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.

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…

We take a look at the shark from JAWS (1975) in the context of the largest Great White sharks ever recorded - and reputably sighted.

The world of JAWS features many legends that have helped tell the history of this incredible phenomenon. From those in front and behind the camera to other inspired to follow a career path ‘in sharks’. But only one person has seen the story unfold from the very beginning…. Wendy Benchley.

Exploring the unparalleled impact of Steven Spielberg's Jaws and delving into other films' perfect opening scenes, this essay celebrates the art of captivating audiences from the first frame onwards.

Sung by Quint (Robert Shaw) in JAWS, "Spanish Ladies" is a timeless British naval ballad, recounting the journey from Spain to the Downs through the eyes of Royal Navy sailors.

The sinking of the HMS Birkenhead in 1852 is often overlooked in maritime history, yet it stands out due to the survivors' terrifying ordeal, marked by shark attacks that left a lasting impression on witnesses.

The critical reception of "Jaws" during its initial publication year, exploring the diverse array of opinions that emerged from literary circles.

In "Jaws," two sharks take the spotlight: Bruce and Oscar. ‘Bruce’, the Great White primary antagonist, was portrayed by animatronic sharks, while the red herring of the picture, ‘Oscar’ was the real deal.

Director Steven Spielberg wisely omitted a lot of the novel’s plot to concentrate on the shark.  And thank goodness he did.  If not we would all be gathering around a Star Wars fan page because NO ONE would have liked seeing Benchliey’s whole story on the screen. 

The first time kids watch JAWS, and I’ve attended dozens of screenings that are packed with youngsters whose parents brought them along, they are tense.  All they’ve heard is that there’s a big shark so they spend the first viewing with their eyes glued to the screen, looking for any sign of the big beast

When JAWS was released, it was with a PG rating. However, the film also carried a disclaimer, “May be too Intense for younger children.” Producer David Brown has noted in interviews that the film originally received an R rating.