MGM Lion: Beloved Hollywood Icon Turns 100

The MGM lion logo, introduced in 1917 and played by seven different lions, symbolizes MGM's enduring legacy in Hollywood, evolving with industry challenges.

The MGM lion is one of the most famous movie logos in history.

Since 1917, it has roared at the start of thousands of films.

The lion became a symbol of Hollywood’s Golden Age of cinema.

Seven different lions have played the role of MGM’s mascot over the years. Each lion had its own unique story.

The first lion, named Slats, didn’t even roar.

He just looked around silently at the start of MGM films from 1917 to 1928.

The current MGM lion is named Leo.

He has been the face of the studio since 1957.

Leo’s iconic roar has introduced movies for over 60 years.

His image has become so popular that it has been spoofed many times in other films and TV shows.

History of MGM

Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer, or MGM, has been a major force in Hollywood for nearly a century.

The studio’s journey is filled with triumphs, challenges, and transformations that shaped the film industry.

Origins and Founders

MGM was born in 1924 when Marcus Loew merged three film companies: Metro Pictures, Goldwyn Pictures, and Louis B. Mayer Productions.

Loew, a theater chain owner, wanted to ensure a steady supply of films for his cinemas.

Louis B. Mayer became the studio’s head of production.

His keen eye for talent and storytelling helped MGM quickly rise to the top of Hollywood.

The studio’s famous lion logo was introduced early on.

It has become one of the most recognizable symbols in cinema history.

Golden Age of Hollywood

MGM flourished during the 1930s and 1940s, Hollywood’s Golden Age.

The studio boasted it had “more stars than there are in heaven.”

Some of MGM’s biggest hits from this era include:

  • The Wizard of Oz (1939)
  • Gone with the Wind (1939)
  • Singin’ in the Rain (1952)

MGM’s musicals were particularly popular.

The studio had a knack for creating lavish, colorful productions that dazzled audiences.

During this time, MGM also helped shape the “studio system.” This method of filmmaking gave studios complete control over their productions and stars.

Evolution and Transformations

As times changed, so did MGM.

The rise of television in the 1950s posed new challenges for the film industry.

MGM adapted by:

  • Producing TV shows
  • Selling off parts of its film library
  • Diversifying into hotels and casinos

The studio changed ownership several times over the years.

Each new owner brought different ideas about MGM’s direction.

In recent decades, MGM has focused on producing and distributing films rather than owning theaters.

It’s also expanded into streaming content, keeping up with modern viewing habits.

The MGM Lion Mascot

The MGM lion mascot has been a symbol of Hollywood glamour for decades.

This roaring big cat has appeared at the start of countless films, becoming one of the most recognizable logos in cinema history.

Creation of the MGM Logo

The MGM lion logo was created by artist Lionel S. Reiss in the 1920s.

Howard Dietz, a designer at Goldwyn Pictures, chose a lion as the mascot.

He picked this animal as a nod to his alma mater, Columbia University.

The first lion used wasn’t actually named Leo.

His name was Slats, and he didn’t even roar! Slats was born at the Dublin Zoo and appeared in silent film logos from 1924-1928.

The iconic roar came later.

Jackie, the second lion, was the first to be recorded roaring for the logo in 1928.

This big change happened as movies started to include sound.

Leo the Lion Through the Years

Several lions have played the role of Leo over the years:

  • Slats (1924-1928): The silent film era lion
  • Jackie (1928-1956): The first roaring lion
  • Tanner (1934-1956): Used for color films
  • George (1956-1958): Had a bigger mane
  • Leo (1957-present): The longest-serving and current mascot

Each lion brought something unique to the role.

Jackie was known for his friendly personality.

Tanner had a particularly impressive roar.

Leo, the current star, has been the face of MGM for over 60 years!

The Trainers Behind the Roar

Animal trainers played a key role in getting the lions ready for their close-ups. Volney Phifer was one of the most famous MGM lion trainers.

Phifer had a special touch with big cats.

He worked with Jackie, Tanner, and George.

His skills weren’t limited to lions – he also trained animals for Tarzan films!

Getting a lion to roar on cue wasn’t easy.

Trainers used different tricks to get the perfect shot.

Sometimes they’d wave meat just out of reach.

Other times, they’d make sudden noises to startle the lion into roaring.

The trainers’ work helped create one of the most famous logos in film history.

Their behind-the-scenes efforts brought the MGM lion to life for moviegoers around the world.

Iconic MGM Films

A majestic lion roars proudly atop a grand, golden pedestal, surrounded by a swirling, starry sky

MGM produced many beloved films that shaped cinema history.

These movies range from colorful fantasies to thrilling adventures and groundbreaking sci-fi epics.

The Wizard of Oz Legacy

The Wizard of Oz stands as one of MGM’s most iconic films.

Released in 1939, it dazzled audiences with its Technicolor magic.

The movie’s vibrant visuals and catchy songs made it an instant classic.

Dorothy’s journey down the yellow brick road became a cultural touchstone.

Her ruby slippers and the phrase “There’s no place like home” are now deeply ingrained in pop culture.

