The Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer studio turns one hundred years old | News from Mexico

Los Angeles.- The studio Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer (MGM) was instrumental in defining Hollywood to the world as an industry of blockbusters and stars, from musicals like ‘Singin’ in the Rain‘ to historical films like ‘Ben Hur‘.

His legacy, symbolized by the iconic roar of a lion, endures in a constantly changing industry with an uncertain future.

The history of MGM began in 1924 when Marcus Loew, owner of Loew’s Theatersjoined Metro Pictures, Goldwyn Pictures and Louis B. Mayer Pictures to form MGMwith the aim of producing quality films for its cinemas.

Under the direction of Louis B. Mayer and with Irving Thalberg as head of production, MGM became the most prestigious studio in Hollywood, reconciling production and distribution.

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Change concept

In 1925, MGM released films such as ‘The Big Parade and ‘Ben Hur‘, changing the concept of film production with its magnitude and quality. The studio innovated with Technicolor and the synchronization of images and sound, setting standards in the industry.

He “star-system” of MGM supported stars like Clark Gable, Judy Garland and Greta Garbo, perpetuating the glamor of Golden Age of Hollywood.

However, the decline came with changes in antitrust laws and the rise of television, affecting studios’ resources and their ability to finance projects.

Is associated

Following the acquisition by Kirk Kerkorian in 1969, MGM lost its status as a major Hollywood studio and became associated with hotels in Las Vegas.

Through several ownership changes and a bankruptcy in 2010, MGM was eventually acquired by Amazon in 2022, retaining a valuable catalog of films and Oscars.

Although the legacy of MGM remains relevant for contemporary filmmakers, its future is uncertain in a constantly evolving industry. The exhibition ‘Meet The Stars: 100 Years of MGM Studios and the Golden Age of Hollywood‘ pays tribute to this history through personal objects and costumes of the stars of the golden era of MGM.