Triplex Cinema Screens 'Raiders of the Lost Ark' Free for Premium Members

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GREAT BARRINGTON, Mass.— The Triplex Cinema will host a free premium members screening of Steven Spielberg’s 1981 film "Raiders of the Lost Ark" on Thursday, May 22nd. The film, set in 1936, stars Harrison Ford as archaeologist Indiana Jones as he competes with Nazi forces to locate the Ark of the Covenant. Jones is joined by his former romantic interest, Marion Ravenswood, played by Karen Allen, to prevent a rival archaeologist from assisting the Nazis in obtaining the Ark.

Premium members can reserve tickets, and the public can purchase tickets, at www.thetriplex.org.

"Raiders of the Lost Ark" was conceived by George Lucas in the early 1970s as a modern take on early 20th-century action serials. Steven Spielberg directed the film based on a screenplay developed with writer Lawrence Kasdan. The character of Indiana Jones was inspired by actors Clint Eastwood and Toshiro Mifune, as well as the fictional character James Bond. Marion Ravenswood’s character was inspired by Hollywood figures like Irene Dunne and Barbra Stanwyck.

Filming took place in France, North Africa, Hawaii, and at Elstree Studios in England, beginning in June 1981. Upon its release a year later, "Raiders of the Lost Ark" became the highest-grossing film of 1981 and received five Academy Awards. The film has been recognized for its action sequences, humor, the relationship between the lead characters, and the musical score by John Williams. In 1999, it was selected for preservation in the National Film Registry by the Library of Congress. "Raiders of the Lost Ark" is the first film in the Indiana Jones franchise.

Gail Lansky, President of the Triplex Board of Directors, stated that this screening is a gesture of appreciation for the cinema's premium members. She noted that premium memberships support the Triplex’s programming and offer benefits such as discounted tickets, free popcorn, early access to events, and other offers. Information on becoming a member is available at www.thetriplex.org.

The Triplex Cinema is a nonprofit organization that provides a venue for a variety of films and community-focused programming.

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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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