Jaws: The U.S.S. Indianapolis Speech

After comparing scars, Quint (Robert Shaw) tells Brody (Roy Scheider) and Hooper (Richard Dreyfuss) what happened when tiger sharks attacked the stranded crew of the U.S.S. Indianapolis.
Copyright with Universal Pictures.
Jaws, 1975, directed by Steven Spielberg. Go buy it if you haven't.

[@RestingMitchFace2112]

It's crazy how one of the greatest scenes in cinematic history is just a guy sitting telling a story. No big flashback, no set pieces, just three guys in a boat. Brilliant.

[@threalismaradona9899]

Its called real acting and writing sorry to say its a lost art

[@RestingMitchFace2112]

@@threalismaradona9899 It’s all around you just gotta dig really hard to find it

[@RenegadeShepTheSpacer]

@@RestingMitchFace2112 Exactly. It's not lost, but it is increasingly rare.

[@scorptarget]

💯💯

[@j2msu341]

Yes ! But what a story, a real story

[@ziweiyuan]

The way Robert Shaw tells this story you'd swear he was there himself. Brilliant, brilliant actor.

[@montythebugman6308]

Brilliant actor and not a bad writer. In addition to several novels and plays he is credited with the rewrite of this very scene. According to Carl Gottlieb, who rewrote Peter Benchley's initial screenplay, Shaw took several drafts of this scene and consolidated them into this 6:12 piece of cinematic brilliance.I What a talent.

[@billyruprecht9581]

Even the surviving crew of the Indianapolis gave their respects to Robert Shaw.

[@gumborambo4540]

the pauses he makes in the speech radiate truth. Shaw was an amazing actor, he played a New England Islander perfectly.

[@Buffalobills-fh2be]

He fought in Ww2 for the English he allowed to fake it

[@Maximillian200HP]

@@gumborambo4540 I dunno if it was intended or just coincidental, but you really get the vibe that Quint suffers from PTSD as a result of that incident and he seemed almost like he was on the verge of a flashback while telling the story and looked like he even struggled to maintain his composure and control all the anger he still had towards sharks. I've only ever seen Robert Shaw in two films (This and From Russia with Love) but he was a fantastic actor. A shame he died only a couple years after this film was released.

[@laurabogue3503]

The moment he says USS Indianapolis all the air got sucked out of the room and it became real, real fast.

[@mexman000]

for Mr. Hooper, because he knew. Chief said "what happened?" I would think in 1977, it was only about 32 years after the Indianapolis went down, i would think chief should of known

[@GrondTheHammer]

Three guys blowing off steam, having a good time and bonding. Then a revelation. Dreyfuss' laughter followed by the aborted giggle, realization and then panting really sets the tone. We understand, even if like the Chief we don't know the story of the Indianapolis, something important just happened. Shaw then proceeds to absolutely knocks it out of the park. Every line seems to be better than the last, but that is not what is happening. Every sentence that is being spoken, in an almost trance-like reverence, is perfect as it is. From "Sometimes the shark would go away. Sometimes he wouldn't go away." To "...and three hours later a big, fat PBY comes down and start to pick up up. You know, that was the time i was most frightened. " You feel almost as if you are in the water too....and would do anything to get out! Truly one of the greatest scenes in the history of film.

[@ericmorang3903]

​@@mexman000 The story of the Indianapolis wasn't common knowledge at the time, after this movie it became very well known.

[@eddiemoran8044]

⁠@@mexman000ehh it’s not very likely chief, a cop from New York (who didn’t serve in ww2) would know about the incident. Brody knew because he was a specialist in the field of sharks, so no doubt he’d know about the deadliest attack in history (Indianapolis ww2). But in 1974 with no internet or wide scale phobia of sharks it makes sense that chief Brody didn’t take the first attacks as seriously as he should’ve, because he WAS TOLD NOT TO TAKE THEM SERIOUSLY

[@mexman000]

@@eddiemoran8044 that's a possibility.

[@joescott8877]

I love how Quint grabs Hooper's arm after Hooper's lighthearted "Mother tattoo" joke is made. It's like Quint is communicating: Dude, I know we were making all kinds of silly jokes literally seconds ago, and you may feel bad about making that last one when you hear what the tattoo REALLY said, but it's all good, I won't hold it against you. And yes, I DO know that you will INSTANTLY know the significance when I say "The U.S. Indianapolis." Prepare to hear a riveting tale, my friend." Anyhow, I think that brilliant little arm grab by Shaw/Quint communicates all of that.

[@missygoldstein12]

Yes that was superb.

[@petergandenberger8154]

Agreed. That small gesture communicated so much.

[@frysause934]

That's how real men communicate. It comes from our hunter/ gather days. When we needed to communicate but remain silent. To get the meal to feed our family.

[@mr.eldritch1589]

I like hooper immediately went sober when he said it was from Indianapolis.

[@heidireynolds9587]

Best acting in American history. RIP Robert Shaw.

[@johnrotten3268]

The fact that Shaw didn't win an oscar for this scene speaks volumes how the academy isn't worth a shit.

[@brian-td2um]

Especially if you read the book. In the book quint has no personality at all.

[@thomaspetersen3208]

Amen brother!!

[@asburypark1516]

Funny fact is that Shaw was drunk most of the time during shoots like this one. Fact is there were days where they called the shoot off all together and delayed it because Shaw was to drunk. Either way his best is this and The Sting.

[@StevenVerd]

I understand he died shortly after filming Jaws.

[@brian-td2um]

@@StevenVerd a few years after. He did a couple movies after Jaws. August 1978 he died.

[@floralwallpaperenthusiast6631]

Convincingly acting drunk is hard. Convincingly acting drunk and knowing how to deliver a heartfelt monologue like this is probably some of the best acting ever

[@ssaepa1]

They say Shaw did a fair bit of drinking during the shoot with so much downtime due to weather and ol Bruce the shark malfunctions. I have said many times if I could pick one celebrity to shoot the shit and drink with it would be him. I did come across a KZbin video that showed his son, who is the spitting image of him starring in a play about the making of the movie.

[@gumborambo4540]

@@ssaepa1 Shaw was a mean and violent drunk. You would be facing a Ginger Baker situation. Id kill to have a chat with Scheider, this movie and the French Connection started my love for film.

[@ohioexpax1592]

He was drunk when he did that.

[@altarofkubrickfloyd]

He’s drunk in certain shots, sober in others. It seems like the first few minutes he’s inebriated.

[@davidlafleche1142]

Not to mention seasick.

[@rjmq433]

Ive seen this scene probably a thousand times. Never gets old.

[@c.moriarty1178]

I don't know how many times, maybe a thousand

[@degeautdfanfirst]

​@@c.moriarty11786 times an hour

[@davidedwards8365]

I try to use it as a memory aid. And I still get it wrong. Genius level acting

[@benwillard2673]

I read somewhere that when Robert Shaw read that part of the script he said "There are words in here that a fisherman wouldn't use. Let me rewrite some of it." One of the best scenes in movie history.

[@montythebugman6308]

According to Carl Gottlieb, who rewrote Peter Benchley's original screenplay screenplay, Shaw took several drafts of this scene and consolidated them into his own version. Shaw, who was an accomplished novelist and playwright, performed his version of the monologue during dinner with Spielberg and some of the other creatives. Spielberg took one look around the table and said "That's the scene." Robert Shaw RIP.

[@zuppedepeche]

I still don't know how Robert Shaw did not win or even get nominated for best supporting actor in this film. One of the all time greatest movie characters and monologues in history. Chilling to the bone.

[@alanmeires]

Yes, you are so right he should at least got nominated he was so good in the hole film, not just this scene.

[@shugaroony]

Shaw could've got oscars for so many roles, he was excellent in everything he done.

