Peter Benchley

Writing

Peter Benchley

Born 1940-05-08 · New York City, New York, USA

Peter Bradford Benchley (May 8, 1940 – February 12, 2006) was an American author, best known for his novel Jaws and its subsequent film adaptation, the latter co-written by Benchley (with Carl Gottlieb) and directed by Steven Spielberg. Several more of his works were also adapted for cinema, including The Deep, The Island, Beast, and White Shark.

Acting credits

Jaws poster
7.7

When the seaside community of Amity finds itself under attack by a dangerous great white shark, the town's chief of police, a young marine biologist, and a grizzled shark hunter embark on a desperate quest to kill the beast before it strikes again.

Jaws

1975

Jaws @ 50: The Definitive Inside Story poster
7.5

The authorized documentary celebrating the film that redefined Hollywood, 50 years after its premiere. Featuring rare archival footage and interviews with acclaimed Hollywood directors alongside Steven Spielberg, top shark scientists, and conservationists, the film uncovers the behind-the-scenes chaos and how the film launched the summer blockbuster, inspired a new wave of filmmakers, and paved the way for shark conservation that continues today.

Jaws @ 50: The Definitive Inside Story

2025

Mrs. Parker and the Vicious Circle poster
5.9

Dorothy Parker remembers the heyday of the Algonquin Round Table, a circle of friends whose barbed wit, like hers, was fueled by alcohol and flirted with despair.

Mrs. Parker and the Vicious Circle

1994

The Shark Is Still Working poster
7.3

After three decades, Jaws continues to intrigue, thrill and frighten viewers. This documentary focuses on the many ways in which Jaws has helped to shape popular culture.

The Shark Is Still Working

2009

The Making of 'Jaws' poster
6.8

A documentary on the making of one of the greatest films ever made, filled with trivia, interviews from cast and crew and never-before-seen footage.

The Making of 'Jaws'

1995

In the Teeth of Jaws poster
8.0

BBC documentary about the making of Steven Spielberg's Jaws.

In the Teeth of Jaws

1997

Great White Deep Trouble poster
NR

Mythic, monstrous...misunderstood. Now on the 25th anniversary of the hit film Jaws, National Geographic embarks on a voyage of breakthrough discoveries that will alter our view of the infamous creature once labeled "the perfect killing machine." Join the ultimate great white shark expedition, featuring Jaws creator Peter Benchley, famed underwater photographer David Doubilet and attack survivor turned shark advocate Rodney Fox. Witness great footage of never-before-seen shark behaviours. With cinematography that takes you literally into the gaping mouth of this fearsome killer, it's surprising new look at one of the largest, most fascinating predators ever to swim the seas-or haunt our imaginations.

Great White Deep Trouble

2000

Hunters of the Reef poster
6.5

A salvage boat captain is pitted against a better-equipped competitor in a race to locate a sunken wreck in shark-infested waters off the Florida coast.

Hunters of the Reef

1978

Behind the camera