‘Jaws' scared swimmers out of the ocean 50 years ago. Real locations of Amity's terror
'Duh-dun ... duh-dun ... duh-dun.' Just when you thought it was safe to go back in the water, the 50th anniversary of "Jaws" is here.
"Jaws" was released on June 20, 1975, and ushered in the summer blockbuster era, earning an inflation-adjusted $1.56 billion. "Jaws" instilled a fear of the unknown as it villainized sharks and altered the public perception. Some moviegoers became terrified to jump into the ocean.
The movie also introduced the world to a 27-year-old director Steven Spielberg, who would follow up with a string of summer blockbusters such as "Raiders of the Lost Ark" and "E.T."
Key movie stats from 'Jaws'
How much did 'Jaws' originally gross?
According to the American Film Institute, "Jaws" was a groundbreaking financial success for Universal. It became the first film to gross more than $100 million at the box office. It's the 14th-highest-grossing film when adjusted for inflation, according to IMDB. As the first summer blockbuster, it remained the highest-grossing film (not adjusted for inflation) until "Star Wars" was released two years later.
Where was the movie shot?
The majority of "Jaws" was filmed on location in Martha's Vineyard, Massachusetts. The fictional town of Amity Island was represented by Edgartown on the island. Many scenes were shot in the open ocean. A few scenes were shot in California.
The film had been scheduled for a 55-day shoot, but it took 159. Here's where the shark carried out some of its attacks:
How big was Bruce the shark?
Bruce, the mechanical great white shark and principal antagonist, is named after Spielberg's lawyer, Bruce Ramen. His length is exaggerated. While real great whites can reach up to 20 feet, Bruce measured 25 feet, surpassing the largest recorded. His relentless attacks on humans are a product of cinematic storytelling, not a reflection of real shark behavior.
How many shark attacks were there in "Jaws"?
Where can you watch it?
Top 3 scary moments in 'Jaws'
'Jaws' turns 50 this summer and USA TODAY film critic Brian Truitt celebrates with his favorite bloody moments.
NBC's three-hour presentation of the original film airs June 20 at 8 p.m. ET.
In addition to the three-hour presentation, 'Jaws' and its three sequels, 'Jaws 2,' 'Jaws 3' and 'Jaws: The Revenge,' are airing on Peacock.
A big-screen re-release is also set for Aug. 29.
CONTRIBUTING Natalie Neysa Alund
SOURCE USA TODAY Network reporting and research; NOAA; Jaws Wiki; Martha's Vineyard Chamber of Commerce, Massachusetts Office of Travel and Tourism
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