MGM: When the Lion Roars

7.9120m19921 season

Documentary

On April 24, 1924, the movies changed forever: The Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer studio opened and soon assembled “more stars than there are in the heavens.” Patrick Stewart hosts this enthralling Emmy® winner as Outstanding Informational Series, a three-part story of M-G-M’s reign as Hollywood’s class act and legendary entertainment empire. Bursting with memorable film clips, rare interviews, behind-the-scenes footage and insider info, this is a mother lode for film fans, profiling perfectionist moguls, glamorous and charismatic actors, innovative filmmakers and landmark movies.

Directed by Frank Martin

Cast

Patrick Stewart

Himself - Narrator

Stanley Donen

Helen Hayes

Esther Williams

Freddie Bartholomew

William Hanna

Luise Rainer

Joseph Barbera

Van Johnson

Samuel Marx

Lew Ayres

Roddy McDowall

Ernest Borgnine

Mickey Rooney

Richard Brooks

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Episodes

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The Lion's Roar

1992-03-22 · 120m

Part 1 traces the studio's creation and rise under the guidance of Louis B. Mayer and Irving J. Thalberg, from 1924 to 1936. Featured: film clips, interviews and behind-the-scenes footage. Also: stories about Jean Harlow, Johnny Weissmuller and Greta Garbo.

The Lion Reigns Supreme

1992-03-23 · 120m

Part 2 of the MGM studio's history focuses on the post-Thalberg period and the productions of 1936-46. Included: clips from "The Wizard of Oz" and "The Philadelphia Story." Featured: Judy Garland, Clark Gable, Myrna Loy, Spencer Tracy and Katharine Hepburn.

The Lion in Winter

1992-03-24 · 120m

The conclusion traces the studio's decline in the late 1940s; and the struggle for control of the company by Louis B. Mayer and new production chief Dore Schary. Featured: clips of Gene Kelly, Elizabeth Taylor and Grace Kelly.