[@remy6885]

I heard he actually came up with this script himself but I don't know if it's true

[@jennifersman7990]

And get this, Lee Marvin & Charlton Heston were first approached for the role and turned it down

[@J_Rossi]

Helen Walton He did. He rewrote a much longer version of t he speech that had been written by John Millius. Howard Sackler had conceived the idea of the Indianapolis sinking being the reason why Quint hated sharks, but he only wrote a short paragraph. Robert Shaw was the one to write the version of the speech that we hear in the film.

[@gssheriff7278]

Robert Shaw should have got academy award for this role

[@mrspicolli]

No kidding. Even as a kid I felt something significant about this. As an adult knowing the story it’s just that much more intense. It’s kinda hard to listen to when u realize this shit happened. Shame the Indianapolis movie sucked....it was shot in bama. Shame

[@wolfy5svn945]

Shut up. He wasn't even acting in this scene he was plastered and ad libbing. According to interviews with the cast they actually said they hated him and he was an obnoxious alcoholic. Robert Lee Errmey never got no academy award for full metal jacket.

[@gssheriff7278]

No need to get personal man, just my opinion. I agree Lee Emery should have received academy award for full metal jacket.

[@wolfy5svn945]

@@gssheriff7278 my bad 😂 my comment was directed at J B. Id never disagree with someone's opinion on movie awards unless it involves Jared Leto being joker lol

[@gssheriff7278]

Well my opinion on Leto, is I was expecting more out of the role, bigger part in the storyline.

[@fireboy93939]

No CGI, No dramatization, no Bs. Just 3 guys, a ship, and a harrowing real life story. Greatest scene ever from the greatest movie ever

[@wcw2793]

And the great John Williams’ music to help with the mood.

[@troutwalker475]

Let’s drink to our legs

[@AlexanderNixonArtHistory]

Dreyfus was cgi.

[@moemanncann895]

I think Spielberg threw in his signature CGI shooting stars in the background during the boat scenes

[@James-zp5po]

It was not real life because nukes don't exist Hiroshima and Nagasaki were fire bombed only leaving brick buildings standing this was a subliminal propaganda movie

[@delavalmilker]

Amazing how the mood suddenly changes at 2:34, when Quint almost off-handedly mentions that he was on the Indianapolis. Hooper, as a shark expert, immediately realizes what that means.

[@davidedwards8365]

Richard Dreyfuss's responses to this is one of the greatest pieces of acting ever

[@reelgoodfishing]

Even deeper than realizing what it means in the moment, it changes the entire context of everything he’s known about Quint since he met him. He knew he was a shark fisherman but never knew why. Hooper saw them from a research perspective and always hated that Quint had no appreciation for the scientific significance. Until he heard that he was on the Indianapolis. Now everything that Quint has said and done that pissed off Hooper makes a lot more sense to him. My take.

[@horrorfanandy4647]

⁠​⁠@@reelgoodfishing Absolutely agree with you. The whole scene beforehand is Quint and Hooper drunkenly bonding and putting aside their differences, but there’s still a distance between them even though this is the closest they are with one another in the whole film. Then Quint tells this tale and instantly both Brody and Hooper are plunged headfirst into the darkness of Quint’s mind, haunted by a trauma he can never forget, by survivors guilt, by a feeling that he should have died in place of his friend. It’s only after this that Hooper truly understands, and even though they fight constantly throughout the rest of the film, Hooper has a begrudging respect for him that wasn’t there before. Quint equally treats Hooper more as an equal after this scene, and this respect is especially apparent when Hooper bravely decides to go down in the cage, something Quint knows he would never do.

[@heathermillsphantomlimb9314]

@@reelgoodfishing100%. That story also helps explain Quints poor decisions later on in the movie. He saw this giant shark almost from a Moby Dick/Captain Ahab perspective where it represents the trauma of the Indianapolis, and he was going to kill it no matter what the consequences. He destroys the radio because this was his kill, and he wasn’t going to let anyone else take it from him. Then, he burns up the engine because he’s desperate to kill it before anyone else can come along. My thoughts, anyway.

[@brianfarrell3987]

The way Quint knocks his hat off on to the table. He means business with this story.

[@iangillespie4013]

“What happened?” I love the almost childlike innocence of that question from chief Brody, who quite clearly didn’t know what had happened to the USS Indianapolis, in contrast to Hooper suddenly getting VERY serious, knowing his history and knowing he’s about to hear a recollection of unimaginable horror.

[@judyhopps9380]

though Quint isn't real, the way this story is told is so chilling and compelling, you get now why so many veterans didn't talk about the war to their kids. It took 40 odd years and their grandkids asking before some opened up, and even then, not all of them could.

[@Shadywolf09]

It's like a tale told around a campfire. The kids (Brody and Hooper) asking the adult (Quint) to tell them a story.

[@EricDKaufman]

And at the time, in the 1970s most people still didn't know about Indianapolis. In fact, I would argue this movie brought it back into the zeitgeist, so that conversation and proper history could be done on it. War is hell, but this was a fresh hell of fresh meat for the sharks. Pure HORROR.

[@EricDKaufman]

@@judyhopps9380 even when you win war is hell

[@brianstark2219]

@@EricDKaufman It was such an awful story of suffering .. and negligence by the Navy, it was actively suppressed. And, of course, Hiroshima and Nagasaki and the sudden end of the war occurred soon afterward and completely overshadowed this tragedy. Nobody knew about this

[@texasrockshillcountry6574]

I love how when Quint tells Hooper that the tattoo was the U.S.S. Indianapolis, and Hooper's laugh immediately dissipated. He knew...

[@THEGODDAMNDINOSAUR]

yeah he knew, probably knows a lot of naval history

[@madcapmakov2]

Not only that, I love Quint grabs Hopper when Hooper makes the joke about that tattoo... Subtle body acting to add on Shaw’s performance.

[@Ducksoup67]

And the way Shaw played it...the wincing grin and firm, but not threatening grip on Hoopers arm. ACTING!

[@danielmunoz456]

One of my favorite examples ever of "show, don't tell." Hooper goes from jovial drunk to just frightened so quick it draws everyone in.

[@argustuft2394]

@@THEGODDAMNDINOSAUR He wouldn't necessarily know a lot of naval history, but as an ichthyologist specializing in sharks he would surely have known about the worst single shark attack event in recorded history.

[@llongdong]

I'm an old man. Seen a lot of movies. Shaw's acting here, in this scene, is the greatest I have ever been exposed to.

[@tacoscamp]

"I'll never put on a life jacket again". It's an amazing bit of storytelling to find out so much about what drives a man in a few minutes of chatting. Robert Shaw re-wrote that speech himself using bits and pieces of the numerous other submissions by MIlius, Gottlieb, Zemeckis, etc., adding his own flourishes, and turned into a masterclass in movie-making. I'll never get tired of watching it.

[@queenfan45]

I saw this in the theater last week. You could feel everyone’s breath quicken in fear in this scene.

[@johntabler349]

Later when it's all going bad and it is obvious the boat is in deep trouble, Quint grabs two life jackets throws one to Hopper and one to Brody . Little thing but it adds depth

[@lancecampbell4323]

The entire movie pivots on this scene. Up to this point they are hunting the shark. After this scene they are the ones being hunted. A brilliant scene from a brilliant film.

[@johnkav]

Good point Lance I hadn't considered that. What a brilliant moment to pivot the story.

[@patriceaqa288]

@@johnkav it's a brilliant way to pivot the story because quint and hooper bond, we realize quint is in no way stable and hunts sharks out of a revenge mentality, and very shortly afterwards the boat starts sinking whilst Brody the most fearful at first begins becoming the hero of the film. The film became pure fantasy versus reality at this point whereby a shark being hunted starts hunting the boat, but that's what jaws was a blockbuster that obviously had to completely play with reality

[@richardscaife1126]

Fantastic point, Lance.

