Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer

> *"MGM" and "Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer Studios" redirect here. For other uses, see MGM (disambiguation).*
>
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## Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer

### Founder:

Marcus Loew
Louis B. Mayer

### Formerly:

Metro-Goldwyn Pictures Corporation (1924–1928?)

### Parent:

MGM/UA Communications (1987–1992)
Amazon (2023–present)

### Subsidiaries:

MGM Home Entertainment
MGM/UA Home Video
MGM/CBS Home Video
MGM DVD
MGM Television

## Background

Metro Pictures Corporation was founded on June 23, 1915, by Richard A. Rowland (1880-1947) and Louis B. Mayer (1885-1957), and started out distributing films produced by Solax Studios. However, Mayer left the studio soon after operations began to form his own company, Louis B. Mayer Pictures Corporation, in 1918. Richard Rowland would continue to produce a number of films in New York City, Fort Lee, New Jersey, and Hollywood, where he established a backlot at North Cahuenga Boulevard (which remains open and is today known as Red Studios Hollywood). Marcus Loew, a theater magnate who had been seeking products for his ever-expanding collective of nickelodeons, vaudeville houses, and movie palaces, acquired Metro Pictures in 1920.

Dissatisfied with Metro's output following his purchase of the studio, Loew later purchased Goldwyn Pictures in 1924 and combined the two studios in the hope of creating higher-quality content for his theaters. The same year, Louis B. Mayer sold Louis B. Mayer Productions to Loew for $75,000 (around $1.17 million adjusted for inflation). On April 17, 1924, the three studios were merged to become Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer, Inc. (MGM). With Mayer serving as head of the studio, MGM became one of the major players in the Golden Age of Hollywood, and was one of the "Big Five" film studios, alongside Paramount Pictures, RKO Radio Pictures, 20th Century Foxand Warner Bros. At its peak in the 1930s, the studio was releasing 50 films a year. In 1952, Loews Inc. was forced to relinquish control of MGM due to the outcome of *United States v. Paramount Pictures, Inc.*, which forced studios and theaters to separate. By the time the split was completed in 1959, MGM was in decline due to a combination of the split, the decline of the old studio system, and the rise of television. In 1957, the same year Louis B. Mayer died, the company filed a loss for the first time ever.

In 1969, Kirk Kerkorian purchased the company. However, in 1973, MGM closed its distribution offices and signed a distribution agreement with United Artists for distribution in the United States; the company also made a similar agreement with CIC for international distribution. In 1981, MGM purchased the failing United Artists before renaming itself MGM/UA Entertainment Co. a year later, with UA's distribution branch being renamed MGM/United Artists Distribution and Marketing (later MGM/UA Distribution Co.). MGM was also a founding partner in CIC's successor United International Pictures. On March 25, 1986, MGM/UA was purchased by Ted Turner (who temporarily renamed the company MGM Entertainment Co.), but after a large amount of debt, Turner sold it back on August 26, keeping the pre-1986 MGM library. MGM was then renamed MGM/UA Communications Co. In 1990, it became MGM-Pathé Communications Co. after Giancarlo Parretti purchased the company and merged it with Pathé Communications (not to be confused with the French studio, as the company originally intended to buy the studio). Due to lawsuits, it was sold back to Kerkorian yet again and the company became Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer in 1992. In 2000, MGM broke off its international distribution agreement with UIP and instead signed with 20th Century Fox to take over international distribution rights for MGM's films. On April 8, 2005, a consortium led by Sony's American branch bought the company.

In 2009 and 2010, MGM suffered financial problems and filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy on November 3, 2010. After escaping from bankruptcy on December 20, Spyglass executives Gary Barber and Roger Birnbaum became co-CEOs and co-chairs of the company. Birnbaum left on October 3, 2012, and Barber was fired in March 2018. For much of the 2010s, much of MGM's output was produced with and/or distributed by Columbia, Paramount, Universal, or Warner Bros. Pictures in all territories outside of the Nordics, Israel, Central Europe, and the Middle East. In 2017, MGM signed an agreement with Annapurna Pictures to distribute titles from both parties in the US, with third-party titles being released under the Mirror banner. MGM also signed an agreement with Universal that same year to handle the international distribution of MGM titles. In 2019, the partnership became known as United Artists Releasing and Orion Pictures' distribution staff was added to the venture.

On May 26, 2021, online shopping company Amazon announced its intention to acquire MGM for $8.45 billion, a deal that was finalized on March 17, 2022. On August 15, 2022, MGM announced a new distribution agreement with Warner Bros. for international markets outside of North America (including China), which excluded two titles from Orion (except Canada) and the 26th *Bond* film, which will be retained by Universal. As part of the deal, Warner Bros. will take over home video rights in all regions.

The current company and studio location are located in Beverly Hills, California. MGM owned a more well-known set of studios in Culver City from 1925 until 1986 when the backlot was sold to Lorimar-Telepictures; the lot is now owned by Sony and is known as Sony Pictures Studios.

