Notable Ripoff Films of the 1970s: A Look Back at the Jaws Clones

Back in the 1970s, moviegoers were treated to a wave of blockbuster hits that inspired a frenzy of rip-off films following their success. One such hit that sparked a flurry of imitations was Jaws. The critical and commercial success of Jaws led to a flood of films that imitated its premise of people terrorized by animals. This article delves into some of the notable ripoff films released in the 1970s, analyzing their influence and noting their overall impact on cinema history.

Films Inspired by Jaws

The success of Jaws was nothing short of revolutionary. As the story of a giant great white shark terrorizing a seaside town, it captured the public imagination. Movie studios saw an opportunity to capitalize on this success with a series of films featuring similar themes, invoking the term 'ripoff' to describe these subsequent works. However, it is important to note that creators often draw inspiration from successful properties, and the intentions behind these productions can vary greatly.

Orca (1977)

Orca, also known as The Whale, was one of the first notable ripoffs of Jaws. Released in 1977, the film centered on a group of whale watchers who encounter a genetically mutated killer whale, or orca, and face life-threatening consequences. Directed by Colin Higgins, the film starred James Olson and Kimba Mace. While Orca may have been strikingly similar to its predecessor, it missed the big audience success that Jaws had, suggesting that clone films required more than just splashy marketing to capture the public’s attention.

Barracuda (1978)

Barracuda also exploited the Jaws phenomenon, but unlike Orca, it tried to capitalize on the success of the Halo series in Australia. Even though the film was commanded by actors such as Harry Jensen and Yvonne De Carbo, it failed to garner widespread attention. The plot of Barracuda involved a group of surfers being terrorized by a massive barracuda, reflecting the general theme of larger-than-life aquatic predators threatening unsuspecting humans.

The Jaws of Death (1977)

The Jaws of Death, directed by Samuel Z. Arkoff, was another ripoff that attempted to capitalize on the success of Jaws. However, it was critically panned and was only a moderate box office success. The film revolved around a group of cop or timers who try to destroy the supposedly fictitious shark population in the Bay of Naples. While the film's premise seemed promising, the execution was far from what audiences expected. The title of the movie is ironic due to the fact that in the original Jaws, the shark never ended up being killed by the protagonists, leading to the infamous line, “You’re gonna need a bigger boat.”

Piranha (1978)

Piranha, one of the most colorful but controversial ripoffs, was released in 1978. Directed by Joe D'Amato, the film involved a river filled with mutated and large piranhas that proceed to attack humans. The controversy surrounding Piranha came from its graphic depiction of violence and marine life. Despite these elements, Piranha remained a niche cult film that resonated with a certain segment of the population, though it did not achieve the same level of mainstream recognition as Jaws.

Alligator (1980)

Alligator, directed by John Karlen, is often categorized as one of the more absurd ripoffs from the 1970s. The film featured a large, mutated alligator terrorizing New York City. The alligator, which was bred for display in a Brooklyn aquarium, was exposed to powerful electrical currents, causing it to grow to enormous size. The film became known for its low budget and its outrageous special effects. Despite its flaws, Alligator has gained a cult following, particularly among fans of the intrinsic b-movie genre.

Up from the Depths (1979)

Up from the Depths, released in 1979, follows a group of fisherman who get caught in a net with what appears to be a giant octopus. The creature, which has a strange magnetic attraction to the victims, is actually a whale mimicking an octopus's appearance. While Up from the Depths did not achieve the same level of success as some of the other films on this list, it remains a curious relic of the time, combining elements of horror and science fiction.

Great White (1981): The Biggest Ripoff of Jaws

Great White, released in 1981, was perhaps the most infamous ripoff of Jaws. The film was a nearly one-to-one clone of Jaws, and Universal Studios filed a lawsuit claiming copyright infringement. The film depicted a single great white shark terrorizing a small Hawaiian island, and although it portrayed an exciting premise, it was largely hampered by poor production values and a lack of creative innovation. This case drew a lot of attention to the legal definition of plagiarism in the film industry, leading to stricter regulations and increased recognition of the originality of screenplays.

The Impact of Jaws Clones on the Film Industry

The success of Jaws gave birth to a generation of imitative films, but only a few managed to capture the public's imagination. Films like Orca, Barracuda, and Up from the Depths faced criticism and low audience engagement. Alligator and Piranha found a niche audience, but the overall impact on the film industry was limited. This phenomenon highlights the importance of originality and the unique selling proposition that sets a film apart from its predecessors.

Conclusion

The 1970s saw a plethora of imitative films inspired by the success and popularity of Jaws. While some managed to capture a fleeting audience interest, the question remains: does a film need to reinvent itself to stand out, or is it acceptable to draw inspiration from successful works? This era of ripoffs serves as a fascinating case study for aspiring filmmakers and industry analysts alike. The legacy of these ripoffs, from Orca to Great White, remains a testament to the enduring power of pop culture and the versatility of the horror genre.