[@ryand141]

Yes, good point.

[@michaelplumpton8873]

Spot on

[@alanw505]

You could hear a pin drop in the theater when Robert Shaw delivered that Oscar worthy performance. Chilling.

[@shawnkalin9337]

Did you see it on original theatrical release?

[@ahsunraza2207]

@Jim McCracken Lucky!

[@phillyphilhouse79]

@Jim McCracken Pretty cool. I think the first time I saw a blockbuster was when Terminator 2 came out. The next time was definitely Star Wars Episode 1: The Phantom Menace. Titanic and Saving Private Ryan both drew huge crowds as well, but not as big as The Phantom Menace did. My great grandfather was a Titanic survivor so the movie Titanic had more meaning for my family.

[@phillyphilhouse79]

@Jim McCracken The sneak preview for T2 was The Rocketeer. My entire family went. We got 2 movies for the price of one. Love The Rocketeer and how it captured Golden Era Hollywood and people in general in 1938 USA. When the Rocketeer took that chic out hanging her laundry and skipped across the water, the crowd roared with laughter. When T2 took that dudes clothes and mounted his Harley, again a huge roaring cheer was let out. That was one of the best movie nights I've ever had even up to today.

[@phillyphilhouse79]

@Jim McCracken True. However, the fight between human Darth Vader and Obi-Wan in The Revenge of the Sith was definitely amazing. So were the stunts in the new Mad Max and Tom Cruises hanging off a real plane in the air stunt in MI 5 was pretty damn good.

[@josephbateman7742]

As soon as he heard Indianapolis, Hooper just shuts up and looks horrified and in awe..

[@brycepatties]

One of the manliest scenes ever put to film, from the one-upsmanship of Quint and Hooper to the end of the monologue. Just brilliant writing.

[@briancarey1159]

There was no one upping that

[@freakattack9616]

Facts

[@troyc4250]

Now that I'm older....this scene is the scariest.

[@Soundwave2423]

Now that I’m older and actually in the Navy....this scene is terrifying

[@josephkelley8641]

for me it was about three, four years ago - i.e. still in my Youth. .

[@josephkelley8641]

for whatever reason this was way-scarier back in 2016.

[@hellogoodbye4061]

This scene says so much about Quint...most of all, we learn why he does what he does, what drives his unwavering, unending hatred of sharks and his lifelong quest to kill every damn one in the ocean....He is Captain Ahab seeking revenge on Moby Dick.

[@dapperden4129]

@K M the USS Indianapolis was a real event. Thats what makes this scene so terrifying.

[@MrZAP17]

One of the all-time great monologues. I don't care how graphic and horrifying the rest of the movie is; this is the scariest scene in the film, full stop.

[@michaekwstewart]

Great comment. INDIANAPOLIS veterans stated this scene really shed light on their sacrifices.

[@rembrant34]

Agreed. Totally captivating. I feel like a kid sitting around a campfire listening to ghost stories every time I watch this.

[@michaekwstewart]

If memory serves, Spielberg stated later that Shaw was rip-roaring drunk during the scene. Shaw and Dreyfuss had had a big row over something ( they were fighting off and on during the making of the movie ) and Shaw left to go have a few. Spielberg states that he returned 'pretty lit' but when ACTION! was given, Shaw knocked it out of the ballpark.

[@Grafferty]

I thought there was a bit more of a gap than going off in a huff and coming back, like the next day or something. Whatever happened, he came back and killed it.

[@JoeHynes284]

This is why I joined submarines, no chance to swim with sharks, if all goes poorly, we just drown

[@macarotto]

I absolutely love when Quint and Hooper have just shown each other their leg scars, and have that little moment of looking at each other with newfound respect. After all of Quint's jibes about Hooper being a city boy with soft hands from counting money all his life, and Hooper mocking the "working class hero crap" in return. Their realization they've got more in common than they thought and their camaraderie just makes "Mr. Hooper, that's the U.S.S. Indianapolis" hit even harder. Two outstanding actors, I can watch this scene countless times and still get chills.

[@Grimreepa220]

I read that they didn't get along when filming. Some of the scenes where Quint is angry at him are genuine.

[@joescott8877]

@@Grimreepa220 Heh, yeah, and then there's that scene where Hooper is at the wheel, saying in a sort of piratey-sarcastic snarl "Aye, aye, SIR!"

[@logicplague2077]

@@Grimreepa220 Oh yeah, that animosity was real, although I don't think they ever really resolved it the way the characters did.

[@rclem87]

As spectacular as Robert Shawn’s monologue is, Dreyfuss’s reaction is phenomenal!

[@aspe7187]

And Brody's look at his Appendix Scar.

[@michaelkuhn402]

Literally one of the best scenes ever written and acted in movie history.

[@nstix2009xitsn]

@Michael Kuhn Literally alert! Try the same phrase without the superfluous word.

[@nstix2009xitsn]

@@J.F.-yy8ji Thanks for the laugh!

[@jerramaurice7836]

He was actually drunk when he did half of this scene

[@chriskrausesmovie]

literally

[@bassplayer2011ify]

@@jerramaurice7836 He probably was when they were comparing injuries. But for the monologue of the story of the Indianapolis he was sober. They originally shot it when he was drunk but Shaw wasn't happy with it. So he asked if they could redo it tomorrow. He shows up the next day sober and does it in one take.

[@justinbrooks9072]

"Sometimes the shark would go away. Sometimes he wouldn't go away." This monologue chills to the bone!

[@mr.e6033]

The crazy part is it really happened! So many of those brave men got eaten by sharks.

[@shawnthompson2303]

I'll never put on a life jacket again.

[@derricklafrance9440]

This scene alone was 10 times better than the Nic Cage movie about the Indianapolis.

[@Dlovitz1024]

....”their lifeless eyes. You don’t know their alive until they bite you”. Great scene!

[@benjarvis7485]

Lifeless eyes, like a dolls eyes…

[@leedaniel3500]

This scene is part of what really sets JAWS apart from a typical "thriller" or "monster" film. How quickly Hooper shuts up and his disbelief thanks to the words of Quint's mouth. Dreyfuss's continued look of awe throughout the monologue shows it all. He sees that this guy has really been through it, really knows this world and Hooper is for once at a loss for words. Anyway. We delivered the bomb.

[@VivaLaDnDLogs]

I love the way we see Hooper process that revelation. From drunken revelry to stone sober amazement in maybe a handful of breaths. Not instantaneously, that would eliminate realism. Each breath that catches in his throat gets him closer to being able to express his awe at the information just revealed to him.

[@schell0118]

*Utterly captivating!* What a great actor he was. My uncle was a limo driver in London in the 1970s. He was also an alcoholic. He was once invited to join Robert Shaw for a drink after having driven him to various meetings in the city. I had, up to a certain point in his life, never seen my uncle completely sober. He would typically polish of a bottle of brandy every day. He told me that Robert Shaw drank him under the table that day. He had to leave the car in town and was worried for his job. Robert Shaw told him he'd phone his boss and make it ok, which he did.

[@1972ibleedcrimson]

Considering this actually happened makes it all the more terrifying

[@wedgeantilles4712]

BCMGunfighters1972: Indeed, the U.S.S Indianapolis event did happen. That is not just a story Quint tells.

[@jamlym4974]

It almost gives credibility to what happens in this movie. You never know.

[@alphawolf1786]

@@yacovlk7924 then you should know it resulted in the greatest life lost in the US Navy in history and how the captain was wrongfully courted Marshall and the survivors of it were scared badly by it

[@alphawolf1786]

@@yacovlk7924 ok if you are going to be like that then why are you here

[@nibiru379]

Jacob Kauffman cough douche cough .