## Metro-Goldwyn Pictures Corporation

### (1924-1928?)

**Nicknames:** "The Marquee", "The Lion Statue", "Metro-Goldwyn Lion"

**Visuals:** On a black background, we see a lion stature on a marquee, similar to the 1924 MGM print logo, but the text reads "**A** Metro *Goldwyn* **PICTURE**".

**Variant:** A sepia version exists.

**Technique:** None.

**Audio:** The closing theme of the film.

**Availability:** Very rare. This was mainly used as an endcap for many MGM movies from this era, such as *He Who Gets Slapped*.

**Legacy:** None.

## Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer Studios, Inc.

### 1st Logo (November 9, 1924-April 22, 1928)

**Nicknames:** "The Silent/Quiet Lion", "Slats the Lion", "1st MGM Lion", "MGM Lion", "Early '20s Lion"

**Visuals:** Same as the 1923 Goldwyn Pictures logo, but a new lion named Slats appears inside the ribbons. Also, the marquee now reads "Metro *Goldwyn* mayer".

**Variant:** Slats' movement varies per film. Interestingly, on *Battling Butler*, Slats actually roars once and then freezes before fading out, despite having the title of "the only MGM lion that didn't roar".

**Technique:** Live-action footage, which differs on each film.

**Audio:** None or the opening theme of the film.

**Availability:** Very rare. The first film to use this logo was *He Who Gets Slapped*. The last film to use this logo was *The Patsy*.

**Legacy:** None.

### 2nd Logo (October 1, 1927-September 27, 1928)

**Nicknames:** "2nd MGM Lion", "The Unknown Lion", "Bill the Lion", "Numa the Lion", "MGM Lion II", "Mid '20s Lion"

**Visuals:** On a black background, a new lion named Numa appears inside the ribbons. This time, the ribbons are slightly redone and in white, the wreath is in yellow, the drama mask is in red and the marquee is in green.

**Variant:** There is a variant with copyright notices below.

**Technique:** None.

**Audio:** None or the opening theme of the film.

**Availability:** Extinct outside of film preservation; was mainly used on early colorized silent films. The first film to use this logo was *Body and Soul*. The last film to use this logo was *The Baby Cyclone*.

**Legacy:** MGM's early attempt at a color logo, and color films in general. For a period of time, this lion's name is unknown, but Bill is only a name given for the lion in the wiki.

### 3rd Logo (September 1, 1928-October 13, 1953)

Prototype versionOfficial versionSilver Anniversary variant**Nicknames:** "Jackie the Lion", "1st Roaring Lion", "3rd MGM Lion", "MGM Lion III", "Late '20s Lion"

**Visuals:** On a black background, a new lion named Jackie appears inside the ribbons. This time, the ribbons are slightly redone once again. Jackie roars three times, then looks offscreen.

**Trivia:** Jackie was born around 1915. He was nicknamed "Leo the Lucky" because he survived many accidents, including two train wrecks, an earthquake and an explosion inside the studio. He then died in February 1935 because of heart problems. Jackie's hide can currently be seen on display at the McPherson Museum in McPherson, Kansas.

**Variants:**

* Prior to 1934, there is a prototype version where the ribbons from the 1st logo were used.
* Until 1932, there is also an extended version where Jackie turns back into the camera after looking away.
* A sepia version exists.
* A color version also exists. From 1933 to 1935, a National Recovery Administration logo can be seen on the left next to the marquee.
* Another color version exists where the marquee is red.
* In 1949, a Silver Anniversary variant exists where we see a napkin reading "***A Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer Silver Anniversary Picture***". Then, it fades to black and then into the normal logo.
* A version exists where the logo is slightly redrawn, Jackie has a shadow and a copyright notice is seen.
* This logo has appeared superimposed onto scenes from trailers of 1930s films.
* On a Dutch print of *Dood Water*, the logo looks entirely redrawn with a slightly different mask.

**Closing Title:** We see the MGM print logo, which looks like the Metro-Goldwyn Pictures logo, but it reads "A Metro-*Goldwyn*-Mayer PICTURE". This was used as late as 1984, with the last film to use it being *Nothing Lasts Forever*.

**Technique:** Live-action footage.

**Audio:** Jackie's roar, which varies throughout the years. From 1928 to 1930, Jackie's actual roar was used. From 1930 to 1932, a panther's roar was used. From 1932 to 1953, Telly's roar from the next logo was used. For silent films, just the opening theme of the film without the roaring.

**Audio Variants:**

* Sometimes, the opening theme of the film with the roaring can be used.
* Sometimes, various fanfares can be used.

**Availability:** Common. The first film to use this logo was *Our Dancing Daughters*. The last film to use this logo was *Main Street to Broadway*.

**Legacy:** Along with Tanner, Jackie rates at the top with logo enthusiasts as far as MGM lions go. He was the third-longest lion to be used behind Tanner and Leo.

