Steven Spielberg Was Pissed When He Heard What Happened to Some of 'Jaws' Most Important Props — You Will Be, Too

When it comes to classic films, there are few pictures that have accumulated as much iconography as Jaws. Based on Peter Benchley’s best-selling novel, the epic thriller launched the career of Steven Spielberg and is often considered the first summer blockbuster. From its horrifying kills to its iconic characters and dialogue, the film is still regarded as a quintessential classic as it approaches its 50th anniversary. But, despite its many iconic elements, for many, it’s the shark itself and Captain Quint’s (Robert Shaw) vessel, the Orca, that remain the most memorable symbols of Jaws. Indeed, the picture would be nothing without the famously problematic Bruce or the cramped, doomed fishing boat. Considering how important they are to the history of Universal’s smash hit, one might expect them to have retired happily to a Hollywood backlot, where they could be preserved and studied by film buffs. However, these unforgettable symbols of Jaws, sadly, did not stand the test of time.