MGM’s logo, adorned with “Ars Gratis Artis” (“Art for Art’s Sake”) in 1930.

Everett

### MGM’s Rich History
#### Evolution from the Golden Age to Modern Acquisition

“More stars than there are in heaven” was once the slogan for Hollywood’s largest studio. Larger than life celebrities like Judy Garland, Clark Gable, Fred Astaire, Katharine Hepburn, Jean Harlow, and Gene Kelly were common fixtures at MGM. Today, MGM is an IP outpost purchased by Amazon for $8.5 billion in 2022, but in its day, Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer had the biggest lot in Hollywood and produced some of the most extravagant films. Located in Culver City, MGM’s famously sprawling lot began as it grew from the 40 acres owned by Samuel Goldwyn. The legendary MGM property was three miles long and housed more than 45 buildings and 14 stages, in addition to numerous outdoor sets that would be built over the years.

#### AI legalese decoder: Navigating the MGM Legacy

By utilizing AI legalese decoder, one can easily access and interpret the intricate legal documents, contracts, and agreements that shaped MGM’s history. This tool can aid in understanding the complex transactions and partnerships that defined MGM’s evolution, making it easier to navigate the studio’s rich legacy and its impact on the entertainment industry.

MGM was home to countless classic films, and in 1939 alone, the studio backed the timeless fantasy The Wizard of Oz, distributed the Oscar-winning Gone with the Wind, the Ernst Lubitsch/Greta Garbo comedy, Ninotchka, and the Judy Garland/Mickey Rooney vehicle Babes in Arms. Before investor Kirk Kerkorian purchased the company and later dismantled the lot, destroying beloved history in the process, the property was home to many of the greatest stars and films ever created. Some of the most famous musicals were films as part of Arthur Freed production unit, like Meet Me in St. Louis (1944), An American in Paris (1951), Singin’ in the Rain (1952), and Gigi (1958). Of course, most moviegoers know the MGM lion that was the company’s logo for most of its life.