Sink Your Teeth into These 10 Fascinating Facts About Jaws (1975)

Source: Universal Pictures

Get ready to dive into the depths of one of the most iconic thrillers of all time: Jaws (1975)! This classic Steven Spielberg film has been terrifying audiences for over four decades with its suspenseful storyline and unforgettable soundtrack. Let’s explore 10 fun facts about Jaws (1975) that will make you want to re-watch this timeless classic.

1. Casting

The original choice for the role of Quint, the shark hunter, was Lee Marvin. However, Marvin’s asking price was too high for the film’s budget, so the role ultimately went to Robert Shaw. Shaw’s performance, particularly in the scene where he tells the story of the USS Indianapolis, is considered one of the highlights of the movie.

2. Stuntwoman/ Actress

The opening scene of the movie, where the shark attacks a young woman, was filmed using a real-life stuntwoman named Susan Backlinie. She was towed through the water by a harness and cable, and the shark prop was attached to her leg.

3. Protect the Sharks

The movie was based on a novel by Peter Benchley, who also co-wrote the screenplay. Benchley later regretted the movie’s negative impact on sharks and advocated for their protection.

4. Marthas Shark Problem

The movie was filmed on location in Martha’s Vineyard, Massachusetts, which had a real-life shark problem at the time. The production team had to hire shark spotters to ensure the safety of the cast and crew.

5. The Big Bucks

The movie was a box office sensation and became the highest-grossing film of all time until Star Wars was released two years later.

6. Summer Release

The movie was initially scheduled for a May 1975 release, but production delays pushed it back to June. This turned out to be a fortuitous decision, as the summer release date helped turn Jaws (1975) into a blockbuster hit. The movie’s success paved the way for the summer blockbuster season that is now a staple of the movie industry.

7. Improvising

The famous line “You’re gonna need a bigger boat” was improvised by Roy Scheider, who played the police chief. The line has since become a popular catchphrase.

8. Bad Sequels

The movie was so successful that it spawned three sequels: Jaws 2 (1978), Jaws 3-D (1983), and Jaws: The Revenge (1987). None of the sequels were as well-received as the original, and the franchise is often cited as an example of diminishing returns in Hollywood.

9. Shark Fear

The original novel by Peter Benchley was inspired by a series of shark attacks that occurred in New Jersey in 1916. The attacks resulted in four deaths and several injuries, and sparked a wave of panic and fear that lasted for years. Benchley’s novel, and the subsequent movie adaptation, tapped into this fear and helped cement the idea of sharks as dangerous predators in the public consciousness.

10. The Great White What??

The mechanical shark used in the movie was nicknamed “the great white turd” by the cast and crew due to its frequent malfunctions. The shark was constantly breaking down during filming, causing delays and frustration for everyone involved. Spielberg even joked that the movie would have been called “Flippers” if the shark had worked properly.