Nearly five decades ago, a cinematic classic – recognizable by two famous notes – surfaced on movie screens across the globe.
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On Thursday, fans of that same film had a chance to see it at the Chatham Capitol Theater, with a special guest in attendance.
Jaws actor Jeff Voorhees, who played young shark attack victim Alex Kintner in the 1975 Steven Spielberg movie, was on hand for a question-and-answer session.
“People get nervous every time they hear ‘duh-nuh,’” the Massachusetts native told the gathering.
The film was shot mostly on location in the cold waters at Martha’s Vineyard.
Voorhees recalled working with a 27-year-old Spielberg in the quest to get the perfect scene, and described the mechanical great white shark, as well as other special effects.
In his short but memorable role, Voorhees’ claim to fame was riding an inflatable raft at a busy summer beach town, only to meet his untimely demise. This set off widespread panic in the community, with a bounty placed on the shark.
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The thrashing in the water was basically “two guys lifting me up and down,” he said.
His initial appearance on the beach was met with applause at the Capitol.
“It was fun making it,” Voorhees said.
Filmgoers also had the opportunity to take photos and have autographs signed.
Thursday’s event kicked off the sixth Chatham-Kent International Film Festival, which runs until Sunday.
Taking place at the Kiwanis Theatre, the festival will have a Halloween theme, with a party slated for the Saturday in Chatham Cultural Centre’s Studio One.
Guests are welcome to dress up for the party, and take part in a costume contest.
The festival received more than 200 submissions from 35 countries, which were eventually whittled down to 47.
For more information, including a rundown of films, visit chathamkiff.com. Tickets can be purchased at cktickets.com
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