### 4th Logo (November 2, 1928-March 15, 1932)

**Nicknames:** "Telly the Lion", "4th MGM Lion", "2nd Roaring Lion", "MGM Lion IV", "'20s Lion"

**Visuals:** On a black background, a new lion named Telly appears inside the ribbons. This time, the ribbons are newly redone. Everything but the lion is in a green tint (probably due to the two-strip Technicolor process). Telly first stares at the camera for several seconds, then roars with a long snarl and two roaring sound effects.

**Variants:**

* A B&W version exists. This can be seen on *The Mysterious Island*, which was originally made in color, but only the B&W version of said film has survived.
* Sometimes, the logo appears darker than usual due to film distortion.

**Technique:** Live-action footage.

**Audio:** A cougar's roar, which was also used for the previous logo starting in 1932. Some films would have the opening theme by itself, or blended with Telly's roar.

**Audio Variant:** On *Crazy House*, the logo is silent.

**Availability:** Rare. The first film to use this logo was *The Viking*.

**Legacy:** Telly is usually considered as one of the scariest MGM lions, along with Coffee and Tanner. This is due to bad illumination used when filming the lion, which makes Telly look scary, and also due to Telly staring right at viewer without any moves.

### 5th Logo (February 4, 1932-May 25, 1935)

**Nicknames:** "Coffee the Lion", "5th MGM Lion", "3rd Roaring Lion", "MGM Lion V", "Early '30s Lion"

**Visual:** On a black background, a new lion named Coffee appears inside the ribbons. This time, the ribbons and wreath are now slightly redrawn and are in white and the drama mask is in red. Coffee snarls while looking down, then roars.

**Variants:**

* A longer version exists only on *Wild People*.
* A B&W version exists.

**Technique:** Live-action footage.

**Audio:** Just Coffee's roar.

**Availability:** Uncommon. It can be seen on films, such as *Wild People*.

**Legacy:** Another one of the scariest MGM lions. This is due to bad audio quality of the roars and the menacing look of Coffee.

### 6th Logo (September 18, 1934-December 3, 1953)

    **Nicknames:** "Tanner the Lion", "The Angry Lion", "6th MGM Lion", "MGM Marquee V", "MGM Lion VI", "'30s/'40s Lion"

**Visuals:** On a black background, a new lion named Tanner appears inside the ribbons. This time, the Latin phrase is in red, "**TRADE**" and "**MARK**" are larger and in yellow and the drama mask is redrawn. "M", "*G*" and "m" are in red, while "etro", "*oldwyn*" and "ayer" are in yellow and the wreath is yellow. Tanner roars twice in this one.

**Variants:**

* A longer version exists where Tanner would growl first, then roar three times, look at the camera while tilting his head and then growl again, with the final roar accompanied by a gasp-like sound and an extra growl at the end.
* There is a Silver Anniversary variant where it looks similar to the 3rd logo, but in color with Tanner. This can be seen on films, such as *Neptune's Daughter*.
* A Cinecolor version exists on *Gallant Bess*, where the logo is darker and the yellow color looks washed out.
* A B&W version exists on a TCM Australia airing of *The Hucksters*, due to a plastering error. Current prints, however, retain the 3rd logo instead.
* On *My Grandfather's Clock*, the logo has a slight red tint.

**Technique:** Live-action footage.

**Audio:** Some films would have Tanner's roar, while animated features have Coffee's roar. Other live-action films have the opening theme blended with Tanner's roar. For the long version, just Tanner roaring.

**Audio Variant:** On a December 15, 1989 Rede Globo airing of *Gone with the Wind*, the 1982 roar track from the 9th logo is used, albeit slightly higher-pitched.

**Availability:** Common. The first film to use this logo was *Holland in Tulip Time*. The last film to use this logo was *Give a Girl a Break*.

**Legacy:** In terms of popularity, Tanner is pretty much tied with Jackie. In particular, those who grew up on *Tom and Jerry* consider him a favorite. However, he also considered one of the scariest along with the previous two lions, as his roars sound unnerving and his look can frighten a lot of children.

### 7th Logo (July 15, 1953-November 2, 1956)

Tanner versionJackie version**Nicknames:** "Jackie the Lion II", "Tanner the Lion II", "Widescreen Lions", "MGM Lion VII", "Mid '50s Lion"

**Visuals:** On a black background, we see Tanner for color films or Jackie for B&W films appear inside the ribbons. This time, the design is changed with the marquee removed and the "Metro Goldwyn mayer" text being arched above the ribbons, which would remain this way from this point forward. A "®" symbol is also added below.

**Variants:**

* There is a short version of the Jackie variant with only the last two roars.
* The Tanner variant would either have gold or silver ribbons.
* Another version of the gold ribbon Tanner variant has copyright info on both sides.
* Tanner has a 3D version used for films, such as *Kiss Me Kate*.
* A CinemaScope version exists. Here, the logo crossfades to "IN **CINEMASCOPE**" in golden text, similar to the CinemaScope card used by 20th Century Fox, but on a black background.

