- 2 Frassetto Way - Lincoln Park, NJ 07035
The Peter Benchley Collection: Jaws, A Life of Writing, A Legacy of Ocean Conservation.
Lot 125:
Description
Two black and white photographic prints documenting the 1975 production of Jaws. Image on left: Bruce the mechanical shark in the water off Martha’s Vineyard filming a sequence with the Orca. Image on right: Director Steven Spielberg and Peter Benchley discussing Benchley’s cameo role as a reporter. Frame: 8 3/8" H x 10 3/8" W x 3/4" D.
Two photographs. In one, Peter and Steven Spielberg work out the cameo together on the beach set. In the other, Bruce is towed out to sea near the Orca, Quint’s boat.
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 photographic prints appear in good condition with no visible signs of foxing, staining, or fading. The silver-plated frames show light surface scuffing and minor scratches consistent with handling. The reverse backings exhibit light dust and general wear.
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