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1[[quoteright:290:https://static.tvtropes.org/pmwiki/pub/images/laid_to_rest_1969_movie_poster.jpg]]
2[[caption-width-right:290: [- [[WesternAnimation/SpongebobSquarepants This is the future, everything is chrome]]. -] ]]
3
4->''"Death. Polished"''
5
6''Laid to Rest'' is a 2009 SlasherMovie written and directed by F/X guru Robert Hall.
7
8The plot concerns an amnesiac simply named The Girl, and later, Princess, who awakens in a coffin with a head wound and amnesia. Minutes after she wakes up, she encounters [=ChromeSkull=], a skull-masked psychopath who tapes the murders he commits with his shoulder-mounted video camera. She escapes the killer and is taken in by Tucker, a middle-aged man who lets her stay with him and his wife Cindy, but unfortunately for them, [=ChromeSkull=] still wants the girl. After Cindy is killed, Tucker and Princess try to flee, their only aid being a skittish man named Steven. Along the way, the girl tries to remember who she was and why she was brought here, all the while, things go progressively downhill.
9
10A sequel entitled ''[=ChromeSkull=]: Laid to Rest 2'' was released Video On Demand before coming out on UsefulNotes/{{DVD}}[=/=]UsefulNotes/BluRay September 20th, 2011. While there were plans for a third film, they fell through due to the crowdfunding campaign for it failing and Robert Hall's death in 2021, though in 2023 it was announced by [=ChromeSkull=]'s actor, Nick Principe, that he and artist Fábio Simão would be publishing a comic book prequel-sequel titled ''The Reflection of Fear.''
11
12----
13
14!!This series provides examples of the following tropes:
15
16* AbsurdlySharpBlade: [=ChromeSkull=]'s signature weapon is a vicious-looking knife that seems to cut through whatever it is used on.
17* AbusiveParents: [[spoiler:While being operated on, [=ChromeSkull=] seems to relive a memory that implies that his mortician father ordered him to touch a dead body and telling him not to fear it after the younger [=ChromeSkull=] walked in on him.]]
18* AmnesiacHero: Princess.
19* AndStarring: With Richard Lynch and Lena Headey.
20** Introducing Angelina Armani, Special Appearance by Creator/DanielleHarris, With Creator/GailOGrady and Creator/BrianAustinGreen in ''2''.
21* AntagonistTitle: ''2''.
22* AscendedExtra: Tommy arrives fairly late in the first movie, but manages to survive it and plays a bigger role in the sequel.
23* AssholeVictim: Nobody's gonna cry when [[spoiler:[=ChromeSkull=] beheads [[JackTheRipoff Preston]] after agreeing to "teach him"]].
24* AteHisGun: Mrs. Cromeans's death in ''2''.
25* AxCrazy: [=ChromeSkull=], and Preston in the sequel. Both are vicious, relentless murderers who just love to kill people — [[MonsterMisogyny especially women]] — as gruesomely as possible.
26* BadassBystander: The store clerk attempts to stop Chromeskull with a shotgun but fails.
27* BadBoss: In ''2,'' it's revealed that Jesse Cromeans, aka [=ChromeSkull=], runs an organization that cleans up after him and makes sure he doesn't get caught. He [[spoiler:kills one of his employees/accomplices for trying to take his place.]]
28* BaldOfEvil: [=ChromeSkull=], and later Preston in ''2''.
29* TheBaroness: Spann in ''2''.
30* BatmanGambit: [[spoiler:Realizing [=ChromeSkull=]'s obsession with his mask, Steven replaces his special glue with acid, knowing that in his haste to get it back on when it inevitably came off, Chromey wouldn't bother checking over his supplies, even though they were briefly taken from him]].
31* BatterUp: [=ChromeSkull=] is seen using this once as a weapon on Princess, who later uses one to attack [=ChromeSkull=]. ''2'' sees a spiked bat being used by Jess and Tommy.
32* BigBadWannabe: In ''2'', Preston has aspirations to replace [=ChromeSkull=], [[spoiler:going so far as to don his outfit and get his tattoo... and then he gets brutally murdered]].
33* BlackEyesOfEvil: The mask somehow causes this, even though there doesn't actually seem to be any kind of barrier between it and the eyes.
34* BlankSlate: Princess is even described as such by Tommy in ''2''.
