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

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.

Lee Breaks Ground on Public Safety Building

By Brittany PolitoiBerkshires Staff
06:26AM / Saturday, April 25, 2026

Lee Town Administrator Chris Brittain says the community voted to invest in its future by approving the new $37 million complex. 

LEE, Mass. — Ground was ceremonially broken on the town's new public safety building, something officials see as a gift to the community and future generations. 

When finished, Lee will have a 37,000 square-foot combined public safety facility on Railroad Street where the Airoldi and Department of Public Works buildings once stood. Construction will cost around $24 million, and is planned to be completed in August 2027.

"This is the town of Lee being proactive. This is the town of Lee being thoughtful and considerate and practical and assertive, and this project is not just for us. This project is a gift," Select Board member Bob Jones said. 

"This is a gift to our children, our grandchildren."

State and local officials, including U.S. Rep. Richard Neal, gathered at the site on Friday, clad in hard hats and yellow vests, and shoveled some dirt to kick off the build. 

Town Administrator Chris Brittain explained that officials have planned and reviewed the need for a modern facility for the public safety departments for years, and that the project marks a new chapter, replacing 19th-century infrastructure with a "state-of-the-art" complex.

"The project is not just about concrete and steel, it's a commitment to the safety of our families, the efficiency of our first responders, and the future of our community," he said. 

He said he was grateful to the town's Police, Fire, and Building departments for their dedication while operating out of outdated facilities, and to the Department of Public Works, for coordinating site preparation and relocating its services.