Jaws 50th could see John Williams and Richard Dreyfuss return to 'Amity Island'
In honor of the 50th anniversary of the film "Jaws," a descendant of Universal Pictures co-founder Robert Cochrane has proposed a 10-day celebration in June 2025, seeking approval from Aquinnah. Event planner Mike Cochrane, Robert Cochrane's great-grandson, outlined potential details during a recent select board meeting that included discussions about ‘JAWS 50th’.
Scheduled to take place from June 15 to 25 at Len Butler Memorial Park by the Gay Head Light and the Vanderhoop Homestead site, the event includes plans to temporarily reinstall an "Amity Island Welcomes You" billboard at the Aquinnah Circle, as depicted in the film. JAWS was released on 20th June 1975.
Cochrane is actively working on securing the participation of the Boston Pops Orchestra, renowned "Jaws" score composer and conductor John Williams, and actor Richard Dreyfuss, known for his role as oceanographer Matt Hooper in the film.
While Aquinnah officials expressed interest, town administrator Jeffrey Madison emphasized the need for more detailed information before committing. Madison and the board agreed to request Cochrane's presence to provide further insights.
Concerns were raised about the potential impact of the event, particularly in terms of the attention it might attract. Madison highlighted considerations such as increased police presence, traffic management, and the impact on local businesses in the vicinity of the proposed concert at the Cliffs.
“It’s too early to know if those proportions are correct and if such an amazing event will happen on Martha’s Vineyard in celebration of 50 years of Jaws, but it’s so exciting to be able to share these exciting conversations and potential progress regarding plans for ‘JAWS 50th’. We hope to be working alongside the event organisers over the coming months to help make sure ‘JAWS 50th’ is the celebration both fans and the movie deserves - and to ensure there are enough extra summer deputies! To paraphrase Mayor Vaughn, if this ambitious event comes off this is gonna be the best summer Jaws fans have ever had.”
Cochrane's proposal includes the establishment of a VIP section at the Homestead site, with additional tents and caterers for exclusive events during the 10-day celebration. He also suggested dismantling the temporary setup on June 26 and requested options for employing local companies for the task.
In addition to the film-related festivities, Cochrane expressed a desire to incorporate an event honoring his great-grandfather, featuring Boris Karloff as Frankenstein's monster.
Acknowledging the uniqueness of the proposal, board chair Tom Murphy suggested consulting with an experienced event planner to address potential challenges related to traffic, services, sanitation, and parking. Madison emphasized the need for a comprehensive understanding of the event's implications, given its distinctive nature compared to previous requests in the community.
Although it is great to hear John Williams and Richard Dreyfuss have been mentioned, it would also be wonderful to see the involvement of other cast members such as Jeffrey Kramer (Deputy Hendricks), Susan Backlinie (Chrissie Watkins) as well as those from behind the scenes like Steven Spielberg, Carl Gottlieb and Joe Alves.
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