- 2 Frassetto Way - Lincoln Park, NJ 07035
The Peter Benchley Collection: Jaws, A Life of Writing, A Legacy of Ocean Conservation.
Lot 124:
Description
Gelatin silver print, production still from Jaws (Universal, 1975). Peter Benchley interviewing Richard Dreyfuss as oceanographer Matt Hooper on the beach during location filming. Benchley, author of the 1974 novel Jaws, famously made a cameo appearance in the film as a television reporter. Frame: 8 3/8" H x 10 3/8" W x 3/4" D.
Peter’s cameo. As the Amity television reporter, Peter interviews the oceanographer Matt Hooper, played by Richard Dreyfuss, on the beach, moments after Spielberg coached him through the scene. The author makes a Hitchcock-style appearance in his own story.
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.”
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 good vintage condition with clear detail and contrast. The silver-plated metal frame exhibits minor surface scuffs and light scratches throughout the exterior. The black cardboard backing is intact, showing light edge wear and a small amount of dust consistent with age and handling.
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