‘It was sixty years ago today’

    

Walter Shenson/Subafilms

At this hour sixty years ago, the Beatles performed on The Ed Sullivan Show.

While there are a few Freemasons depicted in the cover art of Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band, there aren’t Beatles-Craft connections that I know about, except. . . In 1965, the group filmed their second movie, Help!, which includes this quick, silly exchange between Ringo Starr and Alfie Bass:

Ringo: “Does this ring mean anything to you?”

Doorman: “Freemason?”

Ringo: “He’s from the west!”

Doorman: “Nah, east—Stepney!” 

The Beatles previously had been Quarrymen, but they never were Freemasons. It’s not too late! I’m sure Chelsea, St. Cecile, or any lodge would love to have Ringo or Paul.