The film’s special effects were groundbreaking for its time.

Flying monkeys and a talking lion amazed viewers.

Its enduring popularity led to annual TV broadcasts, introducing new generations to the wonder of Oz.

Tarzan’s Cinematic Swing

MGM’s Tarzan films brought Edgar Rice Burroughs’ jungle hero to life.

Johnny Weissmuller famously portrayed the vine-swinging character in a series of adventures.

These movies captivated audiences with:

  • Thrilling animal encounters
  • Exotic jungle settings
  • Tarzan’s distinctive yell

The Tarzan series showcased impressive stunts and underwater scenes.

It blended action, romance, and comedy to create crowd-pleasing entertainment.

Tarzan’s relationship with Jane and their adopted son Boy added heart to the wild escapades.

These films helped establish Tarzan as a pop culture icon.

Modern Classics and Innovations

MGM continued to produce influential films in later decades.

Stanley Kubrick’s “2001: A Space Odyssey” revolutionized sci-fi cinema in 1968.

This groundbreaking film featured:

  • Stunning visual effects
  • A thought-provoking story
  • Classical music in space

“2001” pushed the boundaries of filmmaking technology.

Its realistic depiction of space travel influenced future sci-fi movies.

MGM also found success with modern franchises.

The James Bond series became a long-running hit for the studio.

These films combined glamour, action, and cutting-edge gadgets to entertain audiences worldwide.

Technical Advances in Cinema

The movie industry saw huge changes in the early 1900s.

New tech made films more exciting for audiences.

Sound, color, and special effects changed how people watched movies.

The Advent of Sound

MGM’s iconic lion roar marked a big step in cinema sound.

Before this, movies were silent.

In the late 1920s, things changed fast.

The first “talkies” used records played with the film.

But this system had problems.

The sound and picture often got out of sync.

Soon, a better method came along.

Sound was recorded right onto the film strip.

This made movies with talking, music, and sound effects possible.

Microphones got better too.

Actors could move around more freely while speaking.

This opened up new ways to tell stories on screen.

Technicolor Triumphs

Color movies brought a new level of magic to the big screen.

Technicolor was the star of this show.

Early color films used a two-color process.

It was pretty, but not quite true to life.

In the 1930s, three-strip Technicolor arrived.

This made colors pop like never before.

Famous movies like “The Wizard of Oz” showed off the power of Technicolor.

Audiences were amazed by the bright, vivid hues.

Technicolor wasn’t easy to use.

It needed special cameras and lots of bright lights.

But the results were worth it.

Color became a key part of movie magic.

Innovations in Special Effects

As movies grew more complex, so did special effects.

Filmmakers found clever ways to create movie magic.

Stop-motion animation brought creatures to life.

King Kong in 1933 wowed audiences with this technique.

Each tiny movement was filmed one frame at a time.

Matte paintings let filmmakers create grand scenes on a budget.

Artists painted parts of a scene on glass.

When filmed with live action, it looked real.

Rear projection put actors in far-off places without leaving the studio.

A pre-filmed background was projected behind the actors as they performed.

These tricks laid the groundwork for today’s amazing movie effects.

MGM’s Cultural Impact

The MGM lion has roared its way into pop culture, leaving paw prints across art, literature, and entertainment.

This iconic symbol has become more than just a studio logo.

Influence on Pop Culture

The MGM lion’s roar is one of the most recognizable sounds in cinema.

It has been parodied in countless TV shows and movies.

The lion has appeared in unexpected places, like cereal boxes and video games.

It’s even spawned urban legends about how it was filmed.

Many people can imitate the lion’s roar, making it a fun party trick.

The image of the lion in its gold circle has become shorthand for “lights, camera, action!”

MGM’s Logo in Art and Literature

Artists have reimagined the MGM lion in paintings, sculptures, and digital art.

Some put a twist on it, like replacing the lion with a house cat or a cartoon character.

In books, the lion often represents old Hollywood glamour.

Writers use it to set scenes in movie theaters or studios.

Fashion designers have put the lion on t-shirts and bags.

It’s a symbol of cinema history that people want to wear and show off.

Crossovers and Cameos

The MGM lion has made surprise appearances in many films.

It’s popped up in Marx Brothers comedies and even roared at the start of a “Tom and Jerry” cartoon.

Some movies play with the logo.

In one film, the lion turns and talks to the audience! These fun moments make viewers smile.

The lion has met other famous mascots too.

It’s been in ads with Tony the Tiger and the Energizer Bunny.

These crossovers show how much people love this furry film star.

Behind the Scenes

The MGM lion became an iconic symbol, but filming it wasn’t easy.

Animal welfare was a concern, and many myths arose about the process.

Animal Welfare and Training

Volney Phifer trained the first MGM lion, named Slats.

He formed a close bond with the animal.

Phifer used gentle methods to get the lion comfortable on set.

The trainers made sure the lions were well-fed and calm before filming.

They used treats to encourage the animals to roar on cue.

As time went on, animal welfare rules got stricter.

Later MGM lions had better care and shorter filming sessions.

Set Secrets and Urban Myths

One popular myth claims the lion was strapped down during filming.

