In the grand tapestry of Hollywood history, few symbols carry the weight and resonance of the MGM lion’s roar. Since the inception of MGM Pictures on this day in 1924, the majestic roar of Leo the Lion has been synonymous with the glamour and magic of the silver screen.
The tale of the MGM Lion begins in 1917, amidst the amalgamation of Metro Pictures Corporation, Goldwyn Pictures, and Louis B. Mayer Productions. Louis B. Mayer, the visionary behind MGM, sought a symbol that would embody the studio’s grandeur and dominance in the film industry. Thus, the idea of a roaring lion was born – a creature exuding strength, majesty, and cinematic allure.
The journey of the MGM lion began with Slats, the first lion to grace the studio’s logo. Born in the Dublin Zoo, Slats exuded regal grace as he made his debut for Goldwyn Pictures Corporation. However, it wasn’t until Jackie’s era that the iconic roar echoed through the cinema halls. Jackie, trained by the skilled hands of Volney Phifer, marked the transition to the sound era, immortalizing his roar on gramophone records.
The saga commences with Slats (1924–1928), an Irish native who made the transcontinental journey to Hollywood via a private zoo in California. Notably, Slats deviated from the typical lion script by abstaining from roars in his cinematic appearances, earning him a peculiar standing in the esteemed MGM Lion Hall of Fame.
As cinema evolved, so did the MGM lion. Coffee and Tanner stepped into the limelight, painting the screen with vibrant Technicolor hues. Their presence heralded a new era of visual splendor, captivating audiences with each roar. Tanner, in particular, played a pivotal role in the transition to full three-strip Technicolor films, leaving an indelible mark on the history of MGM.
”Designer Howard Dietz chose the lion as a mascot as a tribute to his alma mater Columbia University and its athletic team, The Lions,” Matt Soniak for Mental Floss writes.
Volney Phifer, who was MGM’s choice animal wrangler, trained Slats. “The two became close, and when Slats died in 1936, Phifer had the body sent to his farm and buried it there, marking the grave with a granite slab and a pine tree to ‘hold down the lion’s spirit,’” Soniak writes.
In 1957, Leo took centre stage, becoming the enduring face of MGM. With a magnificent mane symbolizing strength and resilience, Leo roared his way into the hearts of moviegoers worldwide.
From classic dramas to timeless comedies, Leo’s presence was a stamp of quality and excellence. Notably, Leo was also the youngest of all the lions at the time MGM filmed his roar, hence his smaller mane capturing the essence of youthful vigor.
Leo (1957–2021), born in the same Irish lineage as Slats, etched his name in history with the longest career among the lion elite. His on-screen presence transcended films to encompass television shows and even a memorable TV commercial.
Even as time marched on, Leo remained a constant presence in the ever-changing landscape of cinema. From Hitchcock’s playful direction to modern reinterpretations, Leo stood as a testament to MGM’s enduring legacy. In 1965, MGM recruited Lippincott to create a more contemporary logo, resulting in “The Stylized Lion.” While Leo eventually returned to his rightful place, the legacy of the stylized lion lives on, reflecting the evolution of MGM Resorts International.
In addition to Leo’s reign, MGM has seen its share of official and unofficial spoofs of the iconic logo, from the Marx brothers’ playful antics to Mary Tyler Moore Enterprises’ imaginative adaptations. These remixes are in line with the Latin motto that surrounds each Leo’s face in the logo: “Ars Gratia Artis,” meaning “Art for Art’s Sake.”
As we celebrate the rich history of MGM Pictures, we pay tribute to Leo the Lion and his timeless roar. In an industry defined by innovation and reinvention, Leo stands as a steadfast symbol of cinematic excellence. As the credits roll on another chapter in Hollywood’s saga, one thing remains clear: the roar of Leo will echo through the ages, a reminder of the magic that defines the silver screen.
