The Moment: “Jaws II,” aka “Land Shark” on Saturday Night Live in 1977
The Setup: A little summer movie called Jaws
The Punchline: In one of the finest movie parodies ever, Chevy Chase, as the cunning and dastardly Land Shark, inhabits a cheap foam-rubber shark suit and roams from dwelling to dwelling in search of fresh meat. He gains entrance to victims’ abodes by knocking on their door, mumbling and posing as repairmen, deliverymen and a dolphin.
Dan Aykroyd and John Belushi are over-the-top funny as Jaws’ hunters Roy Scheider and Richard Dreyfuss. And Jane Curtin, Gilda Radner,Laraine Newman and guest host Candice Bergen are hilarious as the alternately trusting and suspicious victims.
Newman answers a knock on her door: Yes?
Chase: (disguising his voice) Mrs. Arlsburgerhhh?
Newman: What?
Chase: Mrs. Johannesburrrr?
Newman: Who is it?
Chase: [Beat.] Flowers.
Newman: Flowers? From whom?
Chase: [Long beat.] Plumber, ma’am.
Newman: I don’t need a plumber. You’re that clever shark, aren’t you?
Chase: [Beat.] Candygram.
Newman: Candygram, my foot. Get out of here before I call the proper authorities. You’re the shark, and you know it.
Chase: I’m only a dolphin…
Newman: A dolphin? Well…okay.)
The skit also stars every original SNL cast member.
Who’s to Thank: Chevy Chase, Michael O’Donoghue, Lorne Michaels, Anne Beats, Jane Curtin, John Belushi, Dan Aykroyd, Gilda Radner, Laraine Newman, Candice Bergen, Garrett Morris, Don Pardo
