A word on Jaws (from @NewYorker newsletter yesterday)—on seeing it in first run, on its afterlife, and on its eternal youth (take that as you will):https://t.co/LyFmqgFPOO
— Richard Brody (@tnyfrontrow) June 21, 2025
The Chatham Orpheum will offer the community an exclusive chance to watch the new documentary “Jaws @ 50: The Definitive Inside Story” before its official release. The special screenings will take place from June 27 to July 1 at 5 p.m. and will be free. This event marks the 50th anniversary of the iconic film “Jaws.” Kevin McLain, executive director of the Chatham Orpheum, said, “This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for the community of Chatham to have something special related to ‘Jaws.'” The documentary was just completed and looks at the making of the classic film.
The week will also include a sold-out fundraiser screening on June 26 for the Atlantic White Shark Conservancy.
Jaws trivia: "Spielberg wasn't the studio's first choice for director; initially they hired Dick Richards, but Richards kept referring to the shark as a whale."https://t.co/Pd3fWzj42s
— Stephen Shankland (@stshank) June 20, 2025
It will feature a panel discussion with Wendy Benchley, ocean conservation advocate and wife of “Jaws” author Peter Benchley, marine biologist Greg Skomal, and Justin Falvey, president of Amblin Entertainment. McLain emphasized the unique value of this event, stating, “Providing quality entertainment, unique to Chatham, to my community is part of my mission.”
The documentary will premiere on National Geographic on July 10 and will be available later on Hulu and Disney+.
On the 50th anniversary of the film, the Greatest Shots of JAWS (1975)pic.twitter.com/9adLaxUT3v
— All The Right Movies (@ATRightMovies) June 20, 2025
When “Jaws” started filming in Martha’s Vineyard, Massachusetts, in 1974, there were many problems. The mechanical sharks kept failing, delaying production and frustrating the cast and crew. Director Steven Spielberg, then just 26, faced big challenges.
🦈 Jaws terrified audiences, but it also sparked global curiosity about our ocean.
50 years later, the real threat isn’t sharks. It’s us.
In this piece, Wendy Benchley honors her late husband Peter’s legacy & urges us take action. #OceanMonth🌊 https://t.co/A10FPXxmrT
— Azul (@AzulDotOrg) June 20, 2025
Filming on the ocean and shark problems caused the movie to run late and over budget. Despite these issues, “Jaws” became a huge hit and invented the summer blockbuster. It was nominated for Best Picture at the Oscars and won three awards.
Its suspense has inspired many copycats. Even 50 years later, “Jaws” still thrills audiences. Photos show the cast and crew filming on the water and beaches of Martha’s Vineyard.
Spielberg is seen directing from a lifeguard chair and preparing to shoot the famous opening scene. The mechanical shark is shown being worked on and admired by the actors.
chatham orpheum’s special Jaws event
Crew members are captured setting up shots and examining footage. “Jaws” remains a landmark film that continues to captivate new generations. Friday marked the 50th anniversary of “Jaws,” Steven Spielberg’s 1975 masterpiece.
Test your knowledge of the lore surrounding this iconic film with some trivia. Spielberg named his mechanical shark “Bruce,” after his attorney, Bruce Ramer. The title “Jaws” was chosen by author Peter Benchley for his 1974 book.
The famous movie poster image of the rising shark came from the novel’s paperback cover, illustrated by Roger Kastel. The fictional town of Amity was inspired by Nantucket, though filming took place on nearby Martha’s Vineyard. Charlton Heston wanted to play Chief Brody but Spielberg cast Roy Scheider instead.
Quint’s boat is named the Orca. The shark often malfunctioned due to saltwater corrosion. Spielberg’s solution was to delay showing the shark until well into the film, adding suspense.
The iconic line “You’re gonna need a bigger boat” was ad-libbed by Scheider. Quint’s memorable USS Indianapolis speech was written by John Milius and performed by Robert Shaw. Spielberg’s voice can be heard on the radio in the movie’s finale.
“Jaws” went far over schedule and budget. It was rated PG, as PG-13 didn’t exist yet. “Jaws” won Oscars for sound, editing, and score, but lost Best Picture to “One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest.”
See how well you really know this timeless classic.
