Goldwyn Pictures
Line
- Lee Shubert to 1924
- Samuel Goldwyn 1916-1922
Goldwyn Picture Corporation - in short, Goldwyn Pictures - was an American film production company, which was founded in 1916 by Samuel Goldwyn, Edgar Selwyn and Archibald Selwyn. The company went in 1924 in the Metro-Goldwyn- Mayer.
History
The Goldwyn Pictures was founded November 19, 1916 from producer Samuel Goldfish and Edgar and his partners Archibald Selwyn, two Broadway producers. Also involved in the founding of the authors Margaret Mayo and Arthur Hopkins were. The name " Goldwyn " originated as amalgamation of the name " Goldfish " ( Goldwyn's real name, and indeed Americanized and idealized because he was actually called " Gelbfisz ") and " Selwyn ". Goldfish liked the name so much that he took the name " Samuel Goldwyn ".
The first studio rented the producers of the Solax Studios who had their facilities in Fort Lee, New Jersey. Soon, however, attracted the Goldwyn Pictures in Fort Lee in the 1915 -built, larger Universal Studios on Main Street has to offer. In 1920 the company acquired the former Triangle Studios in Culver City and rented in New York City two other studios. The operation in Fort Lee was practically set.
The most artistically interesting films that produced the Goldwyn Pictures, were The Penalty (1920 ), The Ace of Hearts ( 1921), Souls for Sale (1923 ) and Wild Oranges ( 1924).
Sam Goldwyn remained within the company for a long time the dominant personality, from 1922 on, he withdrew, however. Whether this withdrawal was voluntary or was enforced, is controversial in the literature. In 1923 he founded his own company, Samuel Goldwyn Productions.
The departure of their most capable manager brought the Goldwyn Pictures in financial difficulties. The control finally took Lee Shubert; simultaneously began Marcus Loew - owner of Loews Theatres and Metro Pictures Corporation - to influence the ailing company. On his initiative, the Goldwyn Pictures in 1924 merged with Metro Pictures Corporation and Louis B. Mayer Pictures and formed the Metro-Goldwyn- Mayer. The Goldwyn Pictures contributed to this Union next major studio facilities in Culver City and the company logo - Leo the Lion ( to German: Leo the Lion ) - at.
Leo the Lion
The lion also today still shown in the opening credits of all MGM films " Leo" was originally introduced in 1921 as Samuel Goldwyn's Goldwyn Picture trademark of Corporation. The lion's head was created with the surrounding film tape with the motto " Ars Gratia Artis " ( German: "Art for art's sake ") above the Thalia mask with ivy - muse and protectress of / the theater / s - by journalist and press officer the studio (and later MGM) Howard Dietz. He settled to the mascot "of his Alma Mater ," the Columbia University of New York, inspired.
Although the lion always called "Leo", there were various representatives: The first, used 1921-1928 in the silent film era, in 1917 came from the Sudan to the United States and was " Slats " caused by his animal trainer Volney Phifer. But well imagine - lack sound could the then viewers will not hear the roar of the lion. 1936 died Slats and got his final resting place on the animal farm of Phifer in Gillette, New Jersey.
In addition to this " movie welcome appearance " was shown "official studio mascot" for over 2000 public appearances that. There were different animals, some of which were also rented. The next lion who made it to the logo in 1928 "Jackie ". He was there to hear the recorded Röhrer of " Leo the Lion" at the left for the first time the opening credits of White Shadows in the South Seas ( White Shadow, 1928). While this is a silent film, but the roar was played by a phonograph once the lion head logo appeared on the screen. Jackie was 1928-1956 shown in front of all black and white films, and it was he who looked down first in 1932 in Technicolor on his audience.
As MGM 1934 production completely Ground surrounded on the 4th Technicolor process, " Tanner " "Jackie " became the next lion in the movie logo and remained so in all Technicolor productions until 1956. Remained beside still in use. Even with the introduction of CinemaScope widescreen image in 1953 did not change it.
Finally, in 1956 there were again small changes: The name lettering of the studio - from the beginning below the Thalia mask and ivy in a box - now migrated upward over Leo's head and this even got a stronger mane. The first use was in the opening credits of Tom & Jerry cartoons in 1957 Since then, only the aspect ratios, label, single colors and company names have been in over fifty years changed -. Leo the Lion welcomes since then with a distinctive tubes and thick mane before all MGM films the countless spectators.