[@garbagi0]

What often gets missed is that Quint says he got that tattoo removed. Just the sight of it on his skin must have been torture for years.

[@napoleonsolo5929]

I imagine he didn't enjoy telling the story much.

[@claytonmachine12]

I think the line that sells what he felt about that more is when he says he'll never wear a life jacket again

[@cugamer8862]

When he points at it he says "that's the USS Indianapolis." Even tho he got the ink removed he still thinks of it every time he looks at his arm, he can probably still it in his mind's eye. He removed the physical evidence, but it's still part of him. Those are the kind of little details that really make this scene.

[@shawnthompson2303]

@@claytonmachine12 "Anyway.... we delivered the bomb. 🍺"

[@Matthew-cw3gn]

@@claytonmachine12 I don't think I fully understand what he means by the line about not wearing a life jacket. Just because it brings back bad memories? Because he'd rather just die? Something else?

[@RYTHMICRIOT]

My favorite movie of all time. I don't care how good computer graphics or augmented reality gets. The storytelling of this film is beyond impeccable and never tires.

[@qualmless7499]

I agree. While it's not my favorite ever (mine is The Thing 1982) it's in my top 2.

[@aspe7187]

@@qualmless7499 Only Cool Hand Luke comes before Jaws. The Thing is good. The special effects.

[@usmcjawbreaker97]

The complete shift in tone when he says “Indianapolis” is stunning.

[@j-rocd9507]

The sobering effect on Hooper as he immediately respects what he about to hear is perfect.

[@ryanhampson673]

My grandfather was assigned to the Indy...He came down with a severe case of pneumonia and had to be hospitalized right before the ship left on that mission.

[@dwissba68]

@@ryanhampson673 Did he ever wish he would have been there with those men?

[@ryanhampson673]

@@dwissba68 I was very young when he told me the story. I didn't really grasp it until he was gone and I was older.

[@redfirebonus9408]

Yeah very precise attention to detail

[@Phinal_Flash]

The man has been studying sharks for years. He knew what Quint was about to talk about.

[@TonyAiuto]

I must have seen this scene 100 times. It still commands my full attention every time.

[@thomaspiccirillo6820]

Thank you Tony ! It always will for me to

[@comeacross9]

Yup.

[@dakotawalker7117]

Yes!

[@mikek5958]

This is without question one of the greatest, most affecting and most haunting scenes in the history of cinema.

[@thomaspiccirillo6820]

@@mikek5958 Ur soooooo right Mike ty!

[@Maximillian200HP]

This not only is a brilliant piece of acting, but it's fantastic character backstory. You can tell he doesn't just kill sharks for a living, but it's for revenge, you can see on his face when he's recalling that incident, he doesn't just hunt sharks, he HATES them.

[@gorethegreat]

One of the best acted pieces in any movie, ever. Oscar worthy. But wasn’t recognised. We recognise it. RIP RS.

[@joshuapatrick682]

The last survivor of the Indianapolis passed Adolfo Celaya died last year in May. Rest In Peace sir

[@sundayakpan2663]

Amazing Fucking Speech that they are having a conversation

[@h.calvert3165]

@@sundayakpan2663 The script was inadequate. Shaw said, I can do better than this. Young Spielberg, 25 years old, had the self-confidence to relinquish control. Do it, he said. Shaw did. And here you have the very heart of the meaning of this film: life is a constant struggle for survival. It will kill us, unless we come together to fight. 🦈

[@benthomas8765]

I am currently reading a book on the Indianapolis, and he is brought up quite frequently.

[@fernandopessoa7077]

Which book is it, mate?

[@woodruffokjulee5615]

No, there is still one survivor left, Harold Bray, age 99.

[@hellogoodbye4061]

This scene says so much about Quint...most of all, we learn why he does what he does, what drives his unwavering, unending hatred of sharks and his lifelong quest to kill every damn one in the ocean....He is Captain Ahab seeking revenge on Moby Dick.

[@WorldWar2freak94]

I would say he is more than Ahab. Ahab only held anger and hatred for one particular whale. The others he had his crew kill were just victims of a trade that needed their corpses. Quint seems to view all sharks as dangerous monsters.

[@davidharrison3711]

I remember watching this movie with my mom back in 1975 when it came out. This scene was chilling, to say the least.

[@KrillLiberator]

@Carter Ruehs Mine was drowned by a conger eel. My uncle was spanked to death by a Thresher Shark.

[@RossTrittipo]

@@KrillLiberator that sucks man. I know the pain. My dad's eyeballs were sucked out by a starfish and crabs ate his brain before we could get him out of the water. Destin, FL 1984. R.I.P. Dad 😔

[@blackheart456]

@Carter Ruehs so sorry.

[@Luke101]

The most terrifying aspect about this monologue is that it’s real. I cannot imagine the pure horror that those men felt hearing their fellow comrades being ripped apart by sharks in the pitch black ocean… makes my blood run cold just imagining it

[@horrorfanandy4647]

What the scene doesn’t mention was the fact that in real life, the dehydration and overheating caused by the tropic conditions made some of the men go insane and they started attacking each other. Which is even more terrifying, imagine the combined threat of the sharks circling you and all the while, your own comrades are trying to kill you. Still, it’s an absolutely terrifying scene and probably my favourite film monologue of all time!

[@merlinoddog2197]

Kids. Most 18 19 years old.

[@frankweisz5133]

One of the greatest pieces of dialogue in cinema history...and filled with incredible nuance...Hooper running short of breath after laughing at a previous joke when he finds out Quint was on the Indianapolis...Quint grabbing Hooper's arm and throwing his hat on the table as he begins to tell his story...his knocking on the table with his fist for emphasis, his constant raising of the coffee cup holding liquor as he recalls with anguish his experience...A showcase for the incredible talent of these actors. And kudos to Spielberg, who brilliantly allowed his actors to ad lib and improvise their craft!

[@Ffollies]

"I'll never put on a life jacket again". Chilling.

[@shawnthompson2303]

Dude would literally rather drown. That's fucking scary as shit.

[@AndreNitroX]

The scariest part he says was when he was waiting to be rescued out of the water. Like the anticipation of waiting to be saved was scarier than everything else

[@rickogden204]

Those bloody whale songs...my god they scared me to death..what the hell are they saying to each other?

[@JumbaFan]

@@rickogden204 "Hey, who peed in the water? Kyle, was that you?!" "Nooo~"

[@spacedog1978ify]

Chilling, indeed

[@bobofloblaws]

"Sometimes the shark'd go away ... sometimes he wouldn't away." Gives me chills every time.

[@douglaslally156]

Bob Loblaws If you know what happened to those poor bastards left stranded in the Pacific and decimated by sharks then everything about this monologue makes total sense. What I love most about this scene is the tribute to them. Unnecessary to the story yet hauntingly powerful.

[@bobofloblaws]

+Douglas Lally That was a good tribute. I bet a lot of people wouldn't know about the Indianapolis if it weren't for this movie. It does add to the plot of the movie though because it explains Quint's hatred for sharks and his Captain Ahab-like self-destructive behaviour that nearly gets them all killed.

[@douglaslally156]

Bob Loblaws Actually I think you're right in that explains how Quint became a pathological shark killer. I also like that he never at any point comes right out and says it. The Indy monologue is all that's required.

[@02Ctu2486]

What those men didn't know was that thrashing around in the water like that would attract even more sharks to them

[@tonyb0904]

The numerous times I watched this classic on three formats, this scene only recently held my attention, Quint is kinda mumbling in this scene but I understand why. This scene starts out rather rather comedic and then turns not only dramatic but terrifying before the shark reappears and that song they all start singing. Richard Dreyfuss the only actor still living out of this trio, apparently really got sick while examining the first shark attack victim, and at first viewing I can't judge him for that!