35* BloodFromTheMouth
36* BloodIsSquickerInWater: Princess showering the blood off in ''2''.
37* BloodSplatteredInnocents
38* BoomHeadshot: The death of the store clerk. [=ChromeSkull=] turns his shotgun on him just as he is about to fire, turning his head into [[ChunkySalsaRule a nice bit of salsa]].
39* BulletproofVest: A blink and you'll miss it scene at the end of ''2'' reveals [=ChromeSkull=] has taken to wearing one.
40* CameraAbuse: As [=ChromeSkull=] is cutting the bound girl's head off, some blood gets on the camera; soda also gets sprayed on it when [=ChromeSkull=] is trying to get to Princess in the convenience store cooler.
41* CameraFiend: [=ChromeSkull=], and Jess in ''2''.
42* CampingACrapper: Preston gets [[spoiler:Princess]] in the motel bathroom in ''2''.
43* CaneFu: Tucker uses his cane to knock around [=ChromeSkull=].
44* TheCavalryArrivesLate: The local police arrive at the convenience store just after Princess and Tommy leave it, and the FBI arrive at the factory just before the credits in ''2''.
45* CellPhonesAreUseless: Abused as much as possible. Princess accidentally unplugs the funeral home phone, neither Tucker or Steven have one, and [=ChromeSkull=]'s cellphones are password protected.
46* ChainPain: [=ChromeSkull=] gets [[spoiler:Preston]] with some hooked chains (which he strings him up with) in ''2''; Tommy later uses one to choke [=ChromeSkull=].
47* ChekhovsGun: Steven has a bottle of tire sealant and sarcastically suggests they spray it in [=ChromeSkull=]'s ear. [[spoiler:[=ChromeSkull=] kills him by spraying it into his ear until his face explodes(?!).]]
48** Cindy's line asking Tucker [[spoiler:if Princess is a drug addict and[=/=]or prostitute. We later find out that, yes, she was both.]]
49* ChekhovsGunman: The corpse that Princess finds in the funeral home was Steven's mother.
50* ChromeChampion
51* CoolCar: [=ChromeSkull=] Mobile and the bizarrely pimped out Jones Funeral Home hearse ("Last Ride").
52* CoolMask: Despicable monster that he is, [=ChromeSkull=] has a damn awesome mask.
53* CoverDrop: It's [=ChromeSkull=]'s chest tattoo.
54* CowboyCop: Tiny in ''2''.
55* CreatorCameo: Robert Hall is the diner patron in the video of Jess that Spann shows [=ChromeSkull=] in ''2''.
56* CreepyMortician: Mr. Jones.
57* CriminalMindGames: [=ChromeSkull=] sends copies of his murder tapes to the authorities.
58* CruelAndUnusualDeath: [=ChromeSkull=] hands these out like candy. [[spoiler:He deservingly (almost) ends up on the receiving end of one himself when his mask adhesive is replaced with acid and Princess smashes his face in with a metal bat.]]
59* CueTheSun: The ending of the first film.
60* DarkIsEvil: [=ChromeSkull=] always dress in black.
61* DarknessEqualsDeath: In ''2'', Max gets killed when Preston rushes him while a light bulb flickers and goes out; when it comes back on, Preston's blade is embedded through the side of his head and into [[EyeScream his eye]].
62* DeadStarWalking: [[spoiler: Lena Headley in Part 1.]]
63* DecapitationPresentation: When he's finished beheading [[spoiler:Preston, [=ChromeSkull=] turns his chained severed head around to face Jess and Tommy.]]
64* DiesWideOpen: [[spoiler:Tucker's death]].
65* DisabledMeansHelpless: Jess is going blind in ''2''. It makes her a relatively easy pick for [=ChromeSkull=], though she does manage to fight back at least a little.
66* DisposableSexWorker: [[spoiler:Subverted with Princess. She was a prostitute who was hired by [=ChromeSkull=] so he could kill her. She lives in the end]]. [[spoiler:Played straight]] in ''2'', where [[spoiler:she is [[SuddenSequelDeathSyndrome killed off by Preston]].]]
67* TheDragon: Preston in ''2''. [[spoiler:After he is disposed of, Spann replaces him]].
