In memory of Roy Schreider and "Jaws"

Roy Schreider, one of the stars of one the greatest films of all time, "Jaws," passed away this week. Though the late Robert Shaw's "Quint" had some of the movie's best and most memorable lines, Schreider's portrayal of a land-loving city cop now working on Long Island was almost just as good. And in the second half of the film, when Quint, Brody and Hooper (played by Richard Dreyfuss) set out in an old mid-sized fishing boat to catch the 25-foot man-eating "Jaws," the colorful trio offered one of the greatest hours of adventure in motion picture history.

Much of the credit for the film's greatness must be given to the director Steven Spielberg, still only in his 20s at the time and a national treasure if there ever was one, and author Peter Benchley. Clearly, the story of "Jaws" contains many of the elements found in any great story or work of literature There is "man vs. man," as the three men quarrel and bicker with one another on the boat as they disagree on how to catch the big fish. There is "man vs. nature," and they battle both the ocean and the great shark. There is "man vs. himself," as Brody must overcome his dislike for water to fulfill the responsibilities of his job and help catch the unseen beast that has terrorized his town. There is foreshadowing, as Quint, at one point in the film, warns the townspeople that "this shark will swallow you whole. A little shakin,' a little tenderizin', and down you go." Later, he also talks about all of "the kickin,' the screamin' and the hollerin'" one hears from a victim as a shark attacks. Of course, this is exactly what happens to him later in the film. And finally, there is "tragic flaw," which in this case, was greed. Quint probably knew, once he saw the great fish, that he did indeed, as Brody warned, "need a bigger boat," but as he had also made clear, he wanted the $10,000 bounty fee "for me by myself."

Ultimately, it cost him his life.

In memory of the great Roy Schreider and his wonderful portrayal of Chief Brody, I give you my Top 10 favorite Brody lines from "Jaws":

10. "You're not going to act like this on the boat, are you Mr. Quint?" (After Quint, shortly after meeting Hooper, treats him with hostility)

9. " I can do anything. I'm the Chief of Police."

8. "That's one bad hat, Harry."

7. "No," said somberly. (When Hooper emerges from the ocean, and wondering, if Quint had survived the ordeal, simply says "Quint?")

6. Why don't you try coming down here and chumming some of this shit."

5. "You're certifiable, Quint, you know that? You're certifiable!"

4. "What for???" (Angrily and fearfully replying to Quint, who wants him to head out to the mast of the boat while they hunt down the shark)

3. "No she's not." (Said in reply to the town mayor, who tries to comfort him and tell him that the mother of a boy killed on the beach is wrong for blaming him for her son's death.)

2. "We're gonna need a bigger boat".

1. "Smile you son-of-a-bitch."

RIP, Roy.

And thanks for the great movie.