New DVD—National Treasure
On November 22, 2004, Richard E. Fletcher, 33°,
PGM, and Executive Secretary of the Masonic Service Association
of North America, sent the following memo to all Grand
Secretaries of North America.
The new movie National Treasure, starring Nicolas
Cage, opened in theaters across the nation on November
19, 2004.
It quickly rose to be the highest grossing film ($35.3
million in ticket sales) of the weekend and has already
generated an extremely wide public awareness of Freemasonry.
Most importantly, it portrays Masonry in a positive light
and accents the significance of the Founding Fathers to
our national identity. Many of these early patriots identified
as Masons in the film, like George Washington and Benjamin
Franklin are well known. Only one reference is not correct.
Early in the movie, Charles Carroll, identified as the
last survivor of the 56 patriots who signed the Declaration
of Independence, is portrayed as a Freemason. Charles Carroll
of Maryland was not a member of the fraternity. (Historically,
it is believed the reason he was identified as a Mason
is that he was present at the laying of the cornerstone
of the B&O Railroad.)
Most of the movie is entirely fictional. There is no “National
Treasure,” as defined by the film, nor were Freemasons
as a group ever involved in collecting and safeguarding
valuable antiquities on behalf of all humanity. Nevertheless,
Masonic principles and values are referenced many times
in the film, and the audience receives a very favorable
impression of the Craft.
The movie is rated PG because of “mild violence.” It
really is a family movie, and one all Masons should enjoy.
It might even be fun for a Lodge to have a “movie
night” and sponsor members and their families who
wish to attend. Discussions about the film should result
in many beneficial insights regarding Freemasonry among
both Masons and the general public.
For more information about Masonic symbols used in this
film, see "The
Eye in the Pyramid," by Dr. S. Brent Morris,
33°, Grand Cross. |
