Jaws was released in 1975, and after just 38 days became the first film in history to smash through the $100 million barrier at the US box office. Directed by Steven Spielberg, it is a cinematic classic, a winner of three Oscars and is the greatest shark film of all time. Jaws, based on the best-selling book by Peter Benchley, sees a great white shark terrorise the summer town of Amity Island. Only Chief Brody, Quint and Hooper on board the Orca have any chance of killing the monster fish. They just have to do it before it kills them.
Jeffrey Kramer was born on 15 July 1945 in New York City, New York, USA. He is a producer and actor, known for Jaws (1975), Jaws 2 (1978) and Clue (1985).
She may have been ‘the first’ but actress Susan Backlinie will forever be remembered by JAWS fans
Copies of JAWS for lots of money are everywhere. For what to buy and what to steer away from, then, especially for that 1st edition Jaws you always wanted, read this post.
Fifty years ago this month, filming for JAWS started on Martha’s Vineyard, with the first scene depicting the aftermath of a shark attack on Christine Watkins, portrayed by Susan Backlinie. Sadly, Ms. Backlinie passed away on May 11th at 77.
Marty Milner was the first ‘island' hire’ on JAWS and was brought in to work on set construction, the Orca, repairing Bruce the shark and more!
The shooting schedule of JAWS based on resources available at time of publication. Principal filming took place on Martha’s Vineyard between 2nd May-18th September 1974.
Jonathan Filley played ‘Cassidy’ in JAWS and was there for the first day of principal photography on May 2nd 1974.
Letterboxd’s ‘Four Favorites’ proves one thing… JAWS is one of, if not the most adored and admired movies amongst today’s filmmakers!
With the 50th anniversary just over a year away (June 2025), JAWS is under scrutiny like never before and the year Steven Spielberg’s shark classic is set is something we’ve seen debated more frequently. This is our examination of the clues.
Beyond the shark-infested waters of Amity Island, 1975 saw a diverse array of cinematic offerings, each vying for the attention of moviegoers.
Dick Richards is a celebrated figure in the realms of film direction, photography, and TV commercials. Richards was first choice to direct JAWS until a classic faux pas at a meeting with the producers.
Relatable, flawed and from humble origins, these archetypal characters face challenges in a way that resonates with all of us. Say hello to ‘the Everyman’.
On June 17, 1972, a group of men broke into the offices of the Democratic National Committee at the Watergate Hotel in Washington D.C. 360-miles away, in Stonington, Connecticut, author Peter Benchley is six months away from turning in the manuscript to his latest novel, “Jaws.”
Numerous anecdotes from the production of Jaws rival the entertainment value of the film itself, particularly those featuring Robert Shaw.
If you’ve read the novel “Jaws” you know that Matt Hooper meets a grisly fate after he goes down in the shark cage. To add insult to injury, as the shark breaches the water with Hooper in its jaws, Brody takes aim with a rifle and fires, only to hit Hooper in the neck. However, in the film – SPOILER ALERT - Hooper lives. Ever wonder why?
Have You Seen This Channel on YouTube compiled 47 reaction to the Ben Gardner head scene from across the web. The people prove that this classic jump-scare still packs a punch nearly 50 years later!
In the world of cinematic scores it seems to us that John Williams has no equal. Williams’ anthems are so tightly wound with the movies he composes for, it’s unthinkable to separate the music from the pictures.
Even though JAWS cuts out many of the plot threads from Peter Benchley’s original novel that the film is based on there are still many details and narratives that make this much more than just a shark movie.
Why did the shark choose Amity as its hunting ground? Delving beyond the surface, exploring the intricacies of the shark's behavior, environmental factors, and the unique characteristics of Amity Island unveil a compelling explanation for the predator's choice.
After filming JAWS was over, with Spielberg's cooperation, Gottlieb chronicled the extraordinary yearlong adventure in The Jaws Log, which was first published in 1975 and has sold more than two million copies.
Charles Butler McVay III is the sole naval captain to face a court-martial for the loss of a ship sunk due to an act of war. This occurred even though he was engaged in a highly classified mission, necessitating strict radio silence.
Take a deep dive into Deputy Hendricks' standout moments in the iconic JAWS series
Carl Gottlieb is an American legend in screenwriting, acting, comedy, and executive roles. He rose to fame for co-writing the screenplay for the iconic film Jaws (1975) and its first two sequels. He also directed the 1981 film Caveman.
Amidst the enduring impact of Jaws on public perception of sharks, its positive effects often go unnoticed. Surprisingly, Jaws has led to several significant positive outcomes for sharks, overlooked by enthusiasts, conservationists, and even the sharks themselves.
As an actor dedicated to the work, Roy had to put aside some personal issues – mostly not wanting to be there – but still make the character likeable.
Spielberg’s pre-loading Quint’s death scene in JAWS with the classic Indianapolis speech just a few scenes prior makes Quint’s end so much harder to watch. Here is more about Quint and other hard-to-watch cinematic death scenes.
JAWS was nominated for four awards… Best Editing, Best Sound, Best Music and Best Picture. It won all but Best Picture. We look at JAWS and the movies it competed with for Best Picture 1976.
Day for night is a set of cinematic techniques used to simulate a night scene while filming in daylight put to brilliant use by Steven Spielberg in JAWS.
Very few movies surpass the books they are based on. JAWS is acknowledged as being one of the best book to movie adaptations of all time. But which other cimeatic classics improved upon their souce material…
Dr. Donald “Reef” Nelson served as inspiration for the character of Matt Hooper, portrayed by Richard Dreyfuss, in the legendary 1975 summer blockbuster.