The Jaws Timeline: A definitive guide to the chronology of Steven Spielberg's shark thriller

We all know that a part of Steven Spielberg’s Jaws takes places around the July 4th weekend, and that this is going to be the best summer that Amity Island has ever had, but when do all the shark attacks and key events happen in Jaws?

Thanks to continuity errors, the answer isn’t always as black and (great) white as you think it is, but here is the definitive timeline to the events and when they unfold in Jaws.

Love to prove that, wouldn’t we, get our dates in the Gregorian calendar.

JUNE 28TH

Fatal shark attack on Chrissie Watkins.

Even though her death is foretold on the iconic Roger Kastel film poster, the opening attack in Jaws is up there with the power of the shower attack in Alfred Hitchcock’s Psycho (1960). Chrissie’s demise still packs a powerful cinematic punch to this day.

Chrissie’s attack date is up for debate however, as Chief Brody types it as July 1st into notes, although he should have let Polly do the typing as he writes corners report rather than coroner’s report. The time is also stated as 11.50pm as when she was last seen.

Discover more about the filming of the first shark attack in Jaws on Chrissie Watkins (played by Susan Backlinie), here.

Behind the screams: chrissie's atatck

JUNE 29TH

The discovery of the body of Chrissie Watkins.

The remains of Chrissie Watkins are found later that same morning. These scenes, featuring Jeffrey Kramer as Deputy Hendricks and Roy Scheider as Chief Brody, were actually the very first to be shot by Steven Spielberg during production, making a memorable Jaws moment even more special.

the first day of shooting on jaws

The death of Pipit the dog.

Fatal shark attack on Alex Kintner. This death date is confirmed on the reward sign, which removes all possibility of Chrissie Watkins dying on July 1st, as her death preceded Alex’s.