[@TheThingOnTheBassAmp]

This scene gives me nothing but chills. That story is amazing. The delivery is probably the single best monologue in movie history.

[@PavyMac]

Robert Shaw’s acting in this scene is so visceral. I don’t think Mr. Shaw knew it but with his amazing acting in this scene he brought attention to the brave men lost on the Indianapolis. May they forever be honored.

[@flightofthebumblebee9529]

He really did. Is this part in the book by Peter Benchley?

[@jamiebell5442]

@@flightofthebumblebee9529 Nah man, I've just finished the audio book. I was looking forward to this scene the whole book but it isnt in there. Still a great book tho

[@hd-xc2lz]

Shaw is credited with the final edit of the monologue. In addition to acting he was a published novelist and award winning playwright.

[@sallybrown5089]

@@flightofthebumblebee9529 not in the book. It was added while making THE Movie.

[@johntucker9782]

One if the greatest movies ever. It did leave out a couple of big plot points from Benchley's book. Like how the mayor owing the mob a lot of money was his motivation for keeping the beaches open. Also, Hooper is a ladies man, not a dork. He has an affair with Cheif's wife, causing a lot of extra tension on the boat. Ending is different too, but won't ruin that one.

[@lonestarwolfentertainment7184]

To hell with a prequel about Han Solo I want a prequel about Quint on the USS Indianapolis. Edit: guys I just want to see Quint again for fucks sake! Second edit: it’s happening!

[@kevinyo1169]

I second this.

[@andrewodley123]

Yes please!

[@furtherback6131]

Jesus no. People don't seem to realize that you CAN'T make more of this.

[@mrupsingod]

They have a history channel movie on the Indianapolis

[@postersandstuff]

@@mrupsingod kzbin.info/www/bejne/a6XJlaiYqNtraLs Thanks to mr Dreyfuss last yr

[@colten4573]

I worked for L. D. Cox. Survivor of from the Indianapolis. One of the few men that enjoyed talking about war and what really happened. Glad I got the chance to know him.

[@HardRockMiner]

Dreyfus gave the best display I've ever seen without saying a word.

[@johntabler349]

I've heard Dreyfuss say he was so mesmerized by Shaw's acting he didn't have to act

[@gnc623]

Scenes like this are also part of the reason why no other shark movie will ever be on par with Jaws. It's not all about the shark.

[@roquefortfiles]

The shark in Jaws is really just the "McGuffin" the thing that the plot revolves around. Jaws is really more about the relationship of the 3 guys and how they sort out their differences to KILL the shark.

[@UCannotDefeatMyShmeat]

gnc623 it’s not even about the shark at all, more how we react to it

[@Mikefantasia22]

Ultimately the shark seems to me to represent our biggest fear and overcoming it.

[@retroraider5313]

The shark was icing on the cake

[@WantonMyth]

It's about what we don't see, shark or otherwise

[@ghostfacedude93]

"...ya know that was the time I was most frightened, waiting for my turn." That line was always chilling to me. Imagine being a young man who floated for weeks out in the ocean, saw friends and fellow crewmates die by sharks, and then the moment rescue arrives, you can't wait to get out of the water; I can only imagine how terrifying that would truly be.

[@elloowu6293]

It's like turning off the basement lights and running up stairs, only a million times worse

[@truthseeker2321]

@@elloowu6293 LMFAO ! I thought I was the only one who did that!

[@shawnthompson2303]

*I'll never put on a life jacket again.*

[@thepowerofIandI]

@@elloowu6293 The dark is still there with you

[@SirReginaldBumquistIII]

They were out there 4 and a half days.

[@jpa5038]

Putting aside for a moment that this is a true story (an incredibly compelling true story that both horrifies and amazes me), you really understand Quint's motivation from this scene. He hates sharks. He has dedicated his life to hunting and killing them and it could not be more justified.

[@InfamousLegato]

It becomes understandable but it's still not _really_ justified though. The USS Indianapolis was a human tragedy created by human conflict. The sharks were just being sharks. Quint's character is a modern day Ahab. He puts on a stoic front but he is the person most afraid of the shark. His fear drives his obsession and lust for revenge which ends up costing him his both his ship and his life.

[@jackoliver7506]

​@@InfamousLegatou sound like a liberal

[@paravecchiavince9685]

The humor and fun all turns on a dime. I love the part as they’re drinking when Brody looks at his appendix scar.

[@joescott8877]

yeah, lol, that was subtle and yet very revealing, so to speak.

[@brandonallen3289]

This is Steven Spielberg's favorite part in the whole movie.

[@shihanUKS]

He always said that out of being polite. His favorite part was the shark blowing up at the end because he left the day before it was shot.

[@BuddWolf]

Mine also

[@Btester2]

Mine too

[@tomaofdonewelll7810]

Everybody's favourite part. Top 3 monologues of all time.

[@hugh-johnfleming289]

Shaw is BLOODY BRILLIANT...

[@crispinjulius5032]

Love how Quint grabs Hooper’s arm, silently telling him: “Ok, giggles and jokes are over. Don’t laugh about this scar.” Immediate tension you can cut through with a knife. This scene is up there with some of the best ever filmed.

[@ekathe85]

Really? I interpreted it more like "I'm sorry but if I have to talk about this it's gonna be a real downer"

[@98765432134162]

@@ekathe85 I interpreted it to mean both.

[@gejnormcswipe8435]

@@98765432134162 I agree, human interactions such as these are complex and have multitude of meaning!

[@Snuffsaid2007]

@@ekathe85 It looked like a firm grasp on his arm. My interpretation was it was purely a reproach. After Hooper cracks the joke and Brody laughs, Quint first looks hurt, then sheepishly smiles along with them briefly, then realises both of them are getting too comfortable with him and Hooper in particular is feeling bold enough to challenge and mock him. Quint told this story primarily to reassert his dominance as the alpha male on the ship.

[@dmcrun3572]

@@ekathe85 he grabbed Hooper’s arm to get his attention and say hold on.

[@richmondstevenj]

Shaw wins every award for acting ever.

[@pjht0488]

Robert Shaw delivered this monologue brilliantly.

[@GrislyAtoms12]

And supposedly, delivered it while intoxicated. I'd like to find some verification/refutation if possible.

[@jamlym4974]

Love how he smiles the whole time just to hide his trauma.

[@mindriot91_96]

And takes a big gulp from his mug of apricot brandy. You can see the pain on his face, clear as day.

[@lairdriver]

He's actually genuinely drunk. He said he couldn't gather himself to tell the story in a sober way.

[@mr.skeptical3071]

I love how the eerie music starts up in the background, slowly intensifying the story!

[@liquidbraino]

@Daniel Morris Shut the fuck up, you never served.

[@rhapsodyinglue8758]

Mary Burdette love that story. Method actor to the max. He was fierce in The Sting

[@Sir_Stalwart]

This scene alone is a masterpiece. The transition from comedic wholesomeness to the ominous tension of a horrible survival story is damn magical. And out of the entire movie, these not even six minutes are the scariest and most bone chilling part of the movie. The delivery of this monologue, this story is one of the finest acting performances in history. God, I love this movie so much.

[@richroyer4679]

Well said!

[@robertonline6543]

The scary part is that story is actually true minus quint being there.

[@lethrneck4]

i can watch this movie ever week for the rest of my life and always just love it..masterpiece!

[@bennym5244]

He wrote it himself.

[@johnkav]

Well said Rose. I've never seen the equal of this scene.

[@MinusTylerWorld]

No shark, no jump scares, no special effects. Just a brilliant delivery by Shaw giving us the scariest moment in the whole damn film. I get goose bumps every single time he recounts this horrible moment in history. Classic.