**Technique:** Live-action footage.

**Audio:** Same as the 3rd and 6th logos.

**Audio Variant:** On *The Long, Long Trailer* and *Forever Darling*, Jackie's roar is used on the Tanner variant.

**Availability:** Uncommon.

* The first film to use this logo was *Ride, Vaquero!*.
* The Tanner variant can be seen on films, such as *Torch Song*.
* The Jackie variant first appeared on *Half a Hero*.
* The last film to use this logo was *The Rack*.

**Legacy:** Obviously made for widescreen. The 3D version looks incorrectly aligned upon close inspection, as Tanner, who remains in 2D, appears to be in front of the ribboning instead of the other way around. In any case, this looks to be the start of a well-established design for the MGM logo as a whole; though the ribboning isn't gold yet, and the older lions are still in use, everything else is right in place.

### 8th Logo (July 17, 1956-February 27, 1959)

**Nicknames:** "George the Lion", "Brief Mane", "7th MGM Lion", "MGM Lion VIII", "'50s Lion"

**Visuals:** On a black background, a new lion named George appears inside the ribbons. The ribbons are also stretched out slightly and the drama mask is redrawn.

**Trivia:** This logo was completed on June 24, 1955.

**Variants:**

* The logo would appear either on a black or blue background.
* A B&W version exists.

**Technique:** Live-action footage.

**Audio:** Tanner's re-dubbed roar or Tanner's roar blended with the opening theme of the film.

**Availability:** Uncommon. The first film to use this logo was *High Society*. The last film to use this logo was *First Man Into Space*.

**Legacy:** Actual footage from this logo's production, dated June 24, 1955, has been preserved and can be seen in the Widescreen Museum. George isn't as well known as the other lions, due to his very brief tenure as the MGM lion.

### 9th Logo (September 6, 1957-July 10, 1987)

***Opening Variants***

* 1957-1986
* 1974-1975
* 1983-1987

Golden Anniversary Variant (showing "**BEGINNING OUR NEXT 50 YEARS...**"Golden Anniversary variant (the finished product)

Prototype "MGM/UA Entertainment Co." variantOfficial "MGM/UA Entertainment Co." variant***Closing Variants***

1982 closing variant1986 closing variantMGM Logo (1957-1959) -Three Roar Variant-MGM Leo The Lion (1974, Golden Anniversary)MGM Logo (1983-1986) -MGM-UA Entertainment Variant-**Nicknames:** "Leo the Lion", "8th MGM Lion", "Golden Anniversary", "MGM Lion IX", "'50s/'60s/'70s Lion", "Anniversary Lion", "50 Years of MGM"

**Visuals:** On a black background, a new lion named Leo appears inside the ribbons. The ribbons are also stretched out more, the drama mask and wreath are redrawn and "Metro Goldwyn Mayer" is now in a new font. First, Leo looks to his left and does his first roar. Then, he looks to his right and does his second roar. Leo would then do the same thing for his third roar.

**Trivia:**

* Leo was born in the Royal Burgers' Zoo in Arnhem, Netherlands.
* The reason why Leo's mane is shorter compared to all the other lions was because he was the youngest at the time he was filmed.
* The footage of Leo was actually filmed first without the border, then the border was later added around the footage. However, the original footage of Leo is currently lost due to the 1965 vault fire.

**Variants:**

* A B&W version exists on some earlier films with this logo.
* By the 1970s, the logo looks a little more enhanced.
* From May 17, 1974 to June 20, 1975, a special variant was used to celebrate the company's 50th anniversary. At first, we just see the ribbons with the words "**BEGINNING OUR NEXT 50 YEARS...**" replacing the lion footage. After a few seconds, the text crossfades to the lion footage in the ribbons with "Metro Goldwyn Mayer" now in gold. The words "**TRADE**" and "**MARK**" are also replaced with "**GOLDEN**" and "**ANNIVERSARY**" and the "®" symbol is removed.
* June 3, 1983 to July 10, 1987: The text now reads "MGM/UA Entertainment Co.", following MGM's acquisition with United Artists in 1982. The lowercase letters and slash are now rendered in orange, but everything else remains the same. This would stop regular usage on February 21, 1986. Starting with the release of *Dream Lover* on February 28, 1986, it reverted back to the name "Metro Goldwyn Mayer".
	+ On *WarGames*, there is a prototype version where the text is spaced a little further from the ribbons and Leo has a greenish tint.
* On several home video releases of films from the 1980s (mainly the 1983 variant), the logo is cropped to the point where the edges of the ribbons touch the sides of the screen. This is due to the pan-and-scan nature of the releases.
* On DVD releases of *Teen Wolf*, the fade in is cut off and starts at the first roar.

**Closing Title:** At the end of every release starting in 1982, the title of the movie would appear above "DISTRIBUTED BY" or "FROM" above the MGM/UA Entertainment Co. or MGM Entertainment Co. print logo. *The Beastmaster* only showed the print logo.

