A shark has been wreaking havoc off the coast of the small resort Amity Island. Yet, worried about the impact on tourism, given that the season has not yet drawn to a close, mayor Vaughn refuses to close the beaches, several fatalities notwithstanding. Only once a child is killed, does Vaugh take action. He hires the shark catcher Quint who joins forces with chief of police Brody and marine biologist Matt Hooper to kill the beast.