MGM Memories

They're shooting the MGM (Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer) logo in that old picture from 1924, which may just be the best movie studio logo of them all (even if I have an affection for Hong Kong studio/distributor logos like Shaw Bros., Golden Harvest and Media Asia). Maybe I'm just waxing nostalgic because the roaring lion isn't seen much anymore. It still shows up on films that MGM had a hand in before it went bankrupt (including Skyfall and The Hobbit), but at some point, there won't be any left, and the big kitty will only live on DVD. I'm in no way a supporter of the "Hollywood system" - I'm much more prone to liking indie films - but that's still kind of sad.

So this is a tribute to Leo the Lion, as played by several lions over the years: Slats (1924-1928), Jackie (1928-1956; she also appeared in a large number of Tarzan films), Tanner (1934-1956, he was the color lion), George (1956-1957) and Leo (1957-present; the best-known and most-seen).