Jaws was released into theaters on June 20th, 1975. Filming locations include Aquinnah, Chilmark and Edgartown, Ma. All three of these towns are located on the island of Martha's Vineyard. The most economically efficient way of reaching the island is by Steamship Authority ferry via Woods Hole. Another option, would be to simply fly into Martha's Vineyard Airport. The film was directed by Steven Spielberg. The lead of Chief Martin Brody was played by Roy Scheider, who would reprise his role three years later in Jaws 2. Robert Shaw was cast for the role of Quint, who would go on to deliver one of the more memorable speeches in motion picture history with his USS Indianapolis monologue. What makes this scene all the more extraordinary is that he did the three and a half minute scene without a single cut. Richard Dreyfuss played Matt Hooper to round out the main trio. Dreyfuss and Spielberg would work together again two years later, in Close Encounters of the Third Kind. The film is based on Peter Benchley's 1974 novel of the same name. By the time the film debuted, the paperback had already sold over $5.5 million copies. There are so many interesting stories associated with the filming of Jaws, from how the shark constructed for the film (Bruce) hardly ever worked properly to how Roy Scheider's famous line "You're gonna need a bigger boat." was ad-libbed, that someone could probably write a book about it. Thankfully, that's just what co-writer Carl Gottlieb did, with 1975's The Jaws Log. I highly recommend this book for any fan of the film. The score was done by legendary composer John Williams. It's Main Title has become synonymous with sharks and swimming. It won the 1976 Oscar for Best Original Score, as well as the Grammy and Golden Globe Awards for that year. Along with the for-mentioned score, the film also won the Oscar for Best Film Editing and Best Sound. On December 18th, 2001 it was selected for preservation in the National Film Registry. The films first DVD release was on July 11th, 2000.
Amity P.D. - S. Water St. and Davis Ln. Edgartown, Ma. 02539
Chief Brody exits from the rear entrance onto Davis Ln. and walks until he reaches S. Water St. From there, he walks north, past the Amity Gazette and Keisel's Bicycle Rental (now an empty space) until he reaches the intersection of S. Water St. and Main St.
Chief Brody exits from the rear entrance onto Davis Ln. and walks until he reaches S. Water St. From there, he walks north, past the Amity Gazette and Keisel's Bicycle Rental (now an empty space) until he reaches the intersection of S. Water St. and Main St.
All "Now" pictures taken in 2013.
The Chappy Ferry - 53 Dock St. Edgartown, Ma. 02539
The ferry connects Edgartown and Chappaquiddick Island. During it's Summer schedule, the ferry runs daily from 6:45am to midnight. Once you get to Chappaquiddick Island, you can take Chappaquiddick Rd. to Dike Rd. and once you reach the end you'll come to the bridge that Chief Brody drives over at the beginning of Jaws 2, on his way to the hotel dedication ceremony.
2013
Jaws 2
Amity Town Hall - 70 Main St. Edgartown, Ma. 02568
(Edgartown Town Hall)
Still present from the film, are the brown clock and curved table.
All "Now" pictures taken in 2013.
Billboard scene - 35 Aquinnah Circle Aquinnah, Ma. 02535
This scene was filmed at Aquinnah Circle, the western most point on the island. The Gay Head Lighthouse can be seen in the background. In June of 2015, the lighthouse was moved 129-feet back from the deteriorating cliff side, the spot it had stood at since 1844. The billboard was just made for the film.
All "Now" pictures taken in 2013.
Swimming beach - Beach Rd. Edgartown, Ma. 02539
(Joseph Sylvia State Beach)
The two mile long beach sits between Edgartown and Oak Bluffs. The bridge seen in the film is the American Legion Memorial Bridge. It serves as the gateway into Sengekontacket Pond, the spot where Michael Brody witnesses the gruesome demise of the man in the rowboat. At some point the bridge was renovated. It's also a popular spot to jump from into the canal.
Myself jumping from the bridge.
Quint's shop - 513 N Rd. Chilmark, Ma. 02535
The building was constructed for the film and taken down once filming had concluded. The spot has been vacant ever since. It's architectural design was based on the Sculpin Gallery, located on the other side of the island at 58 Dock St. Edgartown, Ma. 02539
All "Now" pictures taken in 2013.
