When Jaws First Surfaced On The Universal Backlot Studio Tour

Before Jaws The Ride at Universal Studios Florida and Universal Studios Japan, there was Jaws at Universal Studios Hollywood. He was the first.

Universal Studios Hollywood, it is April 10, 1976 and is less than a year since the Great White shark in Jaws swam into our psyche.

For the first time, the star with the biggest smile in tinseltown was about to meet his public, for real, as part of the famous backlot studio tour.

Although that toothsome grin has famously changed somewhat over the years, with some incarnations being more successful than others. Yes, Carrot Tooth, we mean you.

Ross talks more about the teeth of Jaws - including those of the backlot tour sharks - here: THE TEETH OF JAWS

If the shark didn't look like its big screen counterpart, you could originally see the screen used Orca and Ben Gardner's boat. Sadly, Orca was left to rot from the inside and perished in 1996. Incredible.

FURTHER READING: DEATH OF THE ORCA

Ben Gardner's boat limped on until 2005, when it too suffered the same fate. During a refurbishment, it was apparently unceremoniously dumped in a skip. A sad end to the last screen used artefact that was a part of the Jaws attraction.

And although the Orca and Ben Gardner's boat may sadly be no more, the shark still inhabits what has become fondly known as Jaws Lake, but prior to him being a big fish in a small pond, that area of Universal was known as Singapore Lake.

But the story doesn't end there, between 1975-1990 there was a replica of the shark hung up for photo opportunities. That wasn't a screen used shark, but it was taken from the original film molds of the mechanical Bruce used in Jaws. Then, in 1991, it was gone, given away to a junkyard.

For a franchise that gave Universal Studios so much, they certainly have shown it and its irreplaceable, iconic elements a continual lack of respect.

Now, here is where the story really gets interesting: Bruce The Shark From Jaws Finds New Home At The Academy Museum of Motion Pictures

Along with King Kong and the Psycho house, Jaws at Universal Studios Hollywood has become a familiar and reassuring iconic sight on the backlot tour.

For many - even after all these years - he's still a highlight. Or should that be high-fright?

Have you encountered Jaws at Universal Studios Hollywood?

By Dean Newman

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