Take a Bite Out Of This: Behind the Scenes Facts About Jaws

Robert Shaw’s USS Indianapolis Speech Wasn’t In The Book

Photo Credit: Universal Studios

Robert Shaw’s character, Quint, has one of the film’s most iconic monologues discussing his experience after the sinking of the USS Indianapolis. However, Quint’s past experiences as a sailor and his speech were specifically written in for the movie. Shaw even made some of his own adjustments to the story to make it as believable as it is.

On filming day, Shaw thought since the characters were drinking in the scene, he should too. So, he was given alcohol before and during filming. He ended up blacking out and getting carried off the boat. The next day, however, he came in sober and filmed the scene in only a few takes.