The storied history of the ‘MGM LION’ a feline icon.

The MGM Lion: A Roaring Legacy

The iconic roar that introduces every MGM movie is not just a sound; it’s a symbol etched in the minds of moviegoers worldwide. The majestic lion that graces the studio’s logo has become synonymous with Hollywood glamour and cinematic excellence. This roaring herald is none other than LEO the MGM Lion, an enduring emblem that has stood the test of time.

The story of the MGM Lion begins in 1917 when the studio was formed through the merger of Metro Pictures Corporation, Goldwyn Pictures, and Louis B. Mayer Productions. Studio head Louis B. Mayer, known for his keen business acumen, sought a symbol that would reflect the grandeur and strength of his newly established film powerhouse. The idea of a roaring lion emerged, embodying power, majesty, and an unmistakable cinematic presence.

Goldwyn Pictures lions (1917 – 1924)

The lion was chosen as the company’s mascot in 1916 by publicist Howard Dietz, as a tribute to his alma mater Columbia University, whose mascot is a lion. Dietz was most directly inspired by the university’s fight song, “Roar, Lion, Roar”. Names of the first 2 lions used for the Goldwyn Pictures logos are unknown.

The first true MGM Lion was named “Slats,” making his debut in 1924. Slats, however, was a silent film era creation, and his roar was left to the imagination of the audience. It wasn’t until 1928, with the advent of synchronized sound in movies, that the iconic roar we now associate with MGM was introduced.

The responsibility of providing the legendary roar fell upon the shoulders of sound engineer Douglas Shearer. Armed with innovative techniques, Shearer recorded the roars of not one but several lions, blending them to create a powerful, resonant sound that would become the signature of MGM films. This mixture of roars would set the tone for countless cinematic adventures to come.

SEVEN ‘LEOS’

Throughout the annals of Hollywood history, seven regal felines have graced the illustrious title of ‘Leo the Lion’, with one distinguished individual bearing the straightforward name “Leo.” In real life.

SLATS

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.

Slats, the inaugural lion in the storied history of MGM branding, was under the careful training of Volney Phifer. Born on March 20, 1919, at the Dublin Zoo and originally named Cairbre, meaning ‘charioteer’ in Gaelic, Slats assumed his role as the emblematic face of MGM between 1924 and 1928, gracing all black-and-white films produced by the newly formed studio. The cinematic debut of the MGM logo featuring Slats occurred in the film “He Who Gets Slapped” in 1924.

Diverging from his successors, Slats, characterized by his distinctive gaze, notably abstained from delivering the iconic roar associated with subsequent MGM lions. Despite the absence of audible roars, rumors circulated that Phifer had trained Slats to growl on cue, anticipating the advent of synchronized sound in motion pictures, which would become prevalent in 1927.

The legacy of Slats extends beyond the silver screen, as he passed away in 1936 at the age of 17. Following his demise, Phifer, his devoted trainer, retired to a farm in Gillette, New Jersey, where he housed other animals previously employed in Broadway productions. In a poignant tribute to Slats, Phifer laid the lion to rest on the farm, marking the grave with a simple block of granite.

Upon Phifer’s own passing, a distinctive ritual unfolded. A pine tree was planted directly above Slats’ final resting place, a symbolic gesture intended to anchor the spirit of the lion. The roots of the pine were envisioned to secure and preserve the essence of Slats, replacing the unadorned granite block with a living testament to the enduring legacy of the first MGM lion. In this way, Slats, though silent in the cinematic realm, found a lasting memorial in the pastoral serenity of Phifer’s New Jersey farm, where the echoes of his era lingered beneath the shade of a pine tree.

JACKIE

Following in Slats’ paw prints, Jackie (1928–1931) emerged from Sudan to carve his niche as a bona fide movie star, featuring in over a century of films. Jackie’s reputation as “Leo the Lucky” stemmed from tales of surviving two train accidents, an earthquake, and a plane crash.

Jackie, the second lion to grace the iconic MGM logo, left an indelible mark on the studio’s cinematic history. Born around 1915 in the Nubian Desert of Sudan, this wild lion cub underwent training by Mel Koontz, becoming the first MGM lion to audibly roar. His cinematic debut in 1928 marked a shift in the logo’s dynamics, as Jackie not only roared but also gazed off to the right of the screen, a departure from his predecessor Slats.

Jackie’s roars and growls, recorded separately from his on-screen appearances, showcased the technological advancements of the time. The gramophone record for MGM’s inaugural sound production, “White Shadows in the South Seas” (1928), unveiled Jackie’s majestic roars to audiences worldwide. His presence became synonymous with the golden era of Hollywood, spanning from 1928 to 1956, replacing Slats and gracing both black-and-white films and the sepia-tinted opening credits of “The Wizard of Oz” (1939).