**Technique:** Live-action footage.

**Audio:** Some movies would only have Leo's roar. On other films, the opening theme of the film plays over the logo with the roaring.

**Audio Variants:** Tanner's roar was used from 1957 to 1984. The sound used is Tanner's first roar repeated twice, for Leo's second roar, Tanner's first roar was used without the growl. Though for the three-roar variant, the first roar is Tanner's second roar.

* September 6, 1957-September 1984: Leo roars three times.
* February 19, 1960-July 10, 1987: Leo roars only twice.
* Starting with the release of *Poltergeist* on June 4, 1982, a new roar track was used, mixed by Mark Mangini. Leo's roar track becomes a synthesized one, but his image remains unchanged. However, trailers continued to use Tanner's roar.
* Around 1985, the ending part of the roar is different. Here, the growl heard after the first roar is also used for the second roar. This was used on films, such as *Year of the Dragon*. Though a few films, such as *To Live and Die in L.A.* and *9 1/2 Weeks* used the 1982 roar track instead.
* *Brainstorm* has an edited 1982 roar. The first roar is the second roar repeated two times and the second roar is the first roar.

**Availability:** Common. Was used for almost three decades.

* Seen on such films as *Jailhouse Rock* and the first two *Poltergeist* films.
* Seen on every MGM film from 1957 to 1987
	+ The "Metro Goldwyn Mayer" variant made its first appearance on *Tip on a Dead Jockey* and made its final appearance on *Where the River Runs Black*.
	+ The Golden Anniversary variant made its first appearance on *That's Entertainment!* and made its final appearance on *The Silent Stranger*.
	+ The "MGM/UA Entertainment Co." variant made its first appearance on *WarGames* and made its final appearance on *O.C. and Stiggs*.

**Legacy:** One of the most popular logos to ever exist. In fact, Leo is the most famous out of all the MGM lions. This also marks the start of a definitive design for the logo, as it would only receive minimal changes going forward.

### 10th Logo (April 3-October 13, 1968)

***Opening Variants***

Standard versionRare version***Closing Variants***

**Nicknames:** "The Stylized Lion", "MGM Lion X", "Late '60s Lion"

**Visuals:** On a blue background, we see a stylized lion inside a circle with "MGM" underneath, all in yellow-orange.

**Trivia:** This logo was designed by Lippincott.

**Variants:**

* On *The Subject Was Roses*, there is a rare version where the background is teal-green, the logo is white and "MGM" is smaller.
* On trailers for films released by United Artists, an inverted version of the logo in white appears on a black background with the 1976 United Artists logo below. Also, the logo is aligned horizontally with "An MGM Presentation" next to the logo.

**Closing Title:** On films released between 1970 and 1982, a superimposed version of the logo without the "MGM" text scrolls up with the credits.

**Technique:** None.

**Audio:** None, but on *2001: A Space Odyssey*, the opening theme of the film plays over the logo.

**Availability:** Very rare. The opening version was only seen on two films: *2001: A Space Odyssey* and *The Subject Was Roses*.

**Legacy:** Even as far as abstract logos go, the on-screen graphic feels like a wasted effort. But, at least MGM still saw fit to use it elsewhere for a long time after.

### 11th Logo (July 20, 1984-April 28, 2009)

***Opening Variants***

* 1984-1985
* 1986-2008
* 1994-2009

Early bylineless versionLater bylineless versionMGM/UA Communications byline variant

70th anniversary variant75th anniversary variantURL variant***Closing Variants***

1986 closing variant1991 closing variant1992 closing variant1997 closing variant75th anniversary closing variantMGM Diamond Jubilee Logo (1984-1985)MGM Logo (1986-2001)MGM (1987)Metro Goldwyn Mayer 70th Anniversary (1994) Company Logo (VHS Capture)MGM Leo The Lion (1999, 75th Anniversary variant)MGM Logo (2001-2008)**Nicknames:** "Leo the Lion II", "Diamond Jubilee", "Classic Lion", "The King of the Plasters", "Lion of Plastering", "MGM Lion XI", "'80s/'90s Lion", "Anniversary Lion II", "60 Years of MGM", "70 Years of MGM", "75 Years of MGM", "MGM/UA Communications Lion"

**Visuals:** It's the same as the 9th logo, but most of the logo is now colored gold instead of white, and will remain this way from this point forward. The drama mask is also a darker red color. Leo roars twice as usual, sometimes once.

**Bylines:**

* July 20, 1984-April 28, 2009: (bylineless)
* October 30, 1987-1992: "An MGM/UA Communications company" (in the MGM Display font.)