[@kid_lucchese]

Academy award winning performance and scene. Simply brilliant. You feel every emotion in these 6 minutes. I sit down and listen every time.

[@Brandon-rq3ys]

"Thing about a shark, he's got _black_ eyes, _lifeless_ eyes. Like a dolls eyes. Doesn't seem to be livin'....until he bites ya..." That makes me shiver every time I hear it.

[@alexsaucedo8032]

Then YOU hear that high pitch scream 😱😱😱😱. Got damm. 😱😱😱😱

[@themaninthesuit5729]

'And those black eyes, roooolll over white...' Still makes the hair on the back of my neck stand on end.

[@Jayskiallthewayski]

Sounds like a woman I know.

[@captainh3831]

It's TRUE about the eyes and a great line in the film, but somehow I don't see how one would or could focus on that particular feature in that situation.

[@1gallimaufry]

@@captainh3831 Believe it or not, you absolutely do notice it when you are in the water with them. The same when you are in the water with a bottle nose, they have the exact opposite eyes. You know someone is looking back and without a doubt, someone is home.

[@angusyoung4896]

This is my favourite monologue by any actor. It doesn't even feel like acting, sounds like your dad telling you a story. It's amazing, the emotion he puts behind it without going over the top with emotion...not easy to do.

[@gssheriff7278]

I read that both Shaw and Drefuss were drunk when they did the scene.

[@washingtonwebfoot9908]

Shaw was but he was so hammered the first time that it was horrible and they had to shoot a second sober. They used bits from each take

[@BipoIarbear]

It’s gripping

[@jedisentinel1499]

This is when you really understand Quint. He's eccentric, buligerent yet charming. PTSD tied to his seemingly hatred of sharks. Spine chilling...

[@BipoIarbear]

E. Squatch I know what your saying but I don’t think he really hates sharks, think he went down the shark hunting route for his ship mates who died, he feels guilty that he survived and they didn’t, think maybe he’s looking for the shark with his name on it

[@Lanedar68]

One of the great cinematic moments in movie history. This scene haunted me as a kid. Robert Shaw was brilliant.

[@JustJefferson]

Shaw gets alot of praise and rightfully so…..but for me, Dreyfus’s facials sell this scene to perfection. From the way he goes into shock from a laugh and then the look of sheer terror on his face as Shaw delivers the speech……masterful.

[@sputnikalgrim]

I love how Spielberg could just find a way to terrify you like this. No blood or guts, no tricks of light or jump scares, just your humanity. He’s a story teller not just a director, no amount of CGI can replace the darkness in our own minds to paint these pictures for ourselves.

[@Maharv55]

Well said.

[@judyhopps9380]

That John Williams soundtrack is doing some heavy lifting too. It's so sinister here, like something out of Psycho

[@0_doodles_0]

Indeed, but robert shaw actually wrote his own script for the monologue

[@spencer.kissack.the.author]

@@judyhopps9380 glad you wrote that, I totally agree.

[@zackiej89]

An amazing story teller in the fact that he made a monologue (based on historical fact), the scariest part in a horror movie, of which has yet to exist, that involved the literal eating of people by a shark in front of your eyes. It's such a testament to the talent of Steven Speilberg and Robert Shaw.

[@ffjsb]

I like how this scene does a complete 180 in just a few seconds. The scene with the scars just sucks you in, and seconds later you're like 'Holy crap!!!". Just a masterful performance, the epitome of acting.

[@dwad3ify]

And screenwriting

[@jamesbennett5189]

Sound editing is great.... But i lovw how they rope you in with levity and captivate you with intesity....and then a FUCKING KZbin ADD SHOWS UP

[@jamesroboyle]

You could tell he immediately got Hoopers attention and respect when he mentioned the Indianapolis.

[@lukes401k]

This is a great exception of “show, don’t tell” Shaw makes the description of the event sound more horrible than if they actually showed the event. An absolute masterclass in acting

[@horrorfanandy4647]

Absolutely. I’ve seen a version of the scene that was put together by someone to demonstrate what a flashback might have looked like, using footage from a film about the Indianapolis, and it just doesn’t work nearly as well. I don’t think it was helped by the distractingly poor CGI for the sharks, but even so, nothing beats the lingering trauma in Shaw’s eyes, while Dreyfuss looks on in absolute horror. Perfect scene!

[@lukes401k]

@@horrorfanandy4647 I agree. It’s like he isn’t talking about sharks, he’s talking about demons from the deep

[@stevesmith9447]

Depends on what you want to show. The point isn't the story - it's what we learn about Quint. Hooper's reaction tells us a lot. He's a scientist, not a sailor. But he knows the story, instantly, just from the name of the boat. It tells us *everybody* in his world, anybody who does anything in the ocean, knows the story. A legendary story. A legendary story of horror. The story unfolds and we see that our mad captain is not mad at all. He knows fear better than anyone. The laconic way he recounts the specific details of each horror, letting out his fear and pain just long enough to remember to bury it, shows us that it's always with him, ready to consume him if he thinks about it too much. We see that this is a man who has been on the edge for decades but has kept himself from going over. A survivor, physically and mentally. Someone who has been through terrifying trials and yet is still focused and able. A hero, and a very believable one, one who lives with the trauma of his ordeal. We know, therefore, to believe him. If he's worried about something, we should be VERY WORRIED. If he wants something done, it is VERY IMPORTANT that it gets done. And if he gives up, or if we lose him? Then we're doomed.

[@billparrish9200]

Only Shaw could seamlessly move from smiling, drunken revelry to the worst horror you've ever heard with a straight face. We don't get actors like this anymore. PS: Died of the whiskey in Ireland, poor fella. RIP.

[@47imagine]

Jennifer Lawrence is right up there. :-I

[@adambrockie8532]

​@47imagine how do you put Jennifer Lawrence in the same sentence as Robert Shaw? What has she done that is even close to what Robert Shaw has done?

[@47imagine]

​@@adambrockie8532 Her performance in the second Hunger Games was arguably the greatest performance ever put to film.

[@billparrish9200]

@@47imagine You've got to be kidding.

[@47imagine]

@@billparrish9200 No. In fact, I don't think she's ever given a performance that wasn't Oscar-worthy. Her performance in Passengers topped anything Meryl Streep ever did.

[@jasonmcmillan4373]

Robert Shaw's acting is so good in Jaws, it in no way even seems like he's acting. He simply is Quint in this movie, not Robert Shaw. I think it's the best performance I've personally ever seen.

[@Grimreepa220]

Agreed, I only know him as Quint.

[@laneward3511]

Yes he was incredible..I think Al Pacino in The Godfather is the best performance i've ever seen.especially the restaurant scene

[@andrewk2996]

Richard Dreyfuss talked about Robert Shaw on a chat show once and was openly upset discussing his memory. The actors were perfectly cast.

[@sololobos6969]

Fun fact. Robert Shaw was almost always drunk while on set, and did this take over a dozen times, failing them every time. It was to the point the studio wanted to replace him. Robert went to Steven after a day of not drinking, and begged to do one more take, to which Steven agreed, and this was that take.

[@briangoldy8784]

@@sololobos6969 Robert Shaw stated to Richard, on the Set....Give me a little help. Richard Grabbed Roberts Glass of Scotch an Threw it on the Ground,,,,,,,The whole set Gasped...lol.......True story.......Told by Richard.......

[@maxfrankow1238]

Love how despite their social differences both Quint and Hooper respected each other as men of the sea. Feel like they both respected each other after this. As for the Indianapolis… a nightmare in real life. 😢

[@horrorfanandy4647]

This is kind of the turning point for their relationship, although they will bicker constantly after this scene, there is a level of mutual respect that develops for one another during this scene, the fighting afterwards is on an even playing field, whereas before, Quint was keen to constantly put Hooper down for being a college-educated trust fund kid.