Beyond the MGM logo, Jackie emerged as a versatile performer, featuring in over a hundred films, including the renowned Tarzan series alongside Johnny Weissmuller. A 1926 publicity still captured Jackie alongside the legendary Greta Garbo, revealing the lion’s remarkable on-screen presence. In a 1933 short film, viewers witnessed a somewhat disgruntled Jackie receiving a bath from his trainer, Mel Koontz.

Jackie’s resilience transcended the silver screen, surviving numerous accidents that would have daunted even the most courageous. From train wrecks and a sinking ship to a 1933 earthquake and a studio explosion, Jackie’s survival earned him the moniker “Leo the Lucky.” The most notable incident was a plane crash in 1927, where both Jackie and pilot Martin “Marty” Jenson miraculously survived in the mountains near Payson, Arizona.

Despite these harrowing experiences, Jackie’s fame endured, leading to MGM’s decision to reissue some pre-1928 silent films with soundtracks featuring his roars. In a farewell tour in 1931, Jackie bid adieu to his cinematic career and retired to the Philadelphia Zoo, where he exhibited a tame and gentle demeanor, endearing himself to visitors.

Tragically, on February 25, 1935, Jackie was discovered lifeless by his zookeeper, John McCullen. The cause of death was attributed to heart issues. In a poignant tribute to the beloved lion, his skin was preserved into a rug by taxidermist Thomas Hodges after being flown from Philadelphia to Los Angeles. The current whereabouts of Jackie’s remains remain unknown, but his legacy as “Leo the Lucky” and a symbol of MGM’s roaring success endures in the annals of Hollywood history.

TESTING TIMES WITH BILL, TELLY & COFFEE

The era of experimentation brought forth the trio of “Test” Lions – Bill, Telly, and Coffee (1927–1935) – commissioned for animated and two-strip color shorts, pushing the boundaries of cinematic technology.

In the early chapters of MGM’s cinematic journey, the studio ventured into the realm of color experimentation, marking a significant evolution in the iconic lion logo. These pioneering efforts, commencing in 1927 with two-strip color short subjects and extending into the realm of animated cartoons by 1930, introduced a cast of three distinct lions that left an indelible mark on MGM’s colorful narrative.

The first lion in this chromatic exploration, regrettably elusive in surviving footage, graced the silent color films “Buffalo Bill’s Last Fight” (1927) and “The Heart of General Robert E. Lee” (1928). Known colloquially as Bill, a moniker bestowed upon him by the former film, this lion’s fleeting appearances endure in the public domain, with ongoing restoration efforts by the Library of Congress aiming to revive the historical significance embedded in “The Heart of General Robert E. Lee.”

Telly, the second lion in MGM’s chromatic ensemble, emerged from Gecko’s Garage Zoo in 1921. His vibrant presence adorned color MGM movies from 1928 to 1932. The extended version of the logo featuring Telly made its cinematic debut in “The Viking” (1928), echoing the distinctive roar previously attributed to Jackie. However, the color version of “The Mysterious Island” (1929) has been lost to time, rendering Telly’s appearance in black and white in current prints.

The third lion, aptly named Coffee and under the tutelage of trainer Mel Koontz, graced color films from 1932 to either 1934 or 1935, coinciding with the production of the Happy Harmonies shorts. Notably, the transition to full three-strip Technicolor filming prompted a switch in production dynamics. In “The Cat and the Fiddle” (1934), brief color sequences punctuated an otherwise black-and-white canvas. Interestingly, the film opted for Jackie in lieu of Coffee for its opening credits. Nevertheless, “The Cat and the Fiddle” showcased its “The End” title card against a Technicolor backdrop, a subtle nod to the evolving cinematic landscape.

An extended version of the logo featuring Coffee roared to life at the commencement of the short film “Wild People” (1932). In this vibrant snippet, the lion’s roar reverberated thrice, an intriguing departure from the customary double roars associated with MGM lions. As the studio delved deeper into the realms of color, these three lions – Bill, Telly, and Coffee – wove their chromatic tales into the rich tapestry of MGM’s early cinematic legacy, contributing to the studio’s ever-evolving visual narrative.

TANNER

Tanner (1934–1956) ascended to cinematic prominence as the chosen lion for all MGM three-strip Technicolor films during his tenure. Despite occasional film appearances, Tanner failed to replicate the extensive career of his predecessor, Jackie.