**Variants:**

* July 20, 1984-January 18, 1985: "Metro Goldwyn Mayer" is replaced with "DIAMOND JUBILEE", "ARS GRATIA ARTIS" is replaced with "METRO-GOLDWYN-MAYER/UNITED ARTISTS", the "**TRADE MARK**" text is removed, there is an extra ribbon reading "ENTERTAINMENT CO." with "SIXTY YEARS OF GREAT ENTERTAINMENT" below and the footage of Leo is zoomed in. Also, a "**™**" symbol, which is on the right side, replaces the "®" symbol. The drama mask, without the wreath around it, is also redrawn with a white border. Leo roars as the letters "M", "E" and "J" sparkle.
* An early version of the 1986 variant exists on current prints of *Where the River Runs Black* (plastering the 9th logo), where Leo is slightly off-center.
* October 30, 1987-1992: Films with the MGM/UA Communications byline variant are generally preceded by the MGM/UA Communications logo.
* November 26?, 1986-July 29, 2008: The logo is bylineless.
* 1994: The logo is smaller and pushed up a little to make room for the text "70th ANNIVERSARY" below, with "ANNIVERSARY" arched and wiping in and then "70th" appears. Also, starting with this version, the logo is a darker golden-brown color.
* 1999: Same as the 1994 variant, but the text below the logo now reads "75 A LEGACY OF EXCELLENCE". "75" zooms out and "A LEGACY OF EXCELLENCE" appears.
* January 12, 2001-April 28, 2009: A "www.mgm.com" URL address is added underneath the logo.
* Some films, such as *Wicker Park*, *Good Boy!* and *Bulletproof Monk* have the URL slightly off-center.
* Tubi prints of *The Last Man on Earth* have a somewhat cheaply edited B&W variant of the 2001 variant.

**Closing Variants:**

* Very early on its run, on *Solarbabies* and *Dead of Winter*, it would use the MGM Entertainment Co. print closing variant from the 9th logo.
* A superimposed MGM print logo would appear scrolling with or after the credits with the title of the film (mainly James Bond movies), "**FROM**" (for MGM releases) or "**DISTRIBUTED BY**" (for UA releases). Below it is the MGM/UA Communications byline. Around 1991, the byline would be changed to "A Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer Communications company". Around 1992, the print logo was modified to the 1992 print logo with the byline replaced with "**DISTRIBUTED BY MGM/UA DISTRIBUTION CO.**". Around 1997, the phrase would be changed to "**DISTRIBUTED BY MGM DISTRIBUTION CO.**". In 1999, the 75th anniversary variant of the print logo is used. The 1997 variant would also sometimes be used at the end of 2006-08 The Weinstein Company/Dimension Films movies.
* Another closing variant, used on reprints of older films, would replace the print logo the movie originally used with a short version of the opening logo.
* There is a short B&W variant of the 1986 variant seen after classic movies in said colors, such as those by United Artists or The Samuel Goldwyn Company. Though some films, such as the 2001 reprint of *Some Like It Hot*, use the regular color version instead.

**Technique:** Live-action footage, combined with 2D computer animation for the letters sparkling on the Diamond Jubilee variant and computer effects for the anniversary disclaimers on the other anniversary variants.

**Audio:**

* July 20, 1984-1988: The 1982 lion roar.
* November 26?, 1986-1994: The 1985 lion roar.
* 1994-1997: The 1982 lion roar, but with a raspier sound. Sounds close to the 1995 lion roar, but not quite.
* December 22, 1995-April 28, 2009: The 1982 lion roar was remixed once again by Mark Mangini, who combined the roar with many other roar tracks to give it more "muscle" and to accommodate 5.1 surround sound films.

**Audio Variants:**

* For the print closing variant, the closing theme of the film or none.
* Some films, such as *Wicker Park* have a low-pitched 1995 lion roar.
* One Russian print of *Red Dawn* combines the high-pitched 1982 and 1995 lion roars.

**Availability:** Extremely common. In fact, the 2001 website variant is more common than any other variant because it plasters not only previous logos, but also numerous logos from so many other companies (hence the nicknames "The King of the Plasters" and "Lion of Plastering").

* Seen on all MGM releases of this era.
	+ The Diamond Jubilee variant made its first appearance on *Electric Dreams* and made its final appearance on *That's Dancing!*.
	+ The bylineless version allegedly made its first appearance on *Solarbabies* and made its final appearance on *WarGames: The Dead Code*.
	+ The MGM/UA Communications byline version made its first appearance on *Fatal Beauty*.
	+ The 70th anniversary variant can be seen on films, such as *That's Entertainment III*.
	+ The 75th anniversary variant can be seen on films, such as *The Thomas Crown Affair*.
	+ The URL variant made its first appearance on *Antitrust* and made its final appearance on *Legally Blondes*.
* It can also be seen on the Nickelodeon Movies film *Yours, Mine and Ours*.
* The standard version's earliest known appearance was on TV spots for *Running Scared* in the spring of 1986, but it is currently unknown if theatrical prints used this as well, as the original US VHS release had the 9th logo, the UK VHS release had no logo at the start and a 1990s reissue VHS release had this logo (in letterbox), as did a 1994 BBC broadcast (cropped to 4:3).
* For some reason, the 2001 variant appears on MGM-distributed releases of DiC Movie Toons, like *Groove Squad*.
* It can also be seen on the Canadian MGM DVD release of the film *Miss Spider's Sunny Patch Kids*, but American and current prints don't have it, as Nelvana owns the film worldwide.

