Unseen ‘Jaws’ Photos Made Public After 45 Years

Inside Jaws, inside “Shark City.” Courtesy of Billy Reagan, owner of Attleboro House in Martha’s Vineyard.

Earlier this month, Jaws fan and filmmaker John Campopiano and his wife visited Martha’s Vineyard, the real-life location chose to double as Amity Island.

John chose to stay at the Attleboro House and after spending the day taking in some of the classic Jaws sites, the pair were greeted by its super-friendly owner, Billy Reagan.

Billy explained that he and his brother were on Martha’s Vineyard during the filming of Jaws back in 1974 — and that they had TAKEN SOME PHOTOS.

Steven Spielberg talks with. local Martha’s Vineyard kids during the filming of “Jaws.” Courtesy of Billy Reagan, owner of Attleboro House in Martha’s Vineyard.Courtesy of Billy Reagan, owner of Attleboro House in Martha’s Vineyard

Billy showed John a photo of the shark (also known as Bruce) hanging in his barge out in Oak Bluffs harbor –and a shot of a technician with his head in Bruce’s jaws to boot. This little inlet of water and dunes was nicknamed “Shark City” because this was where the mechanical sharks were kept when they weren’t in front of the camera… or sinking to the bottom of the bay. (Spielberg’s shoot was fraught with technical issues.)

Courtesy of Billy Reagan, owner of Attleboro House in Martha’s Vineyard

Some of the more candid shots show moments when Spielberg directing the younger actors during the infamous estuary scene – the one in which a victim , Jaws stunt coordinator and stunt performer Teddy Grossman loses a leg after being knocked into the water by the great fish. In fact, Billy’s brother, Jack Reagan, was an extra in the scene.

Thanks to John and the kindness of Billy and his extended Attleboro House family, we are able to seen these jawsome photos for the first time!

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