Remember When: "Jaws" Turns the Tide 49 Years Ago Today
For this week's Remember When post, we're going back nearly half a century to June 20, 1975 - the day the summer blockbuster movie "Jaws" was unleashed into theaters across America. Based on the best-selling novel by Peter Benchley, this classic thriller directed by Steven Spielberg became an overnight phenomenon that changed the film industry forever.
The Terrifying Tale That Hooked Audiences
"Jaws" tells the story of a great white shark that starts terrorizing the fictional beach town of Amity Island. After a young woman is killed by the shark, police chief Martin Brody (played by Roy Scheider) wants to close the beaches but is overruled by the mayor (Murray Hamilton) who fears the economic impact on the town. An oceanographer (Richard Dreyfuss) and a crusty professional shark hunter (Robert Shaw) eventually join the hunt for the massive killer shark.
With its edge-of-your-seat suspense, shocking attacks, and the first real jump scares put to film, "Jaws" had audiences jumping out of their seats and screaming. John Williams' now-iconic, menacing two-note score still sends chills down spines to this day. The movie was a masterclass in building tension and suspense.
Becoming the First Summer Blockbuster
While modestly budgeted at $9 million, "Jaws" absolutely shattered box office records when it was released. It became the first movie to earn over $100 million at the box office and ended up grossing over $470 million worldwide. It was the highest-grossing film of all time until "Star Wars" came along two years later.
The success of "Jaws" ushered in the era of the summer blockbuster movie that Hollywood is still following today. It showed that a well-made, original movie could become a cultural phenomenon during the summer season. Studios started loading up on big-budget movies with mass appeal for release in June, July and August to capture audiences when they were out of school and looking for entertainment.
A Lasting Legacy
Beyond its box office records, "Jaws" left a permanent mark on pop culture. The image of the great white shark became iconic and terrifying. Beaches were temporarily abandoned as people became scared of going into the water. "Jaws" kick-started the summer blockbuster season, made Steven Spielberg a household name as a director, and inspired countless movies about sharks, creatures, and things lurking just beneath the surface.
Let’s remember and appreciate how "Jaws" took an absolute bite out of the movie industry starting on June 20, 1975. It's a classic thrill ride that keeps on delivering nearly 50 years later.
Photo credit: Wikipedia