Triplex Screens 'Killer Clowns From Outer Space'

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GREAT BARRINGTON, Mass. — The Triplex Cinema announced a special Halloween screening of the cult classic science fiction comedy horror film "Killer Klowns from Outer Space" presented by the Bard College at Simon's Rock College Horror Film Club. 
 
Released in 1988, the film tells the story of a small town that is invaded by a troupe of grotesque extraterrestrial clowns who arrive on Earth to capture, kill and harvest the townsfolk to use as sustenance.  
 
The film will be presented by Simon's Rock student Finn Baack, founder of the Horror Film Club.
 
The screening is on Saturday, Oct. 26 at 9:00 pm and tickets are available at the thetriplex.org or at the Triplex box office. 
 
According to a press release:
 
Since the time of its initial release "Killer Klowns," written and produced by brothers Charles and Stephen Chiodo (Stephen also directed), has  become a cult classic, admired by cinephiles for its inventive use of practical special effects. The Chiodo brothers were previously known as special effects artists and their work included the claymation scene from "Pee-Wee's Big Adventure," the stop-motion elements in the North Pole scenes from "Elf," and clay animation work in a number of episodes of "The Simpsons." Most recently they created the stop-motion animation for "Marcel the Shell With Shoes On."
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Reps. Leigh Davis, Bud Williams Filing Legislation Honoring Freeman

SHEFFIELD, Mass. — State Reps. Leigh Davis of the 3rd Berkshire District and Bud L. Williams, of the 11th Hampden District, are filing legislation establishing Aug. 22 as Elizabeth Freeman Day of Equality, Healing, and Remembrance in the commonwealth.
 
The legislation would direct the governor to annually issue a proclamation recognizing the courageous contributions of Elizabeth Freeman, an enslaved Black woman known as Mum Bett, whose landmark freedom suit helped spark the legal end of slavery in Massachusetts.
 
"Elizabeth Freeman's story began here in the Berkshires, but its impact reached every corner of the commonwealth," said Davis. "More than two centuries later, her legacy continues to inspire us. Establishing Elizabeth Freeman Day will ensure that future generations learn not only about her extraordinary bravery, but also about the power of one person to change the course of history."
 
In 1781, Freeman, of Sheffield at the time, challenged the institution of slavery by filing suit against her enslaver, Col. John Ashley. In the landmark case Brom and Bett v. Ashley, a Berkshire County jury ruled in favor of Freeman and her fellow plaintiff, Brom, granting them their freedom. The case demonstrated the power of the Massachusetts Constitution's declaration that all people are born free and equal and helped pave the way for the Quock Walker decisions that ultimately ended slavery in the commonwealth. 
 
"Freeman's courage changed the course of history in Massachusetts," said Williams. "At a time when the odds were stacked against her, she stood up and demanded that the promises of liberty and equality contained in our Constitution apply to her as well. She risked everything to challenge an unjust system, and her victory helped lay the foundation for the end of slavery in our commonwealth. Her legacy deserves to be recognized and remembered by every resident of Massachusetts."
 
Although unable to read or write, Freeman understood the meaning of freedom and equality and took extraordinary action to secure those rights for herself and others. Her story remains one of the most powerful examples of individual courage in the face of injustice. 
 
Elizabeth Freeman Day will provide an opportunity for reflection, education, healing, and remembrance, said Williams. 
 
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