traumatic events of the sinking, is one of the most chilling and powerful moments in film history.
Who wrote the USS Indianapolis speech in Jaws?
The debate over who wrote the iconic “USS Indianapolis” speech in Jaws remains unresolved.
“Somehow, the mythology was that Milius wrote that speech, but there were 10 versions of that speech, including my own,” Gottlieb said.
They gave a version to Robert Shaw, and the actor took it all in and made it his own.
”And one night while we are all at dinner … he came in with a handful of paper and said, ‘I think I have the pesky speech licked,’” Gottlieb recalled. “And he basically performed it for the table. And we all went, ‘Wow.’ And Steven said, ‘That’s what we’re shooting.’”
Delivered the speech while drunk
When it came time to film the famous USS Indianapolis monologue, Shaw attempted to deliver the speech while drunk, thinking the scene, which takes place late at night, called for it.
Unfortunately, nothing from that take could be used. Realizing his mistake, Shaw called Steven Spielberg later that night, expressing regret and asking for another chance. The following day, Shaw delivered the monologue flawlessly in one take, his performance electrifying and haunting, cementing Quint as one of cinema’s most memorable characters.
Robert Shaw & Richard Dreyfuss hated each other
Though widely respected for his talent, Robert Shaw’s struggles with alcohol created tension on set. In later interviews, Roy Scheider described his co-star as ”a perfect gentleman whenever he was sober. All he needed was one drink and then he turned into a competitive son-of-a-bitch.”
Carl Gottlieb’s The Jaws Log reveals that Shaw often had a drink between takes, at one point even admitting, “I wish I could quit drinking.”
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