[@Kid_Charlemagne76]

As a kid, my favorite scene from Jaws was the last battle with the shark. But as an adult, this is my favorite scene. Robert Shaw was simply perfect for this role

[@mikehunt4986]

"Anyway, we delivered the bomb." I don't think he could've ended the story any better.

[@michaelwallbrown3726]

and saved thousands of U.S. military servicemen including my father,uncles and my father-in-law all who were either in the pacific or on there way for the invasion of Japan

[@mikehunt4986]

@@michaelwallbrown3726 That would've taken way too long and totally changes the tone of the story from a personal one to a general one. No, the ending used in the movie really is the best one.

[@Petefx86]

Yes they did. They completed their mission. Suffered a horrible loss later. But they did it.

[@stephenolan5539]

​@@Petefx86 And the captain was arrested for failure to zigzag.

[@petefx8662]

@@stephenolan5539 Over the years, many came to Captain Mc Vay's defense, including survivors and even the commander of the Japanese sub that sank him. He suffered with years of mental health issues and took his own life at 70 years old. He was posthumously exonerated by congress and then president Bill Clinton in October 2000.

[@gabeminor2617]

Dreyfuss said he was so in awe at the speech that he couldn't say a word during the shoot. That's why he was completely silent.

[@hoserfella]

or maybe he didn't have a line. You schmuck. He didn't have a line.

[@nickpingleton715]

@@hoserfella why so rude? 🤔

[@roquefortfiles]

He was completely silent because he had no lines after a certain point.

[@dustywaynemusic6297]

Apparently you don't know how acting works smh

[@roquefortfiles]

@@dustywaynemusic6297 Meaning what?

[@chrisdixon5193]

Can you imagine anyone else in that role? Jaws just had all of these talents coming together at the right time. Not to mention the king of suspense Speilberg. And a great musical score of John Williams. Can't go wrong with that recipe.

[@philaman1972]

Impeccably written and equally a brilliant display of acting by all three men, allowing us to gain a broader understanding of their personalities in this picture. Keep in mind Mr. Spielberg was only in his *20s* when shooting this film!!!

[@shadowman2192]

I love how John Williams score subtly creeps in. Such a powerful scene.

[@charlieharper886]

I've always felt Steven Spielberg owes a lot to John Williams, and I think Steven himself feels the same way. I really don't think these movies would be the same without those epic scores. He's just as big of a genius as Spielberg himself.

[@blacbraun]

@@charlieharper886 Yes indeed. Movie would not be the same without John Williams music. Nor would Star Wars, Raiders of the Lost Ark, Superman....the list just goes on and on..

[@skiprichardson2105]

Weaves it's way in, just below the surface, like a shark.

[@roquefortfiles]

John Williams score is like the voices of the men in the water screaming....In the distance.

[@shadowman2192]

@@skiprichardson2105 Absolutely! Great comment.

[@TheAmateurEditor]

04:44 - 04:51 the subtle break in Quint's voice at "lost a hundred men", just holding himself back from crying is my favourite moment. PTSD so hauntingly showcased

[@brucemills2982]

And "I'll never put on a life jacket again"... reminds one of Captain Ahab.

[@jackprescott9652]

No. Shaw was drunk in that part of the monologue.

[@obscureentertainment8303]

​@@jackprescott9652 He filmed the scene drunk but the footage wasn't usable, so he did it the next day but sober, and got it in one take.

[@jackprescott9652]

@@obscureentertainment8303 No, some part was usable. You can clearly see Shaw is drunk in a few parts.

[@jes3836]

I've seen Robert Shaw live on stage, where he was noted as one of the finest interpreters of Harold Pinter's plays. But nothing else I ever saw him do topped this performance. He was playing for the ages with this one.

[@Sigma0283]

Quint may have been a crazy man, but this was a moment for the audience to feel some sympathy for him and remember he’s still a human and his survival of the Indianapolis left a mental scar on him.

[@davidedwards8365]

Absolutely. The genius of this scene. Phenomenal filmmaking

[@concordetconstabulary219]

As a guy who’s known many vets I must say this is damn near perfect acting. The subtle quiver in his voice, the pauses, the forced laugh, I’ve seen it before. A man who has seen true horror, a man who had been hunted, a man who will never be satisfied doing anything else. It’s amazing how well Quint was portrayed. Bravo and god rest to this amazing actor.

[@gabrieladerre2862]

I spent two years being a voluntary, live-in care-giver for a Veteran. I worked for a bedroom and whatever she had left at the end of the month to pay me. If anything. I heard the stories. The ones she would talk about. I'd watch the light near instantly drain from her eyes when she'd tell some of them. She was, and is, my hero. I eventually moved out after she had a few successful surgeries.. I remember the day that I held her in my arms when they had told her that she'd never walk again. I'd have wept with her, but I KNEW that it just wasn't true. She was walking just fine when I moved out to go live with my fiance. I've had a few jobs. I made very good money at some of them. At least for a guy my age, with my background. But there's never been anything as rewarding, or that has given me as much pride and purpose as taking care of one of our nation's heros. It's a national disgace that so many of the have risked and given everything only to come home and be treated like they're nothing.. From what I witnessed on my many trips with her to the hospital, she'd have probably gotten better care and treatment of the had been some teenage crack head with five kids. I could on and on about the matter.. We live with a Veteran now. She isn't a war hero like the first one.. But thata okay, all Vets are heros to me.. She suffers from chronic debilitating migraines, so I spend my fair share of time caring for, and catering to her. I couldn't join the service even if I wanted to due to spinal condition that I was born with. But helping the Vets the way that I have makes me feel as if I've done my part. I wish that more would, even if it's just small one-time actions.

[@jonreid7957]

Gabriel Aderre you are a very special person. The world could do with more like you.

[@Brandon-rq3ys]

*a man who will never be satisfied doing anything else again* You just summed it up for almost every combat veteran. I got the priviledge to fight in 2 wars, several times. I hated it when it was happening. All I wanted was to go home. But now....now I'd do anything to go back for just one day. There's much more to it, but thats as much as Im willing to share.

[@andrewjoyce9038]

I thought u meant vetenarians at first

[@roquefortfiles]

John Williams score here cannot be overlooked. Subtle but effective. It is like the distant voices of all the men screaming. But muted to the background. Like a screaming nightmare. The shrill of fear up your spine.

[@michaellemick4193]

About 15 years ago I did a presentation at a friend's club. Afterwards he introduced me to an elderly gentleman who was one of the survivors of the Indianapolis. I had the same reaction that Dreyfuss had.

[@whatareyoulookingat908]

Really gives one perspective, doesn't it?

[@michaelvaughn8864]

That must've been an unforgettable experience, Mr. Lemick😔

[@grantgarrod2232]

Mike, I just found out two weeks ago that a co-workers father-in-law is an Indianapolis survivor, & still living. When she told me, it was pure shock, & icy chills went all through me. Some years before, they had visited the monument in Indianapolis, IN, & she showed me the pictures of his name on it, preceeded by a star, which indicates a survivor of the sinking.

[@hedgehog1965uk]

I assume that gentleman was familiar with this scene. I wonder what he thought of it.

[@sallybrown4947]

For those that care and want to know. The first night where they filmed this, Shaw was blitzed and they had to re-film the next day. The one and only first day scene they kept is at 4:43 to 4:58 .Greatest Movie ever made with some of the greatest actors ever on screen.

[@goldosprey]

I love that the first part of the scene is just a game of one upsmanship. the moment Shaw started talking about the Indianapolis everyone sobers up

[@Jmzhockey92]

the way richard dreyfusses laugh went from childish and playful to serious and at full attention when shaw mentions the event. great detail.

