, Liudmila Savelieva, Sergei Bondarchuk, Vyacheslav Tikhonov, Anastasiya Vertinskaya, Irina Skobtseva, Vassily Lanovoy, Oleg Efremov. 4 parts, 403 min. Soviet Union, Russian. Sovcolor, Dolby (DVD).

Wall Street: Money Never Sleeps (2010)
Eli Wallach, in a prominent cameo role, plays Jules Steinhardt, Schwartz's patriarch and old guard Wall Street tycoon, seen wearing a masonic square and compasses lapel pin. [01:24:54]. Wall Street: Money Never Sleeps (2010). Directed by Oliver Stone. written by Allan Loeb, Stephen Schiff. Michael Douglas, Shia LaBeouf, Josh Brolin, Carey Mulligan, Eli Wallach, Susan Sarandon, Frank Langella, Austin Pendleton, John Bedford Lloyd, Vanessa Ferlito, John Buffalo Mailer, Jason Clarke, Christian Baha, Maria Bartiromo, Waltrudis Buck. USA, English, 133 min. Dolby, Color.

We Own the Night (2007)
Unremarked, Deputy Chief Albert 'Bert' Grusinsky wears a masonic ring. [00:47:00] Directed by James Gray, written by James Gray. Joaquin Phoenix, Eva Mendes, Mark Wahlberg, Robert Duvall, Alex Veadov, Dominic Colon, Danny Hoch, Oleg Taktarov, Moni Moshonov, Antoni Corone, Craig Walker, Tony Musante, Joe D'Onofrio, Yelena Solovey, Maggie Kiley. 117 min. USA, English / Russian, Colour, Dolby.

What Planet Are You From? (2000)
Garry Shandling plays Harold Anderson who is an extraterrestrial working as a loans officer in a bank. His manager, Don Fisk played by Richard Jenkins, wears a masonic lapel pin. He is also wearing a wedding band and claims to be having an affair with one of his employees. Directed by Mike Nichols, Written by Garry Shandling, Michael Leeson. Garry Shandling, Annette Bening, John Goodman, Greg Kinnear, Ben Kingsley. 104 min. USA, English. Colour (DeLuxe), Dolby Digital / SDDS. R (Comedy).

What's Eating Gilbert Grape (1993)
A masonic ring is worn by Ken Carver [01:07:06], a small-town insurance salesman trying too hard to be an attentive father. Johnny Depp, Leonardo DiCaprio, Juliette Lewis. Directed by Lasse Hallström, written by Peter Hedges. 118 min. USA, English. Colour, Dolby. (Drama)

Z (1969)
When a pacifist and humanitarian speaker, "the Deputy", is attacked on his way to a peace rally, an unidentified man joins the rally organizers to help get him to safety and then justifies his presence by saying: "I'm a mason." [00:24:50]. Directed by Costa-Gavras, written by Vassilis Vassilikos (novel) Jorge Semprún. Yves Montand, Irene Papas, Jean-Louis Trintignant, Jacques Perrin, Charles Denner, François Périer, Pierre Dux, Georges Géret, Bernard Fresson, Marcel Bozzuffi, Julien Guiomar, Magali Noël, Renato Salvatori, Habib Reda, Clotilde Joano. 127 min, Algeria / France, French. Eastmancolor, Mono. Visa de Contrôle Cinámatographique No. 34.695.