Photo: WBZ NewsRadio
OAKS BLUFF, Mass. (WBZ NewsRadio) — Friday marks the 50th anniversary of the release of classic shark thriller, "Jaws," which originally released on June 20, 1975.
The Steven Spielberg-directed film was shot mostly on Martha's Vineyard. The movie is also known for its musical score, composed by John Williams.
The cult classic brought a surplus of attention to Martha's Vineyard shortly after its release, and tourism on the island increased substantially.
"The movie helped put the island on the map, and even today, visitors flock to the iconic spots and landmarks that feature the movie," the Martha's Vineyard Chamber of Commerce said in an online post.
It has gone on to influence other action and thriller movies that came after it and has also had numerous pieces written about it, from books to documentaries.
Martha's Vineyard Chamber of Commerce is hosting a summer-long celebration for the 50th anniversary, starting with a screening of the movie and an after party late Friday afternoon into the evening.
An exhibit called "Jaws at 50: A Deeper Dive" is at the Martha's Vineyard Museum until Sept. 7. The museum said the exhibit delves "into how the Island became the fictional Amity Island, showcasing the Vineyarders who brought the movie to life and the enduring legacy of [Steven] Spielberg's blockbuster."
Multiple events are also being held from June 19-23 for the Martha's Vineyard Museum's "Amity Homecoming Weekend."
"The weekend will feature renowned cast and crew members, historians, and film experts, all gathering on the Island that brought Amity to life," the museum said.