68* DragonAscendant: [[spoiler:Preston believes this to be him, after [=ChromeSkull=]'s near fatal attack by Princess, and tries to become the next [=ChromeSkull=]. Too bad the real killer [[OffWithHisHead sees Preston's goal differently]]...]]
69* DrivenToSuicide: [[spoiler:Mrs. Cromeans in ''2'', after discovering that her husband is a prolific, bloodthirsty serial killer.]]
70* DrivesLikeCrazy: Steven's mother, to the point that he needed to install something to quell the accelerator.
71* DualWield: When [=ChromeSkull=] beheads [[spoiler:Preston]] in ''2''.
72* DuctTapeForEverything: Jess uses some on her leg wound in ''2''.
73* EarAche: [[spoiler:Steven getting a can of tire sealant jammed into his ear]].
74* EasyAmnesia: Princess lost her memory when [[spoiler:[=ChromeSkull=] whacked her in the head with a baseball bat]].
75* EnhanceButton: Preston uses this to get Tommy's license plate number in ''2''.
76* EvilMakesYouMonstrous: Well, that and acid.
77* EyeScream: [=ChromeSkull=] sustains a lot of damage to his right eye, while Deputy Russell's body is missing his left one. [[spoiler:Steven's are the first thing to go when [=ChromeSkull=] pumps his head full of tire sealant]].
78** In ''2'', there's one of [=ChromeSkull=]'s eyes being reinserted, and Max getting knifed in the side of the head.
79* EyeOpen: Princess.
80* TheFaceless: [=ChromeSkull=], at least until ''2''.
81* FacialHorror: Johnny and Deputy Russell lose their faces, while [[spoiler:[=ChromeSkull=]'s melts away and is smashed in]].
82* FadeToBlack
83* FailedASpotCheck: Examples are the blood on the police cruiser, Jamie's body in the yard, Deputy Russell's body, Anthony's severed head in the cooler, etc.
84* FairCop: Throughout ''2''; Detective Holland was even played by former porn starlet Angelina Armani.
85* FanDisservice: There is no FanService, there is only this.
86* FictionFiveHundred: [=ChromeSkull=].
87* FinalGirl: Princess, and Jess in ''2''.
88* {{Flashback}}: Princess playing with the doll she takes her name from, and a glimpse of [=ChromeSkull=]'s childhood in ''2''.
89* FlashbackWithTheOtherDarrin: In ''2'', with Princess.
90* FootprintsOfMuck: Anthony notices [=ChromeSkull=]'s bloody footprints, right before getting his head sawed off.
91* ForHalloweenIAmGoingAsMyself: [[spoiler:The ending to ''2'' and no one is the wiser.]]
92* ForTheEvulz: [=ChromeSkull=] is a pure sadist and sick maniac who loves filming and killing innocent people simply to amuse himself.
93* {{Geek}}: Steven, and one of the minions in ''2'' (he's even credited as "Geeky Lackey").
94* GlasgowGrin: [[spoiler:Princess]] and Detective Holland are given this in ''2''.
95* GoMadFromTheRevelation: [[spoiler:Mrs. Cromeans understandably doesn't take the realization that her husband is a vicious SerialKiller [[DrivenToSuicide very]] [[AteHisGun well]].]]
96* GoshDangItToHeck: Steven's cry of "Sugar!"
97* {{Gorn}}: [=ChromeSkull=] is easily one of the most brutal horror villains of recent years.
98* GoryDiscretionShot: Princess bashing [=ChromeSkull=] with a baseball bat.
99* GrossUpCloseUp
100* GuttedLikeAFish: Jamie's death; also happens to [[spoiler:Princess]] and Laurie in ''2''.
101* HalloweenEpisode: In ''2'', Tommy watches some home movies of him and Anthony making one Halloween, and the actual film seems to end on the holiday.
102* HighPressureBlood: So much so that [=ChromeSkull=] ''uses it as mace.''
103* HollywoodAcid: [[spoiler:Steven replaces [=ChromeSkull=]'s mask glue with some]].
104* HooksAndCrooks: [[spoiler:Preston]] gets some through the shoulders, and an officer is knocked into a wall of them, in ''2''.
105* HonorBeforeReason: Tucker going home alone to cover up Cindy's body.
106* IdentityAmnesia: Princess.
