Friday Night at the Movies: Library to Screen “JAWS” August 15

It’s been 50 years since the movie “JAWS” opened in theaters across the country and made the phrase “Don’t go near the water” send chills down people’s backs. Now “JAWS” comes to the library on Friday, Aug. 15 at 6 p.m.

Stephen Spielberg, a young neophyte in 1974, directed this thriller based on a best-selling novel by Peter Benchley. The movie tells the story of the police chief of a New England resort town who, with the help of a marine biologist and a professional shark hunter, hunts a man-eating Great White that attacks tourists.

Spielberg decided to show the shark only sparingly — its presence is suggested by an ominous musical theme composed by John Williams. The film, mostly shot at Martha’s Vineyard in Massachusetts, was the first major motion picture to be shot on the ocean. In spite of related production troubles resulting in budget overruns and scheduling delays, it was released to more than 450 theaters, accompanied by a widespread marketing campaign in 1975. It won several awards for its music and editing and is celebrated as a quintessential summer blockbuster.

Come to the library August 15 for this celebration of summer with one of its classic anti-heroes, the Great White shark, terrifying moviegoers for five decades now. “JAWS” is rated PG.