[@JacksonWithrow82]

That change in Hooper's demeanor is one of the best mini-moments of the film.

[@JacksonWithrow82]

@John Camilleri 100% on point.

[@rosej5029]

Dreyfus' face changing so quick at the words USS Indianapolis alone tells the viewer so much before Quint even describes what happened, that I don't need to or want to hear Quint's speech based on what I've read in comments section.

[@romancandle416]

It's the hand on the arm that is most chilling.

[@darkanguiel]

"A young pilot, a lot younger than Mr. Hooper anyway...". I always thought that was a great touch. It's the kind of detail that is not really crucial, but comes to your mind anyway when you're retelling a story. It makes the whole speech more believable.

[@ajdominguez1002]

Maybe he saw the pilot as a young angel, saving them from hell. They saw hope.

[@MrCjchamp]

@@ajdominguez1002 ironically Quint was most frightened during the rescue

[@iangillespie4013]

It’s also a reminder of how young so many of the men who fight in wars are, and how young so many of the men who were on the Indianapolis were. It’s haunting.

[@jessicafrier2769]

It's strange what our brains decide to remember at certain times. Especially the bad for whatever reason.

[@PunkRockNerd10171]

Indeed. Also a slight jab to Hooper who Quint regarded as a spoiled rich kid.

[@USNveteran]

One of the most pure riveting performances ever recorded on film. It went to a whole new level with me as we had two members of our family serving in the Pacific during this time. One was a marine sitting on a troop ship waiting for the invasion order. The other was on a destroyer escort waiting to form up with a task force. Fortunately they both made it home and I got to hear their stories first hand. Thanks to all now serving, those who have, and those who will in the future. FLY NAVY!!!

[@jam4355]

This has become one of the most significant and intense scenes in cinema history. But to me, when Dreyfus says “let me guess..mother”, and Shaw smiles and squeezes his arm, it shows the only thing that survivors of traumatic events can do. Others will never understand.

[@zakoid1]

"I'll never put on a lifejacket again...." The whole monologue is great but that line is fantastic, not only a great line, but outlines the character himself. His fear /hatred of sharks, his drive to bring down 'The Beast' ,and his nonchalant attitude towards safety, as if he'd already died out there before. Just my opinion.

[@danielkokal8819]

Ahab and his white whale.

[@ComicGladiator]

@@danielkokal8819 Mrs. Ahab is a lovely woman, and it's glandular.

[@ryann8680]

@@ComicGladiator rubenesque

[@napoleonsolo5929]

@@ryann8680 (insert 90 lb mole joke here)

[@grandadmiralthrawn9231]

Exactly. You suddenly understand why he's displays the shark jaws as trophies. It's his idea of getting revenge for what happened to him and his crew

[@dirdib69]

"I'll never put on a lifejacket again." Absolutely chilling, and both the other guys are completely driven back on their heels. They don't know what terror is, but Quint does.

[@tomservo5347]

I think it's Quint's way of telling Brody that his fear of drowning doesn't compare with the terror he experienced. Quint is overbearing, hard drinking, and loud-probably his way of staying one step ahead of the demons that creep up like they are here.

[@gogtjgog]

@@tomservo5347 shows he prefer to drown than stay a float awaiting a shark to get him. just the wait itself would be just as terrifying

[@pauledwards7182]

"Anticipation of Death, is worse than Death itself."

[@shawnthompson2303]

He'd literally rather drown after his Indianapolis experience. Truly terrifying.

[@zackcross7190]

Chris Calzone That wasn’t a gunshot wound he was looking at, it was a surgery scar from having his appendix removed.

[@Mulder-Scully]

To think he came back and delivered this speech in one take after being so pissed the night before he hardly spit out the lines coherently. Brilliant!

[@kizmo2317]

Awesome to this very day. Had an Indianapolis survivor in my hometown but, unfortunately, didn't realize until he passed.

[@Spectans1]

One of the strongest scenes in cinema history.

[@pathfinderLXXIV]

Love how it takes knocks the wind out of Hooper when Quint says "Indianapolis". This scene still rocks me.

[@VersaceJesus]

The body language when he grabs his arm is amazing. "We're kidding around and you couldn't have known, but if you don't shut up right now I'll beat the shit out of you"

[@NormAppleton]

Quint realizes right there that Hooper isn't a tourist. He respects and trusts Hooper. He also realizes they are over their heads.

[@JamesOhGoodie]

Norm Appleton Plus as a shark researcher, Hooper would know about the Indianapolis, which he would respect and thus would earn Quint’s respect.

[@user-rk8rm7dl7v]

Steven Spielberg...say no more. A Master at work.

[@kencook7580]

Work of genius, that will never be surpassed. All elements came together at right time, acting and direction incredible. This sort of performance can never be replicated. Genius.

[@gnc623]

Not only is Quint telling a horrifyingly captivating story, he's also, unknowingly, foreshadowing his own death.

[@roberthasudungan1546]

He died by drowning in the novel, though

[@oliverholmes-gunning5372]

Yep, the second I saw this scene for the first time I knew Quint had to die

[@Dino-god69]

Robert Hasudungan well the novel is much different lol. I mean, Hooper doesn’t survive, and Brody doesn’t kill the shark

[@Airsoftcleaner]

What was even more horrifyingly captivating is that his story was terrifyingly true!!!

[@TitoRigatoni]

@@Dino-god69 Also Hooper bangs Brody's wife...

[@robertnathan1775]

To Mr Edgar Harrell, the last surviving marine who just passed away. Rest well sir

[@no.step.on.snek.2423]

Farewell and adieu to you, fair Spanish ladies. Farewell and adieu, you ladies of Spain For we’ve received orders for to sail back to Boston. And so nevermore shall we see you again”

[@benphillips9973]

@@no.step.on.snek.2423 Show me the way to go home. I'm tired and I want to go to bed. I had a little drink about an hour ago And it's gone right to my head. Wherever I may roam, on land or sea, or foam. You can always hear me singing this song. Show me the way to home...

[@markpaxton5603]

I have two very distinct memories from this movie. I saw it in a movie theater when it came out. I took a date, and we saw the movie after dinner. (Yes, we had fish for dinner.) We had both dressed up for dinner, and I was wearing an expensive (at least for me at the time) sport coat for the evening. I was young, and my wardrobe included little in the way of fancy garb. In one of the initial scary scenes, the guy behind me had a tub full of over-buttered popcorn. He was so startled by one of the earlier scenes he threw the popcorn tub in the air covering me in butter and popcorn, effectively ruining that sport coat. Let that serve as a tribute to the special effects in the movie. My second memory is this particular scene. This scene made such an impression on me that I asked my dad about it the next day. My father had served in the US Navy during WWII in the Pacific. I had not expected to hear the story he told. He served on the USS Ringness, one of the two ships that pulled the survivors from the USS Indianapolis out of the water and participated in the recovery. He was on deck when they pulled Captain McVay out of the water (and was close enough to hear the exchange between the Captain of the Ringness and McVay). He and his shipmates were sent to China (so they could not be called to testify to anything) while the Navy held the McVay trials. For many WWII veterans who returned home, they came home to a hero's welcome. By the time my father was able to return home, the festivities had waned. For many years afterward, the survivors of the USS Indianapolis had reunions (until they couldn't). They were gracious enough to invite the sailors from the two ships to attend these reunions over the years. My dad didn't talk much about his experiences during WWII, so this movie and this scene gave me a "moment" with my father that I will never forget.

[@warrenhoffman653]

I never get tired of watching this

[@holdenbauer1255]

This has to be one of the greatest scenes in cinema history. In one speech he both leaves the audience speechless and leaves everyone(characters and audience) understanding why he is the way he is.

[@ghostfacedude93]

Agreed. The best character.