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Writer's pictureMatthew Sterner

"Jaws" Turns 45 Years Old: Weird Facts you may not Know About the Film

Tidbits about the terrifying movie based on a true story.


Sharkfest and Shark Week grab the attention of millions of viewers every year, but there's a classic film that's created a decades-long fascination.


In honor of the 45th anniversary of the original release of “Jaws,” here's some strange facts about the film that was released on June 20, 1975. The site 24/7 Tempo has compiled some pretty neat things, so here's a few I found interesting.


1. The making of the movie "stalked' Spielberg

Stressed out by the film shoot's many technical setbacks, Spielberg took to sleeping with a stalk of celery under his pillow. Supposedly, the aroma had a calming effect. It didn't stop the director from experiencing a panic attack following production, though.


2. The author makes a cameo

Peter Benchley, the author of the novel "Jaws," makes a cameo in the film as a news reporter delivering a report on the beach. Benchley actually worked at the Washington Post before writing his famed novel. Pretty neat, huh?


3. Spielberg's best friend

He added another personal flourish to the movie when he cast his own dog, Elmer, in the role of Brody's pet. Elmer would go on to appear in two other Spielberg flicks: "Close Encounters of the Third Kind" and "1941."


4. "Jaws" on land

Spielberg reportedly asked the movie's producers, David Brown and Richard Zanuck, to watch his 1971 movie "Duel" when he was applying for the job because, according to the director, "Duel" is basically "Jaws" on land." In fact, the sound that is heard as the shark descends to the ocean floor in "Jaws" is the same rumble heard as a truck flies off a cliff.


5 . Shark attack

Misfortune struck director George Lucas when he visited the set in his pre-"Star Wars" days. While closely examining the large mechanical shark, Lucas accidentally got his head stuck in its mouth. The machine's controls jammed, and the jaws had to be pried apart to free the curious filmmaker.


You can find more neat facts about "Jaws" at 247tempo.com. For more content, subscribe or follow us on Facebook and Instagram.


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