In the cinematic landscape of 1934, MGM ushered in a new era with the release of “Holland in Tulip Time,” the first full three-strip Technicolor film. Accompanying this groundbreaking shift was the introduction of Tanner, a majestic lion trained by Mel Koontz, who would become the emblematic face of Technicolor MGM films and cartoons for over two decades, from 1934 to 1956.

Tanner, following in the paw prints of predecessors like Jackie, assumed his role amidst a changing cinematic landscape. Technicolor films and cartoons embraced the vibrant hues of Tanner’s presence, making him an integral part of MGM’s visual identity during this Golden Age of Hollywood. From “The Wizard of Oz” (1939) to “The Picture of Dorian Gray” (1945) and “The Secret Garden” (1949), Tanner roared to life in the colorful sequences that defined these cinematic gems.

Despite the advent of color, certain films retained elements of black-and-white, seamlessly incorporating Jackie into iconic classics like “The Wizard of Oz” and “Third Dimensional Murder” (1941). Tanner, however, left an indelible mark on numerous productions, contributing his resonant roars to the Technicolor tapestry of MGM’s cinematic offerings.

Tanner’s reign as MGM’s lion mascot extended beyond the silver screen, making delightful appearances in Three Stooges shorts such as “Movie Maniacs” (1936) and “Wee Wee Monsieur” (1938). Additionally, MGM’s cartoon studio embraced Tanner’s roar as a signature sound effect, infusing it into a plethora of animated shorts throughout the mid-20th century.

Remarkably, Tanner and Jackie weathered the transition from Academy ratio films to widescreen CinemaScope movies in 1953, with Tanner representing the vibrant hues of color films and Jackie gracing the monochrome elegance of black-and-white productions. This pivotal moment prompted a modification to the logo, bidding farewell to the marquee below the ribbon design and placing the company name in a semi-circle above the ribbon.

Tanner’s tenure as MGM’s lion endured for an impressive 22 years, marking him as the studio’s third longest-used lion. This version of the logo, featuring Tanner’s regal presence, became synonymous with the Golden Age of Hollywood, persisting even as color gradually became the norm in the 1960s. In the realm of cinematic history, Tanner’s roar echoed through the corridors of Technicolor dreams, etching his name alongside the legendary lions that defined an era of unparalleled cinematic enchantment.

GEORGE

The enigmatic George (1956–1963), boasting a thin biography, left an indelible mark with his thick, heavy mane, sparking curiosity amid his relatively brief stint in the spotlight.

In the ever-evolving saga of the MGM lion, the seventh in line, George, made a distinctive entrance onto the cinematic stage in 1956. Characterized by the heaviest and most magnificent mane among all the MGM lions, George left an indelible mark, despite having the briefest tenure, spanning approximately one year.

George’s inaugural appearance graced the silver screen in “High Society” (1956), marking the beginning of a short but impactful legacy within the MGM logo. His majestic presence became synonymous with notable films such as “Lust for Life” (1956), “The Wings of Eagles” (1957), and “Silk Stockings” (1957), each featuring the regal roar that echoed the studio’s cinematic prowess.

Remarkably, despite George’s limited time in the spotlight, at least three different variations of the logo featuring his image have endured, underscoring the lion’s significance in the visual identity of MGM during this period. The iconic roar of George, accompanied by his distinctive appearance, became a symbol of the studio’s commitment to excellence in filmmaking.

Decades later, the legacy of George experienced an unexpected resurgence. The logo featuring this majestic lion found its way onto the Canadian VHS release of “Cinema Paradiso” (1988), distributed by Alliance Releasing Home Video. However, in a peculiar turn of events, the same logo was omitted from the U.S. VHS release of “Cinema Paradiso” (1988), distributed by HBO Video under license from Miramax Films.

Though George’s time as the official MGM lion may have been brief, the impact of his regal presence lingers in the annals of cinematic history. As a testament to the enduring power of symbols, George’s mane, the heaviest of all MGM lions, continues to evoke the spirit of a bygone era, a fleeting yet majestic chapter in the storied lineage of the roaring lions that graced the MGM logo.

AN ACTUAL LEO AS ‘LEO’

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.

Leo, the illustrious eighth lion in the lineage of MGM’s heraldic symbols, has etched his name as the studio’s longest-serving emblem, gracing the screens of most MGM films since his cinematic debut in 1957. Born in the verdant confines of Dublin Zoo, Ireland, in 1956, Leo shares his birthplace with his predecessor, Slats, and holds the distinction of being the youngest lion filmed during a roaring session, a detail reflected in his comparatively smaller mane.