**Legacy:** Due to its longevity, this is considered to be one of the most popular logos ever, like the 9th logo. However, the 2001 website variant's omnipresence and plastering makes it one of the most-hated production logos of all time, alongside the 1984 Warner Bros. Pictures logo, the 2002 Sony Pictures Television logo, the 2007 CBS Television Distribution logo, the 1992 20th Television logo, among others.

### 12th Logo (November 14, 2008-March 16, 2012)

***Opening Variants***

URL variantVersion without URL***Closing Variants***

    MGM Logo 3 Roar 2008 RestorationColumbia Pictures-Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer-Original Film (2012)**Nicknames:** "Leo the Lion III", "Modern Lion", "MGM Lion XII", "2000s Lion"

**Visuals:** Almost identical to the previous logo, except with several enhancements. Most of the logo is now in a metallic shade of gold, including the drama mask, and will remain this way from this point forward. The footage of Leo is also digitally enhanced and the URL address below now reads "**MGM.COM**".

**Trivia:**

* This logo was designed by Pacific Title.
* The footage of Leo shown here is actually taken from the logo from *Cat on a Hot Tin Roof*, but digitally remastered and given an HD enhancement with the ears digitally remodeled to remove film fuzzes and blemishes.
* The logo was completed on September 5, 2008.

**Variants:**

* There is a longer version where it is basically a 3 lion roar restoration, which was never used on any film.
* On the closing variant and in 2009 on cable broadcasts (otherwise the 2009 MGM Television logo), the logo is a brighter gold color.
* Starting in 2011, the logo began appearing without the URL. This is because after emergence from bankruptcy, MGM stopped independently releasing their films.

**Closing Title:** At the end of *Hot Tub Time Machine* and some catalog titles, the URL address is replaced with "**DISTRIBUTED BY MGM DISTRIBUTION CO.**". On a recent WGN airing of *Mr. Mom*, a slightly different font was used.

**Technique:** Live-action footage.

**Audio:**

* November 14, 2008-February 6, 2009: A new roar sound bite that contains elements of the 1995 roar, but sounds more powerful than its predecessor, mixed by Mark Mangini. Reportedly, this roar track was made because the 1995 roar did not have the lion roaring thrice like the longer version.
* June 12, 2009-March 16, 2012: The 1995 lion roar.

**Availability:** Common.

* Seen on every MGM film from 2008 to 2012.
	+ The URL variant made its first appearance on *Quantum of Solace* and made its final appearance on *Zookeeper*.
	+ The version without the URL made its first appearance on *The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo* and made its final appearance on *21 Jump Street*.

**Legacy:** The history of this updated logo's history is actually rather interesting. Although the 2008 roar track was a wasted effort, why even make it if they decided to stick with the 1995 roar?

### 13th Logo (August 10, 2012-October 8, 2021)

Early versionLater version

**Nicknames:** "Leo the Lion IV", "Zooming Ribboning", "The Lion's Eye", "Leo Vision's American Cousin", "MGM Lion XIII", "2010s Lion"

**Visuals:** On a black background, we see flickers of light. Then, we zoom out to see a close-up of an eye. As the logo continues zooms out, we see that the eye is from Leo from the previous two logos, whose 1957 footage is digitally restored and enhanced, like the previous logo. As Leo roars, the ribbons scroll and the "Metro Goldwyn Mayer" text zooms out above the ribbons.

**Trivia:** This logo was animated at Shine.

**Variants:**

* An early version exists where the logo is darker and more golden. The flickers of light are not seen. This can be seen on the video game *007 Legends* and *Skyfall*.
* A short version exists. This can be seen on *Hope Springs* and at the end of current prints of some older films released by United Artists or Orion Pictures. It also appeared at the end of *Spectre*.
* On some films, the movement of Leo's eye varies. Sometimes, it looks straight to the camera, while other times, it can move either once or twice.

**Closing Title:** A still version appears at the end of films.

**Technique:** A mix of live-action footage and CGI, done by Shine.

**Audio:** We hear a whooshing sound, followed by some projector noises and the 1995 lion roar. There is also an extra growl added after the second roar.

**Audio Variant:** A short version exists with just one roar.

**Availability:** Common. Seen on every MGM film from 2012 until 2021. This logo made its first appearance on *Hope Springs* (albeit the short version); the full version made its first appearance on *Skyfall* and made its final appearance on *Snake Eyes*; it made its final (at least closing) appearance on *No Time to Die*. It can also be seen on select prints of *No Time to Die* (other prints use the next logo; it is unknown whether this or the next logo was originally seen on the film).

**Legacy:** A great effort to modernize the MGM logo. The moving filmstrips as well as the zooming out from the eye is a great touch to actually give the logo a little more substance. However, the size of the ribbon is off-putting, as Leo's head doesn't fit in the circle anymore.