This isn’t true.

The lions stood on platforms, but weren’t restrained.

Another fun fact: the first MGM lion, Slats, didn’t actually roar! He just looked around curiously.

Later lions added the famous roar.

Some people thought only one lion was used over the years.

In reality, MGM used several different lions for their logo.

Behind-the-scenes photos show the lions were often quite relaxed on set.

Sometimes they even played with the crew between takes!

The MGM Brand Today

A majestic lion roars proudly, surrounded by a golden film reel and the iconic MGM logo

The MGM brand remains strong in entertainment and hospitality.

It spans film production, resort operations, and digital media ventures.

The iconic roaring lion continues to symbolize quality and innovation across diverse industries.

MGM Studios and Beyond

MGM Studios keeps making movies and TV shows.

In 2021, they updated their famous lion logo with a CGI version.

This shows they’re mixing tradition with new tech.

The studio creates content for theaters and streaming.

They work on big franchises like James Bond and Rocky.

MGM also makes TV series for various networks and platforms.

Their library has thousands of titles.

This includes classics and modern hits.

MGM uses this content to fuel new projects and partnerships.

MGM Resorts International

MGM Resorts runs famous hotels and casinos.

They have properties on the Las Vegas Strip and around the world.

Popular spots include the Bellagio, MGM Grand, and Mandalay Bay.

The company focuses on luxury experiences.

They offer high-end dining, shopping, and entertainment.

MGM Resorts also hosts big events and concerts.

They’re expanding into sports betting and online gaming.

This helps them reach new customers beyond their physical locations.

Expanding into Digital Media

MGM is growing its presence in digital spaces.

They’re creating content for streaming platforms and social media.

This helps them connect with younger audiences.

The company invests in new technologies.

They’re exploring virtual reality and augmented reality experiences.

These could be used in their resorts or for at-home entertainment.

MGM also partners with tech companies.

They work on apps, games, and interactive content.

This keeps the brand relevant in the digital age.

Artistic Legacy

The MGM lion logo has left an indelible mark on pop culture and visual arts.

Its iconic design and symbolism have inspired artists and collectors for generations.

Iconography and Design

The MGM lion logo was created by artist Lionel S. Reiss.

It features a majestic lion surrounded by a film reel, symbolizing the studio’s power in the movie industry.

The logo’s Latin motto “Ars Gratia Artis” means “Art for Art’s Sake.” This phrase reflects MGM’s commitment to artistic excellence.

Over the years, the design has been updated but always kept its core elements.

The roaring lion, known as Leo, has become one of the most recognized corporate symbols worldwide.

MGM in Museums and Collections

The MGM lion has found its way into art museums and private collections.

Many artists have created works inspired by this Hollywood icon.

Some museums display vintage MGM film reels and posters featuring the famous lion.

These items are prized by film history buffs and art lovers alike.

Collectors often seek out rare MGM merchandise and promotional materials.

These can include everything from old gramophone records to stylized lion figurines.

The logo’s status as a trademark hasn’t stopped it from becoming a popular subject in pop art.

Many artists have reimagined Leo in creative and surprising ways.

MGM Lions’ Biographies

MGM has used several lions as its mascot over the years.

Each lion has its own unique story.

Slats was the first MGM lion.

He was born at the Dublin Zoo and came to Hollywood through a private zoo.

Slats didn’t roar in his footage, which made him special.

Jackie came next.

He was born in Sudan and served as the MGM lion from 1928 to 1931.

Jackie was known for his impressive roar.

Tanner and George followed Jackie.

They both contributed to MGM’s iconic logo during their time.

Leo became the most famous MGM lion.

He has been the face of the studio since 1957.

Volney Phifer was an important animal trainer who worked with many of these lions.

He helped prepare them for their roles as MGM mascots.

The Philadelphia Zoo also played a part in the MGM lion story.

Some of the lions lived there when they weren’t working in Hollywood.

These majestic animals have left a lasting mark on film history.

Their roars continue to excite moviegoers around the world.

Legacy in Television and Other Media

The MGM lion roared its way from cinema screens into living rooms and beyond.

Its iconic image and sound became deeply embedded in popular culture, appearing in unexpected places.

From the Silver Screen to Television

The MGM lion’s roar made a smooth transition to television.

It showed up at the start of many beloved TV shows.

The lion appeared before “The Mary Tyler Moore Show” and “The Bob Newhart Show.”

Even cartoon characters got in on the act.

Tom and Jerry cartoons often featured the MGM lion in funny ways.

The big cat became a familiar sight to TV viewers of all ages.

Merchandise and Brand Extensions

The MGM lion grew into more than just a logo.

It became a mascot people could take home.

Stuffed lions and other toys bearing the famous face hit store shelves.

The lion showed up in unexpected places too.

It made cameo appearances in movies like “The Great Muppet Caper.”

The roar became a trademarked sound in the 1980s.

MGM used the lion symbol on all sorts of products.

From t-shirts to keychains, fans could own a piece of Hollywood history.

The lion’s image helped keep the MGM brand strong even as the movie industry changed.