107* ImmediateSequel: ''2'' kicks off with Princess and Tommy leaving the convenience store, and shows what happens afterward.
108* ImpaledPalm: Jamie, when trying to get Johnny's cell phone.
109* ImpaledWithExtremePrejudice: Mr. Jones's death.
110* ImportantHaircut: Preston shaving himself bald in ''2''.
111* ImplacableMan: [=ChromeSkull=]. The closest thing to an explanation is a scene showing him shooting up on something after being given an eye injury courtesy of Princess.
112** It is also possible that [=ChromeSkull=] injects himself with various performance-enhancing drugs and varied painkillers.
113* ImpossiblyCoolWeapon: The knife star in ''2''.
114* ImprobableWeaponUser: [=ChromeSkull=] uses tire sealant on a victim in the first movie, and slashes a cop's throat in the second movie and uses his blood for mace to blind the other cops.
115* InUniverseCamera
116* JackTheRipoff: Preston in ''2''.
117* KillSteal: Preston kills [[spoiler:Princess]] in ''2''. [=ChromeSkull=] [[YouHaveFailedMe does not]]. [[PunctuatedForEmphasis Take. This well]]. [[spoiler:[[OffWithHisHead At all]].]]
118* KneeCapping: Steven manages to stab [=ChromeSkull=] in the knee with a tire iron, while Jess gets a knife thrown through her leg in ''2''.
119* LineOfSightName: Princess gets her nickname from the first thing she remembers, a childhood doll named Princess Gemstone.
120* LiterallyShatteredLives: In ''2'', [=ChromeSkull=] kills a particularly unfortunate police officer by dunking his head in an electroplating bath and then smashing it.
121* LockAndLoadMontage: The opening.
122* UsefulNotes/LosAngeles: [[spoiler:Where [=ChromeSkull=] decides to relocate to at the end of ''2'']].
123* MadeOfPlasticine: Sometimes, other times [=ChromeSkull=] does seem to be putting some real effort into cutting through bone and sinew and whatnot.
124* MalevolentMaskedMen: [=ChromeSkull=], and Preston in ''2''
125* MaskOfSanity: [[spoiler:TheStinger of ''2'' reveals that [=ChromeSkull=] has a wife, but only uses her as a cover for his murderous outings. She takes the news of what he really does when he's away [[DrivenToSuicide about as well as you'd expect]].]]
126* MatchlightDangerRevelation: Jess grabs the dropped flashlight in ''2'' and turns it on, just in time to see [=ChromeSkull=] throttling Tommy.
127* MeaningfulBackgroundEvent: Throughout ''2''.
128* MenacingStroll
129* MiddleManagementMook: Spann in ''2'', though in the end she is promoted to TheDragon.
130* MirrorScare: Princess briefly hallucinates [=ChromeSkull=] in Steven's bathroom.
131* MistakenForCheating: When Tucker's brother-in-law hears about Tucker being seen picking up a girl (Princess) he worries about this and heads out to inquire.
132* MommasBoy: Steven.
133* MonsterMisogyny: [=ChromeSkull=] specifically targets women, and only offs men when they get in his way.
134* MrExposition: Steven is the one whose familiar with Chromeskull's legend and goes online to help Tucker and Princess find out more.
135* NoIndoorVoice: CHROMESKULL TEXTS MUST ALWAYS, ''ALWAYS'' BE IN ALL CAPS.
136** He types normally when conversing with Spann, though.
137* NoNameGiven: Princess and [=ChromeSkull=], though with the latter [[spoiler:Princess finds outs that [=ChromeSkull=]'s name is Jesse Cromeans, which at first could be an alias. However, during TheStinger of ''2'', his wife was introduced as Mrs. Cromeans, cementing that his name is in fact Jesse Cromeans]].
138* NoTellMotel: Where [=ChromeSkull=] initially captured Princess.
139* NothingIsScarier: Preston whispering into Jess's ear the things [=ChromeSkull=] does to his victims in the coffins in ''2''.
140* NumberedSequels
141* OfCorpseHesAlive: [=ChromeSkull=] does with the body of Steven's mother.
142* OfCorsetsSexy: The weird gold thing that Princess has on at the beginning.
143* OffWithHisHead: The bound girl and Anthony, and [[spoiler:Preston]] in ''2''.
