The Jaws Obsession

The Jaws Universe is mourning the loss of Susan Backlinie, the stuntwoman who played the doomed first shark victim, Chrissie Watkins in Jaws. Can we frame Susan's performance as one of the greatest stunt performances in cinema history? Through articles and interviews, and the voice of Steven Spielberg, we aim to prove Susan Backlinie belongs in the stunt performance history books.   In memory of:...

Can we prove Jaws takes place in 1974? On this episode, five different data points are extracted from within the movie Jaws to definitively prove the year is 1974. From calendars in the background to vehicle registration stickers, this is an extension of episode 16 to offer further proof of what year Jaws takes place. The Book of Quint audiobook has been delayed, while a second printing is now sta...

What antique shark books were on Martin Brody's desk in Jaws? The imagery used from these books can tell us a lot about how science viewed sharks during this era.  A continuation of Episode 74, shark expert Andrew Currie brings a volume of information to the show, and we have the most comprehensive take on the shark books featured in the movie. The origins of the word 'shark' in the English langua...

Was he right? Was Matt Hooper right when he said he agrees with the theory of Territoriality? Utilizing antique books from the set of Jaws, we dissect conventional scientific information of that era to get inside the mind of Matt Hooper during the summer of 1974 when Jaws takes place. Are sharks territorial? What about the rogue shark theory? What scientist invented the theory and what were the re...

With the loss of Roger Kastel, the artist behind the shark painting that changed the face of cinema and became the iconic symbol of Jaws, we conduct a deep dive into the creation of the painting. Also, the enduring mystery of the missing painting. The Book of Quint was published one month ago. Updates and reviews of the novel are coming in. Top 5 Headlines made by the Book of Quint in the last 4 w...

Can the monster-shark narrative of Jaws be changed by the prequel The Book of Quint? A cinematic term used by Alfred Hitchcock is the answer. What is a MacGuffin and what is the Jaws MacGuffin? An appeal to Universal Pictures and Director Steven Spielberg. What is happening in the water during the holiday roast scene with Charlie and Denherder? A listener email leads to extra analysis. The eve of...

Jaws history discovered with a revelation and discovery of an original Anchor Jacket by Chipp Clothing Company. Orca Specialist and Technical Advisor Jon Tedder visits the show to give great detail into the iconic jacket that become a symbol of Mayor Larry Vaughn.  It doesn't get any more in-depth with Jaws analysis than this. Groundbreaking history is told, and we learn everything there is to kno...

The Henry Cavill fanbase joins the Jaws Obsession as fan casting images hit social media creating the question: Why can't there be a prequel to Jaws in 2025 with Henry Cavill as Quint, directed by Steven Spielberg with a score composed by John Williams? Just asking? 31 days to the Book of Quint countdown has begun on Instagram @bookofquint. Can Artificial Intelligence be used as a tool to bring Th...

How old are Michael and Sean Brody in Jaws? A first on the Jaws Obsession, we reach into Jaws 2 to extract details to answer this question.  The Book of Quint world-wide release dates. Breaking news, and information on the Book of Quint eBook launch. November 15, 2023: UK, Europe, Australia, Japan January 23, 2024: USA, Canada Exciting times ahead. A notice from Shaun O'Rourke as the energy builds...

Did Quint fire three barrels or four into the shark? The answer leads to one of the greatest Jaws Easter Eggs of all time. Blink and you might miss it. After this episode, you will never stop seeing it. As always, the answer is in the smallest of details.  Amberley Publishing acquires The Book of Quint for world-wide distribution. Breaking news on the wide release of the novel in 2023. Jon Tedder...

Who was the Lady of the Dunes and is she seen in the movie Jaws? After author Joe Hill made the connection in 2015 to Jaws, the famous cold case eventually found its way to a conclusion. Part True-Crime broadcast, the facts of the case are presented in this episode, as her identity is recently proven by law enforcement. Only hours before this recording, her killer is identified, and the case is cl...

Was Chrissie Watkins just another summer girl or was there a darker tone to her backstory leading to her tragic death on June 27th, 1974? An in-depth look into the clues surrounding the first victim of Jaws leads to unexpected results. Listener emails and a further look into the Brody family timeline on Amity Island. Show notes & photos:  https://t.me/jawsob Email:  JawsOB2025@gmail.com Jawsob...

How does Quint's story provide us with a bridge to history? In a remarkable turn of events, Jaws fan Edward Rodriguez joins the show to explain the history of Mare Island, and how he was able to present The Book of Quint to USS Indianapolis survivor Harold Bray.  Listener emails and we touch on the map of Amity Island, the possible origins of Amity's 50th annual regatta, and the digestive system o...

