Stories Define Our Lives.
In a world that never stops moving, the mission of It’s Your Break is simple: to remind you to laugh, love, have fun, and be a little silly. We believe everyone needs a reminder to take a break from themselves and simply be in the moment. On a recent episode, we sat down with prolific storyteller Drew Robinson to do just that, journeying through cinematic history and personal memories that prove life is often stranger—and more entertaining—than fiction.
The Shark That Wouldn’t Swim: Jaws on Martha’s Vineyard
Most film fans know Jaws was filmed on Martha’s Vineyard, but Drew Robinson had a front-row seat to the chaos. His sister-in-law, Susan, was part of the production crew, specifically operating the mechanical shark known as “Bruce”.
The production was famously plagued by technical failures. Because Bruce was built in a freshwater tank in California, the salt water of the Atlantic Ocean caused his components to rust and corrode almost immediately. Drew recounts how the shark sank to the bottom upon arrival. This led to a series of improvisations, including the famous opening scene where stunt actors used underwater buoys and cables to simulate a shark attack because the mechanical fin wouldn’t work.
Behind the Scenes: Puffer Fish and Rotting Sharks
The mechanical issues didn’t end there. At one point, the shark’s latex skin absorbed so much salt water that it blew up like a balloon, looking more like a “puffer fish” than a Great White. Even the use of a real tiger shark caused issues; after hanging in the sun for days in Edgartown, the smell became so potent that residents could smell it from miles away.
Beyond the mechanical terror, the human element was just as volatile. Drew shares stories of Robert Shaw’s legendary drinking and his frequent run-ins with the local island police. The tension between Shaw and Richard Dreyfuss was constant, all while the crew dealt with a production that was millions over budget and months behind schedule.
The Importance of the “Break”
While these stories are captivating, they serve a larger purpose. Whether it is Drew’s childhood memories of playing in dangerous WWII bunkers on South Beach or the hilarious story of an Israeli visitor being captivated by a common squirrel at SeaWorld, these narratives remind us of the wonder in the world.
At itsyourbreak.com, we curate these moments of storytelling to help you reset yourself. Life involves more than just the daily grind; it involves stories that surround us, connect us, and allow us to see the world through a different lens.
Connect with the Stories
Drew Robinson continues to tell stories through his numerous books, including Martha’s Vineyard, My Island, My Memory and his time-travel trilogy starting with Worst Date, Greatest Adventure. He also leads the Orlando chapter of the Florida Writers Association, helping others find their own voices. He authors under the names of AJ Robinson, Andrew Robinson, and Andrew John Robinson.
For more writing from Drew, go to: https://grubstreet.ca. | He is listed as AJ Robinson on this site.
To contact Drew email: DrWhoAR@hotmail.com
TAKE A BREAK!
Ready to take your break? Visit itsyourbreak.com to consume more episodes on your favorite platforms like Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and Amazon Music. Remember to like, subscribe, and leave a review to join our community of storytellers. Welcome to the moment. Welcome to It’s Your Break.