Leo’s cinematic premiere unfolded in the film “Tip on a Dead Jockey,” marking the commencement of a storied career as the face of MGM. Acquired from the hands of animal dealer Henry Trefflich, Leo found himself under the expert training of Ralph Helfer. Beyond his iconic role as the MGM lion, Leo ventured into various productions, leaving his regal imprint on films like “King of Kings” (1961), “The Lion” (1962), “Zebra in the Kitchen” (1965), “Fluffy” (1965), and “Napoleon and Samantha” (1972). Notably, Leo’s gentle temperament even led to a memorable appearance in a Dreyfus Investments TV commercial in 1961.

The visual evolution of the MGM logo during Leo’s tenure includes two notable versions – the “extended” version, featuring three roars, employed from 1957 to 1960, and the subsequent “standard” version, marked by two roars, predominant since 1960. In a peculiar twist, Tanner, another of MGM’s distinguished lions, briefly appeared in Chuck Jones-directed Tom and Jerry cartoons from 1963 to 1967, although Leo’s unmistakable roar remained an integral part of the auditory landscape.

Leo’s resounding roar resonated across various cinematic spectacles, including color films, black-and-white classics like “Jailhouse Rock” (1957) and “A Patch of Blue” (1965), and unexpected appearances in television prints like “Cabin in the Sky” (1943). His enduring presence prompted a modification of the logo for MGM’s 50th anniversary in 1974, featuring a majestic roar accompanied by the phrase “BEGINNING OUR NEXT 50 YEARS…” against a black backdrop.

The studio landscape experienced a transformation in 1981 when MGM acquired United Artists, the domestic distributor since 1974. This era witnessed a modification to the MGM logo, now reading “MGM/UA Entertainment Co.” from 1983 to 1986, and again in 1987 for the film “O.C. and Stiggs.” Noteworthy was the alteration of Leo’s iconic roar sound, replaced by a remade stereophonic version created by Mark Mangini in 1983. This updated rendition, featuring tiger sounds, aimed for a more ferocious and majestic quality, as Mangini elucidated, aligning with the cinematic ethos of the time.

As the visual and auditory icon of MGM, Leo’s reign persists, a testament to the enduring power of symbols in the ever-evolving world of cinema. His majestic roar, resonating through decades and adaptations, remains an eternal hallmark of the cinematic journey undertaken under the venerable banner of Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer.

FAKE LIONS

The evolution of the MGM lion narrative takes an unexpected turn with CGI Leo (2021-present). Despite the shiny veneer of the updated MGM logo, the stark reality remains – this latest incarnation is a complete fabrication, a digital pretender to the roaring legacy of Leo.

A cultural icon.

In 1928, the first lion to roar with synchronized sound was Jackie. This groundbreaking moment marked the birth of a tradition that would endure for decades. Jackie’s roar echoed through cinemas, capturing the imagination of audiences and setting the stage for a succession of other majestic lions.

The image of the lion, often accompanied by the Latin slogan “Ars Gratia Artis” (Art for Art’s Sake), became an integral part of MGM’s brand identity.

While the MGM Lion has become an unmistakable symbol, it has not been without its share of challenges. The process of capturing the perfect roar sometimes required ingenuity and patience. In some instances, the lions were enticed to roar using various methods, such as the presence of trainers, food, or even the roar of other lions played back to them.

In the 1950s, the use of live lions in the studio became impractical, and MGM turned to an animated version for a brief period. However, recognizing the importance of authenticity, the studio reverted to using real lions, capturing their roars for the iconic opening sequence.

“Leo” is synonymous with the studio itself. Leo’s roar graced some of the most iconic films in cinematic history, from “Gone with the Wind” to “The Wizard of Oz”

As the years passed, the MGM Lion continued to roar, adapting to changes in technology and filmmaking. The introduction of computer-generated imagery (CGI) allowed for even more spectacular renditions of the iconic logo. The roar that once echoed through the golden age of Hollywood now resonates in the digital realms of contemporary cinema.

The legacy of the MGM Lion extends far beyond the silver screen. It has become a cultural touchstone, instantly recognizable and woven into the fabric of popular consciousness. The lion’s roar is not just a prelude to a movie; it’s a call to adventure, a reminder of the magic that awaits within the confines of the cinema.

‘LEO’ the MGM Lion stands as a testament to the enduring power of symbols in the world of entertainment. From its humble beginnings with Slats to the digital renditions of today, the roaring lion has remained an integral part of the cinematic experience. It is a symbol of strength, majesty, and the timeless allure of the silver screen – a legacy that continues to captivate audiences, roaring proudly as a herald of the magic that unfolds within the world of MGM.