144* OnlyKnownByTheirNickname: Princess and [=ChromeSkull=] again. [[spoiler:[=ChromeSkull=]'s real name can be briefly seen on some papers and Princess's name, albeit, rather smudged, is on a sheet for a missing person]]. There's also Tiny in ''2''.
145* OnceIsNotEnough
146* OverTheShoulderCarry: Preston does this with Tommy, and [=ChromeSkull=] with Jess, in ''2''.
147* ThePasswordIsAlwaysSwordfish: Averted. We never find out what the password to [=ChromeSkull=]'s cellphones are, despite multiple guesses by the characters (and yes, they did try [=ChromeSkull=]).
148* PerkyFemaleMinion: Spann in ''2''.
149* PerkyGoth: Allie in ''2''.
150* PerpetualFrowner: Preston.
151* PhoneTraceRace
152* PoliticallyIncorrectVillain: [=ChromeSkull=] calls his female victim "piggies," and is heavily implied to rape them.
153* PreviouslyOn: The opening of ''2'', as a reference to the slashers of TheEighties.
154* PsychoKnifeNut: [=ChromeSkull=]'s main weapon is a vicious-looking knife that he puts to all sorts of brutal use, including sawing off various parts of people.
155* PunkInTheTrunk: Steven finds his mother's body in [=ChromeSkull=]'s trunk.
156* RageAgainstTheReflection: When [=ChromeSkull=] sees he's taken on a strong resemblance to [[Film/TheBurning Cropsy]] in ''2'', he goes berserk, punches a mirror repeatedly, and buries his face in his hands.
157* RapeIsASpecialKindOfEvil: Preston claims that he finds his boss's methods — which are heavily implied to involve rape — "gross" when he's telling Jess all about what he does to his victims, though he seems to be deriving some pleasure from her fear.
158* RavenHairIvorySkin: Princess.
159* RedOniBlueOni: Preston and [=ChromeSkull=], respectively.
160* RedShirt:
161** ''Laid to Rest'': Johnny, Jamie, the still-living previous victim, and Anthony.
162** ''2'': Allie and Laurie.
163* RedShirtArmy: The police in ''2''.
164* RefugeInAudacity: A good chunk of the kills are this. They're so over-the-top and brutal that they segue right into the impressive. The practical effects use help.
165* RightBehindMe
166* {{Sadist}}: [=ChromeSkull=] draws out his murders for as long as possible, ensuring that his victims all die the most violent, utterly painful deaths. [[TheFaceless We never get to see his expression through it all]], but he's clearly having a blast.
167* SelfStitching: [=ChromeSkull=] does this, after removing a bullet.
168* SerialKiller: [=ChromeSkull=], of course, although he sometimes acts more like a spree killer, at least in his pursuit of Princess. And Preston ''wants'' to be one. [[spoiler:His boss has other plans for him.]]
169* SerratedBladeOfPain
170* TheSheriff: Bates in ''Laid to Rest''.
171* ShootTheShaggyDogStory: The first film, due to [[spoiler:the death of Princess, and maybe Tommy]] in ''2''.
172* ShoutOut:
173** In the [[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VuYGRWHQvzU teaser clip for the sequel]], [=ChromeSkull=] is seen getting his mask while whistling [[Film/{{Jaws}} "Spanish Ladies"]]. Of course, it takes on another meaning when you consider his propensity for murdering women... [[spoiler:though [[NeverTrustATrailer in the film]], [=ChromeSkull's=] associate Preston is the one doing the whistling]].
174** Tommy in ''2'' had been living with a woman named Laurie, like [[Franchise/{{Halloween}} Tommy Doyle and Laurie Strode]].
175** One to ''Film/JasonX''. The electroplating bath is reminiscent of the liquid nitrogen near the beginning of the film.
176* ShowerScene: Princess in ''Laid to Rest'', and ''2'' (though only the latter has nudity).
177* SilentAntagonist: [=ChromeSkull=] never utters a word in both movies expect sometimes grunting. He only communicates through messages. It's never stated if he's mute or if he does it in order to not be recognized by his voice.
178* SilentSnarker: [=ChromeSkull=] has his moments, including one when [[spoiler:right before he kills the store clerk in the first movie]], he lets an audible sigh.
179* SinisterScrapingSound: When [=ChromeSkull=] is looking for Princess in the barn, and again after he sticks her in another coffin.
