See Edgartown through the eyes of the man who chose Martha’s Vineyard for the set of “Jaws” back in 1973. Production designer Joe Alves walks us through the iconic town and explains how it was transformed into Amity.
Along the way, we meet the locals who brought the movie to life — from extras to carpenters, fishermen to cast members.
Hear about the challenges and charms of filming in a tight-knit island community, and how “Jaws” forever changed the Vineyard, blending Hollywood magic with New England spirit. In the second episode of a three-part series, discover the people and place that made “Jaws” a lasting cultural icon.
Fans line up outside The Wharf pub during the 50th anniversary weekend in June to collect autographs from "Jaws" cast members. (Andrea Shea/WBUR)Jeffery Voorhees, who played Alex Kintner, the boy who was killed by the shark in Jaws, stands in The Wharf, where the walls are covered in Jaws photographs, posters and memorabilia. (Jesse Costa/WBUR)In 1974, Cathy Weiss and her young daughter were extras in the chaotic beach scene caused by two young boys scaring swimmers with a fake shark fin. The photo, taken by Edith Blake, ended up on posters advertising "Jaws" around the world. (Andrea Shea/WBUR)The house in Edgartown, which was the inspiration for Quint’s shack in "Jaws." The shack was built in Menemsha, but as soon as filming was over, it was torn down per order of the town. (Jesse Costa/WBUR)Carla Rempp was working as a nanny on the island when she was cast in "Jaws." She had a small but memorable role as the girl who warns beachgoers that a shark is approaching. (Andrea Shea/WBUR)Finatics line up to have their photo taken beside an Amity Island billboard recreated from "Jaws." (Andrea Shea/WBUR)An original poster for the Martha’s Vineyard premiere of Jaws on June 20, 1975. (Jesse Costa/WBUR)
