(by 2 people)
Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer was the ultimate movie studio when Hollywood was in its infancy. Sure there was Fox, Warner, RKO and Universal -- but there was no place like MGM. They had the best stars, the best scripts, the best stories, and of course, the best musicals.
While many may differ with this opinion, MGM raised the bar in movie-making. The height of movie-making in the 1930's, 40's and 50's belonged to MGM. Their slogan, "More Stars Than There Were In the Heavens" was not just a brilliant slogan, but was true.
This lens celebrates MGM and Hollywood in its true heyday.
MGM When the Lion Roars (1991)
By Peter Hay, Turner Publishing
This beautifully illustrated book has hundreds of full-color and b/w photos, posters, lobby cards, magazine covers and other memorabilia. Called the "most ambitous and luxurious exploration of the studio ever published." This book takes an inside look at the MGM kingdom: the people who ran it (the legendary Louis B. Mayer and his production genius, Irving Thalberg) and the 25,000 people who worked for MGM, including costume designer Adrian, art director Cedric Gibbons, the impresario of make-up, Jack Dawn and the many brilliant producers such as David O. Selznick, Hunt Stromberg, Arthur Freed, and directors King Vidor, Vincente Minnelli, Victor Fleming. There are also writers, songwriters, lyricists, cameramen, still photographers and sound technicians.The book looks at "The Launching of a Star," "The Creation of a Fantasy," "The Advent of Sound," "Kids on the Lot," "The Evolution of a Musical" and so much more.
This is the book that was the companion to a six-hour mini-series that aired on the Turner network (TNT) in 1992 and narrated by Patrick Stewart.
The MGM Story (1975)
By John Douglas Eames, Crown Publishers, Inc.
This was my definitive MGM movie book, and allowed me to look up every movie I wanted to that came out of the MGM library. As described, it was the first time in one volume that all 1,709 films produced and distributed by MGM were individually covered in text and pictures."Enter the gates of the MGM studio and relive the glamour and nostalgia from 1924-1975. Meet the stars and learn the details of their careers. Meet the producers and directors, writers and photographers that donned the MGM set."
The Golden Era: The MGM Stock Company
By James Robert Parish & Ronald L. Bowers
This wonderful illustrated "reference directory" provides thousands of cinematic facts with carefully detailed biographies and career studies of nearly 150 MGM greats, plus film listings fo each star by year (over 6,875 movies). Lots of little-known facts, some of the stars' "real" names, and how they became stars (such as how a clerk in MGM's legal department saw a young Ava Gardner's photo in the window of a New York photographer and distributed 60 copies throughout the MGM offices.) MGM Posters
A beautiful documentation of some of the great MGM movies; the poster artwork is a testament to the importance MGM placed on quality and artistic value. Lion of Hollywood
By Scott Eyman
A definitive biography of Louis B. Mayer, the head of Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer. This is an excellent biography, detailed, and altogether interesting. According to the book jacket, Mayer, an immigrant from Tsarist Russia, became the most powerful man in Hollywood through sheer force of energy and foresight. He made great films, including the fabulous MGM musicals, and he made great stars: Greta Garbo, Clark Gable, Judy Garland and dozens of others. Celebrating the Stars of MGM
Some fan and official sites
These stars epitomized Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer. There was a certain class, style and individuality never before seen. Many lived long lives; others passed before their time.
- June Allyson - Everyone's Favorite Girl Next Door
- The June Allyson Official Site - What is there not to like about this perky and wholesome personality who played the perennial good girl and who more times than not - got the boy at the end of the picture. We loved her as Patsy Deyo, Connie Lane, Kay Hilliard and even Jo March. She truly was the Queen of Nice, and why not?
- Clark Gable - An original
- Watching any of the early films with Clark Gable is like watching someone who mastered the art of "presence on the silver screen." Despite his movie star looks and commanding personality, he was quite accessible and MGM used him in comedies, dramas, westerns and an occasional period piece. As Fletcher Christian, Peter Warne (Columbia Picture), or Rhett Butler, Clark Gable was himself, and it worked.
- Esther Williams - No Fish Out of Water
- Of all the stars to come out of MGM, Esther Williams always said what was on her mind. That's why her autobiography, Million Dollar Mermaid, was so well-received and forthright. She said exactly what happened in her life, whether it was her relationship with Jeff Chandler or Fernando Lamas. Best of her films was of course, Thrill of a Romance -- she was at her most beautiful as Cynthia Glenn Delbar in one of her earlier star turns.
- William Powell - Nick Charles' Alias
- Anything William Powell was in is worth watching. Whether he starred opposite Myrna Loy or Carole Lombard, he was dapper, yet appealingly funny. There is no comparison when it comes to the Thin Man series (hence, the "asta" in my user name above), and of course, his many different roles playing opposite all of MGM's greatest female stars.
- Judy Garland - Larger than Life
- Metro was good and bad for Judy Garland. Everyone knows her story and she continues to be beloved by new generations.
Books on MGM and other titles
Fetching new data from eBay now... please stand by
Find MGM titles on Amazon
Gowns by Adrian : The MGM Years 1928-1941
Amazon Price: (as of 10/06/2008)
The Fixers: Eddie Mannix, Howard Strickling and the MGM Publicity Machine
Amazon Price: $31.50 (as of 10/06/2008)
The Leading Men of MGM
Amazon Price: $26.00 (as of 10/06/2008)
The Golden Girls of MGM: Greta Garbo, Joan Crawford, Lana Turner, Judy Garland, Ava Gardner, Grace Kelly and Others
Amazon Price: $14.00 (as of 10/06/2008)
What do you think makes MGM stand apart from the other Hollywood studios of the classic era?
Was it the style? The stories? The stars?
Like this lens? Want to share your feedback, or just give a thumbs up? Be the first to submit a blurb!
