Patrick Stewart
Himself - Narrator
TV SERIES
MGM: When the Lion Roars
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.
Top cast
Stanley Donen
Helen Hayes
Esther Williams
Freddie Bartholomew
William Hanna
Luise Rainer
Joseph Barbera
Van Johnson
SM
Samuel Marx
Lew Ayres
Roddy McDowall
Creative team
Frank Martin (Writer) • Frank Martin (Director)
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Episodes
3 Episodes
011. The Lion's Roar
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.
022. The Lion Reigns Supreme
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.
033. The Lion in Winter
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.