### 14th Logo (August 13, 2021- )

***Opening Variants***

Bylineless version60 years of Bond variantAmazon byline variant***Closing Variants***

**Nicknames:** "Leo the Lion V", "Zooming Ribboning II", "Art for Art's Sake", "CGI Lion", "The Lion's New Design", "Animated Lion", "Amazon Lion", "MGM Lion XIV", "2020s Lion", "Anniversary Lion III", "60 Years of James Bond"

**Visuals:** On a black background, we see the ribbons from the previous logo, only more golden, zoom out from the right side with the holes glowing. The text on the ribbons reads "ART FOR ART'S SAKE" in the custom-designed Metro Mayer Serif font. Then, the ribbons shine and the text changes to its Latin translation "ARS GRATIA ARTIS". The ribbons continue to zoom out in the center, as Leo the Lion, now redone in CGI, fades in. The text "Metro Goldwyn Mayer" zooms out above the ribbons like the previous logo. When the logo is almost done zooming out, the words "**TRADE**" and "**MARK**" and the "®" symbol fade in.

**Trivia:** This logo was animated at Baked Studios.

**Bylines:**

* August 13, 2021- : (bylineless)
* September 8, 2023- : "AN AMAZON COMPANY" (in the Amazon Ember font.)

**Variants:**

* On the Brand Evolution video, after the logo is finished, the letters "M", "G" and "M" form together and "ART FOR ART'S SAKE" and "BRAND EVOLUTION" appear after the text is formed.
* There is a shorter version where the ribbons scroll faster and the text zooms out faster. Leo roars once in this variant. This can be seen at the beginning of clips, trailers and compilation videos from their official YouTube channel. This was also used as the basis for the 2021 MGM Television logo.
* Sometimes, the logo is shortened where it starts with the ribbons zooming out, skipping the part where the holes glow.
* There is a special variant to celebrate the 60th anniversary of the *007* franchise. When Leo starts to roar, the logo zooms out to the left and "**60** YEARS OF BOND" appears on the right side. On the "**6**" we see "***007***" on it, fading in number by number. On the "**0**", we see a gun pointing to the right fading in.
* On Screenplix On Demand prints of *A Day to Remember* (1953), the logo is cut short; before Leo does his second roar, the logo abruptly cuts to the 1944 Rank Organization logo.

**Closing Title:** Like the previous logo, a still version appears at the end of films. This time, the corporate logo is used.

**Technique:** CGI, done by Baked Studios.

**Audio:** A majestic 5-note fanfare with a single drum beat at the beginning, accompanied by whoosh sounds and followed by the 1995 lion roar. This was composed by Sounds Red.

**Audio Variant:** On the 60 years of Bond variant, we hear the iconic James Bond intro sound playing when the text forms. The whoosh sounds in the fanfare are also removed.

**Availability:** Current. Seen on most of the company's films, starting with *Respect*.

**Legacy:** The CGI Leo could take some time to get used to and those who prefer the previous logos may also be annoyed. Nonetheless, it's a stunning update to the MGM logo especially since the 100th anniversary is approaching. The English translation of the Latin phrase is also an excellent touch alongside the beautiful fanfare.

## Copyright Stamps

* 1924-1938: Copyright © by Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer Pictures (or Distributing) Corporation (with the MGM secondary logo at the center). To the left of the MGM secondary logo, the text "Controlled by LOEW'S INCORPORATED" appears.
* 1938-1960: Copyright © by Loew's, Incorporated. (MGM officially split from Loew's in 1959)
* 1960-1996: Copyright © by Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer, Inc.
* 1981-1982: Copyright © by Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer Film Co. (MGM Studios and MGM Grand divisions were split into two companies on May 30, 1980)
* 1982-1986: Copyright © by MGM/UA Entertainment Co. (MGM merged with United Artists on July 28, 1981)
* 1986-1987: Copyright © by MGM Entertainment Co. (MGM split from United Artists when Ted Turner purchased the studio and then sold the remnants of MGM/UA back to Kerkorian)
* 1987- : Copyright © by Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer Pictures, Inc. (Used for theatrical releases)
* 1989-1990: Copyright © by MGM/UA Pictures, Inc. (Used on B-list releases from the time)
* 1991-1992: Copyright © by MGM-Pathé Communications Co. (MGM was acquired by Pathé in 1990)
* 1991: Copyright © by Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer Pictures, a Division of MGM-Pathé Communications Co. (Appeared on *Delirious*)
* 1996- : Copyright © by Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer Studios, Inc. (current copyright claimant of United Artists films and older post-1986 MGM movies)

## External Links

* Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer on Wikipedia
* Official Website
* Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer on IMDb

United Artists
Metromedia

Ted Turner Pictures

**Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer**

**Home Entertainment:**
MGM Home Entertainment | MGM/UA Home Video | MGM/CBS Home Video | MGM DVD

**Television:**
MGM Television