- 2 Frassetto Way - Lincoln Park, NJ 07035
The Peter Benchley Collection: Jaws, A Life of Writing, A Legacy of Ocean Conservation.
Lot 123:
Description
Black and white print from the production of Jaws (Universal, 1975). Bruce the mechanical shark being towed into the water off Martha’s Vineyard. Frame: 9 3/8" H x 12 3/8" W x 3/4" D.
Jaws filming Production Stills taken during the summer of 1974 – From the set of JAWS, summer 1974
Peter kept these black-and-white production stills from the shoot on Martha’s Vineyard, where a 27-year-old Steven Spielberg, not yet famous, was directing, and Peter, then 34, was co-writing the screenplay and making his cameo. Several show Bruce, the mechanical shark the crew named after Spielberg’s lawyer, Bruce Ramer. Three Bruces were built, one to be filmed from its left side, one from its right, and one for head-on shots with the jaws open. All three kept rusting and failing in the salt water while the bullhorn blared, “The shark is NOT working.”
Bruce on his way to work. One of the three mechanical sharks, seen from its left side, is towed into the water off Martha’s Vineyard by the crew who kept him running, when he ran.
From the personal collection of Peter Benchley (American, 1940–2006), acclaimed author of Jaws, accomplished diver, and prominent advocate for ocean and shark conservation.
Proceeds from the Peter Benchley Collection will benefit five ocean conservation organizations: Peter Benchley Ocean Awards, WildAid, Beneath the Waves, Blue Frontier and Environmental Defense Fund.
Condition report:
The photograph is in excellent vintage condition with no visible foxing, fading, or creasing. The matting is clean and free of discoloration. The silver-plated frame is structurally sound with minor, superficial scuffing consistent with age and handling.
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