NORTHAMPTON - Chanting "No war," waving peace flags and banging on drums, about 70 protesters thronged the corner of Main and King streets this morning.

Not an unusual Northampton scene; but this one happened under unusual circumstances. The protesters - whatever their stance on the war - were really there as background actors in the Mel Gibson movie "Edge of Darkness."

Publicist Blaise Noto said 210 extras in all took part in the scene, including the protesters and pedestrians on the sidewalks of Bridge and Main streets.

The shot, which was rehearsed and repeated several times, was carried out with a camera mounted on the hood of Gibson's car, which was towed by a truck from the area of the post office on Bridge and around the corner onto King.

Another scene to be shot downtown today involves Gibson walking down Gothic Street through the Northampton Farmers Market. Filming is also scheduled on Elm Street this afternoon, Noto said.