A new discovery for The Jaws Obsession. The real-life inspiration for Quint's USS Indianapolis speech is identified. Back from England, The Book of Quint is now in Robert Shaw's hometown of Westhoughton, Greater Manchester, UK. A replay of the speech introducing the book to Westhoughton. Dan Carver visits the show to bring a spotlight onto a key piece of evidence that leads us to a special conclus...

The timeless appearance by cinema's most famous police department secretary, Polly, gives us clues into the history of the Amity Police Department if we pay attention to the details. Haydn Wheeler of JawsOB UK joins the show to discuss the upcoming Book of Quint event in the UK on July 1st, 2023, in Westhoughton. Jaws Obsession UK Meet up, July 1st 2023 at The Robert Shaw, Westhoughton . Tickets,...

A deep look into the history of Pipit and the other canine appearances in Jaws. What does Pipit bring to the Jaws Universe? The Spielberg dogs become the Brody family dogs and one miniature poodle changes the course of Jaws history. Jaws news and listener emails. Jaws Obsession goes to the UK. The Book of Quint to Westhoughton Library special event announced. Jaws Obsession UK Meet up, July 1st 20...

Visual clues given in the movie JAWS lead to a final conclusion showing how fisherman Ben Gardner died and what exactly happened aboard the Flicka during the hunt for the shark. Retired Police Detective Mugsy McGraw and Orca specialist Jon Tedder visit the show to add more pieces to the puzzle. Ryan (@bookofquint) • Instagram photos and videos www.instagram.com/bookofquint Show notes & photos:  ht...

Still alive and kicking in the Jaws Obsession. Book of Quint and Jaws news. Listener emails. Screenplays for The Book of Quint completed. A Jurassic Park prequel idea gets some media buzz. What is Mr. Taft asking Brody on the beach? Does Quint have a military motivation in giving Hooper a hard time? So much to discuss! Ryan (@bookofquint) • Instagram photos and videos www.instagram.com/bookofquint...

Jaws cinematographer, Wilmer "Bill" Butler has passed away at the age of 101. What did Bill Butler mean to the set of Jaws and director Spielberg? How can the example Bill set during the making of Jaws inspire us in our daily lives? In Memory of Wilmer C. Butler (1921-2023) Ryan (@bookofquint) • Instagram photos and videos www.instagram.com/bookofquint Show notes & photos:  https://t.me/jawsob Ema...

What is the Jaws Generation? With the movie about to turn 50 years old, how has Jaws been received over the past 4 generations? How will the latest generation be introduced to Jaws? Can a prequel usher in a new era for Jaws? The Book of Quint screenplay(s)? Early reader reviews and emails. Ryan (@bookofquint) • Instagram photos and videos www.instagram.com/bookofquint Show notes & photos:  https:/...

Happy St. Paddy's Day 2023! A quick update on the current state of The Book of Quint Audio replay of the live-stream appearance on the Shaun O'Rourke show from YouTube. Huge thanks to Shaun for creating the momentum! Replay of video broadcast: YouTube @ShaunORourke https://www.youtube.com/live/glBXEITztgI?feature=share Ryan (@bookofquint) • Instagram photos and videos www.instagram.com/bookofquint...

What role does the tiger shark play in the Jaws Universe? Is there a deep historical significance between Quint and the tiger shark? A huge leap forward! The Book of Quint is now represented by the William Pettit Agency in Atlanta, Georgia. Literary representation AND book-to-film development. Shaun O'Rourke and the unboxing video for the Book of Quint: https://youtu.be/iuI9il0QnUM The Book of Qui...

Who was Aurthur BenDavid and how did he change the movie Jaws forever? What is the history behind Quint's harpoon rifle, not just for the production of Jaws, but what purpose does it serve within the Jaws Universe? Orca Specialist Jon Tedder is on deck to offer insight into this legendary piece of cinematic armament. In Memory of Arthur BenDavid: The Vineyard Gazette - Martha's Vineyard News | Art...

What genre does Jaws fit into? Horror? Action/Adventure? Drama? How about all three? The key to finding the answer is within the John Williams effect. What are the elements of a horror movie and how do they relate to Jaws. More Book of Quint reviews from early readers. Full interview with film critic and author Phil Hall: Episode 282: In Search of Captain Quint – NUTMEG CHATTER https://archive.org...

A listener email question sets the wheels in motion to analyzing the infamous "A Whaaat" line. Were the three fishermen in Jaws a device used by Steven Spielberg to establish context in the movie? Who are they and what are their names? Who is the Jaws Lando? John Williams walks back retirement plans. More book reviews to the Book of Quint from early readers. Ryan (@bookofquint) • Instagram photos...