MGM: When the Lion Roars
Documentary produced by MGM and released for television 1992 in three parts, 450 minutes.
Production:
- Narrated by Patrick Stewart
- Cinematography by Michael Lonzo
- Film Editing by Robert L. Sinise
- Production Design by Thomas A. Walsh
- Visual Effects by Rob Maine
- Montage by Rob Maine
Notes:
The documentary was produced for the popular television audience, but does a good job showing the history of the MGM studio under Louis B. Mayer and Irving Thalberg. Part One begins with the opening of the studio in 1924 at Culver City, and ends with the death of 37-year old Thalberg in 1936. Part Two shows examples of the studio at its height in the Golden Age of Hollywood, from 1936 to 1946, including Louis B. Mayer, Mickey Rooney, Lew Ayres, Spencer Tracy, Judy Garland, Roddy McDowall, Van Johnson. Part Three describes the decline of the studio after 1946.
Links:
Articles:
- "Kerkorian-Backed Group to Buy MGM" from LA Times, July 17, 1996 - article
- "Alex Yemenidjian The Wizard of MGM" from Forbes, May 28, 2001 - article
- "Kirk Kerkorian The Gambler at MGM Mirage" from National Post, Jan. 30, 2003 - article
