The History and Evolution of MGM’s Lion Roar: Techniques and Iconic Significance

MGM's iconic lion roar is a storied element in Hollywood history, contributing significantly to the studio's identity and branding. This article delves into the methods employed to achieve the legendary MGM lion roar, from the use of live lions to advanced sound effects and editing techniques.

Combination of Techniques for the MGM Lion Roar

The legendary roar of MGM's lions, particularly the famous Leo the Lion, was created through a combination of techniques involving both live lions and sound effects. The process evolved over time as film technology and sound editing advanced, leading to the distinctive and memorable sound that has since become synonymous with MGM’s films.

Live Lions

Initially, MGM utilized real lions for their logo. One of the first lions was named Slats, who was recorded roaring in the 1920s. Slats was trained by Volney Phifer, a renowned animal handler. The studio filmed the lions in a controlled environment to capture their natural roars, which were later used to create a more powerful and dramatic roar as audio technology advanced.

Sound Effects

As film technology and sound editing advanced, MGM began to enhance the lion roars using sound effects. They combined recordings of actual lions with additional audio effects to create a more powerful and dramatic roar. These elements were meticulously edited to adjust pitch and volume, contributing to a distinctive and memorable roar that helped establish MGM's branding.

Editing Techniques

Sound editors played a crucial role in manipulating the recordings to achieve the desired effect. By adjusting the pitch and volume, they ensured the roar was both distinctive and memorable. This process helped create a roar that was more powerful and impactful than anything that could be achieved with live lions alone.

Evolution of MGM’s Lion Logo

MGM’s lion logo, one of the most iconic images in Hollywood history, has undergone various changes through the years. Initially, the logo simply featured a still lion without a roar. This was during the silent film era, as the logo was displayed at the beginning of the film without sound. The roaring lion became a symbol to indicate that the film was an 'audio' or 'talkie' film once sound technology was introduced.

Slats, the first MGM lion, did not roar. He was used primarily for visual purposes, looking around in the logo. Slats was trained by Volney Phifer and was born at the Dublin Zoo, originally named Cairbre, meaning 'charioteer' in Gaelic. Slats also served Goldwyn Pictures, one of the predecessors of MGM, before the merger in 1924.

Jackie: The First Audibly Roaring MGM Lion

Jackie was the first MGM lion to audibly roar and was featured in the classic film, The Wizard of Oz. Jackie's roar marked a significant milestone in MGM's branding strategy, enhancing the logo's impact and appeal.

Producing the Roar: Real Lions vs. Synthetic Sound

Some might wonder whether real lions were used to produce the MGM roar. However, it's unlikely that other animals were used in place of a real lion as the lion roar is unique and identifiable. Real lions provided the natural and powerful sound that contributed to the iconic MGM lion brand.

Historically, the original MGM logo was a silent lion. This image was used in the era of silent films, with the addition of the roaring lion when sound was introduced in 1927. This iconic roar indicated to moviegoers that the film they were about to watch was a 'talkie' – a film with synchronized sound, including spoken words, music, and sound effects.

Conclusion

MGM's lion roar is a testament to the evolving nature of film technology and the art of sound editing. The combination of live lions and advanced sound effects created a unmistakable and enduring symbol of the studio. From the initial silent still of Slats to the powerful roar of Jackie, the MGM lion remains a powerful branding tool today.