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June 20th marks the 50th anniversary of Jaws, the film that made beachgoers everywhere crazy about sharks, in more ways than one. While the movie’s iconic music (dun-dun dun-dun) and suspenseful scenes are forever etched into pop culture, the real-life inspiration behind the story has deep roots right here on Long Island.
Though Jaws was filmed on Martha’s Vineyard, author Peter Benchley was inspired by shark activity off the coast of Long Island when he penned his bestselling novel. Amity Island may not truly exist, but Long Island has always been the heart of the story. Here are 5 connections you probably didn’t know between Jaws and Long Island.
Donnie Braddick and Frank Mundus, 1986
1. Quint was inspired by a real Montauk fisherman
One of the most iconic characters in Jaws, Quint, was reportedly inspired by Frank Mundus, a real-life charter boat captain and shark fisherman based in Montauk. Known for his dramatic storytelling, fishing records and signature look (yes, he really wore that hat), Mundus gained notoriety in the 50s and 60s for catching massive sharks and caught his largest in 1986. His record-breaking catch was a 3,500-pound great white shark, the largest fish ever caught by rod and reel. The other catch was a 4,500-pound great white caught with a harpoon and barrels just like in Jaws.
Did You Know: Montauk holds more deep-sea fishing records than any other port in the world, earning its reputation at the “Fishing Capital of the World” to many. Fish offshore for shark, tuna, marlin, and mahi mahi, or stay inshore for flounder, fluke, porgies, bluefish, striped bass, and blackfish.
2. Author Peter Benchley spent time on Long Island
Before writing the famous story, Peter Benchley spent time studying shark sightings and interactions off Long Island’s East End, including riding along many boat rides aboard the Cricket II with Mundus. His original idea was sparked by a massive shark caught off Montauk, which became a jumping point for the fictional terror of Amity Island.
Clippings from Dan’s Papers- The East Hampton Summer Sun, July 1975
3. Amity Island is described as between Bridgehampton and East Hampton
In the book, Amity Island is described as “somewhere between Bridgehampton and East Hampton,” placing it squarely on the South Fork of LI. Take that, Martha’s Vineyards!
Painting by Howard Kanovitz: The Hamptons Drive-In in Bridgehampton, 1975
4. Theaters across Long Island were a part of the limited release strategy of Jaws
When Jaws was released in June 1975, it revolutionized movie distribution and actually started with a limited release strategy that helped create massive buzz, and the birth of the now-traditional “summer blockbuster.”
Jaws initially opened in only 464 theaters, not everywhere at once, which made people seek it out and drive to nearby cities to watch. Long Island was a key target area as the inspiration for the setting and just as a coastal summer destination, that many theaters had access to screen the movie right away, opposed to other areas of the country. The movie premiered at East Hampton Cinema, with the actors and filmmakers getting the full red-carpet treatment on Main Street.
Insider’s Look: To watch the archival video from 1974 as artist Howard Kanovitz discusses the process of this painting, click HERE.
5. Director Steven Spielberg has a house in East Hampton
In 1977, Steven Spielberg bought a home on West End Avenue in East Hampton and lives there to this day. However, he and his second wife, Kate Capshaw, are rarely seen in public. The Spielberg residence is located on the edge of a saltwater pond on a six-acre field.
Perfect Ways to Celebrate:
Hopefully the movie doesn’t scare you out of the water! Long Island’s beaches are beautiful and safe, so long as you abide by the posted rules and lifeguards on duty. Sharks are an essential part of our marine ecosystem and symbol of ocean conservation.
There’s no better place to celebrate these fascinating creatures than at the Long Island Aquarium in Riverhead, which is coincidentally celebrating its 25th anniversary this year. In honor of the Jaws milestone, visitors can swim with sharks in the aquarium’s shark tank (don’t worry, there’s a cage), pet and feed small, white-spotted bamboo sharks, learn from passionate marine biologists and aquarium tour guides about shark conservation and behavior.
The Whaling Museum & Education Center of Cold Spring Harbor organized a “Jaws-some Scavenger Hunt,” set to take place July 1- August 31. Kids and families search for jaw bones hidden throughout the museum’s exhibits to win a prize.
Book a private charter with Silly Lily Fishing Station to channel your inner Quint, fishing off the south shore of LI. Afterwards, fuel up at Lily’s Seaside with coastal fare and a cocktail.
For the true Montauk experience, embark on a chartered fishing adventure with Montauk Yacht Club, offering a range of local day trips tailored for every skill level.
Many theaters across the island are showing Jaws again in theaters, including all AMC theaters! Find the closest AMC to you by clicking HERE.