180* SlashedThroat: Sheriff Bates's death, and two officers’ deaths in ''2''.
181* SlowMotionPassBy: Between Tommy and Mrs. Cannon in ''2''.
182* TheSmurfettePrinciple: There's only one female law enforcement official of any importance in ''2''.
183* SnuffFilm: [=ChromeSkull=] records the murders he commits with a shoulder-mounted video camera.
184* SoundOnlyDeath: The responding officers getting shot at the beginning of ''2''.
185* SpikyHair: Anthony.
186* StandardEvilOrganizationSquad: [=ChromeSkull=]'s minions in ''2''.
187* StevenUlyssesPerhero: Jesse '''Chrome'''ans.
188* StockingFiller: Allie in ''2''.
189* TheStinger: After the credits in ''2'', [[spoiler:it's revealed that [=ChromeSkull=] has a pregnant wife who believes her husband keeps going on extended business trips. When confronted with what he's really doing by the FBI, she kills herself]].
190* SuddenSequelDeathSyndrome: [[spoiler:Princess]] at the beginning of ''2''.
191* SwissBankAccount: Doctor Kerr in ''2''.
192* SwordSparks: When [=ChromeSkull=] is rattling the cage with his new weapon in ''2''.
193* TakeMeInstead: Tucker tries this when [=ChromeSkull=] captures Cindy, to no avail.
194* TantrumThrowing: Tucker, upon returning home, trashes his bedroom.
195* TattooedCrook: [=ChromeSkull=], and Preston in ''2''.
196* TearsOfBlood: The eye injury Princess gave [=ChromeSkull=] acts up at the sheriff's station.
197* ThisIsForEmphasisBitch: BRING THE TAPE NOW BITCH.
198** "Can't get to the phone right now, so leave a message, biatch."
199* ThoseTwoGuys: Anthony and Tommy.
200* ThrowingYourSwordAlwaysWorks: But only if you are the villain.
201* TitleIn: 3 Months Later in ''2''.
202* TooDumbToLive
203* TortureCellar: The barn in ''Laid to Rest'', and the factory in ''2''.
204* ToThePain: "You know what? You're so lucky... that he's not here to taste you yet. You're really fucked tonight. You're really fucking tough. He's gonna do horrible shit to you. You know that? Horrible fucking things. Gross, gross fucking things. I mean, they make me sick."
205* TrackingDevice: Getting your hands on one of [=ChromeSkull=]'s cellphones is actually a bad thing since they can synch up.
206* TrunkShot: Used when Tucker, Steven and Princess are digging through Steven's trunk.
207* TurnOfTheMillennium
208* TheUnreveal: Princess's real name is blurred out on her missing persons sheet, though just enough is visible to discern that it might be [[spoiler:Amy, or some variation of Ann (Anne, Anna, Annie, etc)]]. We also never see [=ChromeSkull=]'s face, or learn his cellphone password.
209* VideoPhone: There's one set up in the factory in ''2'', though [=ChromeSkull=], being [[SilentAntagonist ChromeSkull]], only types.
210* VillainBall: In ''2'', [=ChromeSkull=] ignores Preston and fires him when he tries to warn him that the police could find him. [[spoiler:They do, although he narrowly gets away.]]
211* VillainousBreakdown: [=ChromeSkull=] in ''2'' has one after seeing his disfigured face in the mirror.
212* VomitIndiscretionShot: Tommy throws up when he uncovers [[spoiler:Princess]]'s body in ''2''.
213* WaitHere
214* WallOfWeapons: The cage in ''2''.
215* WhatHappenedToTheMouse: Tommy's fate at the end of ''2'' is left ambiguous.
216* YouHaveFailedMe: [=ChromeSkull=] fires Preston, and later [[spoiler:kills him]] for killing [[spoiler:Princess]].
217* YouHaveOutlivedYourUsefulness: Mr. Jones, who was letting [=ChromeSkull=] use his barn and coffins for money.
218* YouAreAlreadyDead: Jamie manages to run to the house and spotted Cindy's body before realizing she has been disemboweled.
219* YourHeadASplode: The deaths of store clerk (via shotgun) and [[spoiler:Steven]] (via tire sealant).
220* YouWakeUpInARoom: Or a coffin, to be precise.
221

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