MGM Television: Difference between revisions
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Video captures courtesy of mstidham and SeanElGatoTelevision | Video captures courtesy of mstidham and SeanElGatoTelevision | ||
'''Background</u>: MGM Television was established on June 30, 1956 by [[Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer Studios|Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer]] under Loews, Inc. It was initiated to have MGM to distribute 770 of its films, 900 shorts, produce network series, and acquire TV stations after its first program, the short-lived series ''The M-G-M Parade'' was canceled by ABC in the spring. ''The M-G-M Parade'' first used the 1953 version of Jackie at the beginning rather than the end of the program. The company did not use an end logo until 1957. Most of the pre-1986 library is owned by [[Warner Bros. Television|Warner Bros. Entertainment]] through [[Turner Entertainment Co.]], while MGM Holdings Inc. owns the rest of the library. | |||
===1st Logo (September 20, 1957-October 2, 1960)=== | ===1st Logo (September 20, 1957-October 2, 1960)=== | ||
'''Nickname</u>: "MGM Lion Statue" | |||
'''Logo</u>: On a dark (or gray) background, we see a brown (or drawn) statue of the MGM logo, as seen on movies from 1924-1983, sitting on a pedestal. There is text seen over the statue saying "AN MGM-TV PRODUCTION" (or "AN MGM-TV PRESENTATION"). The name of the Executive Producer is seen below. | |||
'''Variant</u>: On ''The Islanders'', the text "MGM-TV" zooms in from the center. | |||
'''FX/SFX</u>: None. | |||
'''Music/Sounds</u>: The closing theme of the show. | |||
'''Music/Sounds Variant</u>: On ''The Islanders'', a voice-over says, "A MGM television production". | |||
'''Availability</u>: This appeared only on the three short-lived series ''Northwest Passage'', ''The Islanders'', and ''The Thin Man''. This logo was retained on recent airings of the latter on GetTV. | |||
'''Editor's Note</u>: None. | |||
=== 2nd Logo (September 18, 1960-1973)=== | === 2nd Logo (September 18, 1960-1973)=== | ||
'''Nicknames</u>: "Lion Wallpaper", "Red Lion Wallpaper", "Leo the Lion" | |||
'''Logo</u>: We see Leo, the (in)famous MGM lion, inside a black circle border, which reads "METRO-GOLDWYN-MAYER TELEVISION". The lion roars once. The background either has wallpapered images of a lion's face or a live action background. | |||
'''Trivia</u>: The same image was used as the print logo of MGM Records until 1968. | |||
'''Variants</u>: These are the main are color/B&W variations of this logo: | |||
*1960-1962: Live-action backing. On ''National Velvet'', the logo is placed on the background of the credits. Then the logo disappears in an iris out effect while the show's title (in quote marks) is appears in an iris in effect. | *1960-1962: Live-action backing. On ''National Velvet'', the logo is placed on the background of the credits. Then the logo disappears in an iris out effect while the show's title (in quote marks) is appears in an iris in effect. | ||
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*December 18, 1966: Brown wallpaper backing. This appeared only on ''Dr. Seuss' How The Grinch Stole Christmas''. | *December 18, 1966: Brown wallpaper backing. This appeared only on ''Dr. Seuss' How The Grinch Stole Christmas''. | ||
'''FX/SFX</u>: Leo roaring. | |||
'''Music/Sounds</u>: | |||
*1960-1962?: A three note drum sound followed by dramatic fanfare played by a trumpet, synced to the animation of the lion roaring: the audio of the roar is replaced by a loud vibration of a muted trumpet as part of the fanfare. On ''National Velvet'', this is followed by a 3-note loud trumpet theme when the show's title is wiped on-screen. | *1960-1962?: A three note drum sound followed by dramatic fanfare played by a trumpet, synced to the animation of the lion roaring: the audio of the roar is replaced by a loud vibration of a muted trumpet as part of the fanfare. On ''National Velvet'', this is followed by a 3-note loud trumpet theme when the show's title is wiped on-screen. | ||
* The ending music to the show plays throughout on some series; on others there is silence while Leo is roaring. | * The ending music to the show plays throughout on some series; on others there is silence while Leo is roaring. | ||
'''Music/Sounds/Voice-over Variant:</u> On a re-run of ''The Asphalt Jungle'', a voice-over said: "''The Asphalt Jungle'', A Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer Television Production". | |||
'''Availability</u>: Uncommon. | |||
*It appeared on ''Dr. Kildare'', ''The Travels of Jamie McPheeters'' (which starred Kurt Russell and the Osmonds), ''The'' ''Man from U.N.C.L.E.'', ''The Courtship of Eddie's Father'', ''Please Don't Eat the Daisies'', and ''Medical Center'', among others. | *It appeared on ''Dr. Kildare'', ''The Travels of Jamie McPheeters'' (which starred Kurt Russell and the Osmonds), ''The'' ''Man from U.N.C.L.E.'', ''The Courtship of Eddie's Father'', ''Please Don't Eat the Daisies'', and ''Medical Center'', among others. | ||
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* This logo was last seen on ''The Man From U.N.C.L.E.'' on Heroes & Icons, which the network stopped airing it in August 2017. | * This logo was last seen on ''The Man From U.N.C.L.E.'' on Heroes & Icons, which the network stopped airing it in August 2017. | ||
'''Editor's Note</u>: As with other MGM logos, the lion's roar has frightened some young viewers, and the trumpet vibrations on the 1960-62 fanfare may have a similar effect. But other viewers who grew up seeing this logo at the time, or on repeats of ''How the Grinch Stole Christmas!'', may view it fondly. Generally, it's regarded as a memorably distinct variant of the famous MGM lion logo. | |||
===3rd Logo (October 9, 1973-1991) === | ===3rd Logo (October 9, 1973-1991) === | ||
'''Nicknames</u>: "Leo the Lion II", "White Ribboning" | |||
'''Logo</u>: It's the standard MGM logo, which has its origins starting in 1953. A live-action lion named Leo is in a circle of a ribbon-like filmstrip which flows out on the bottom sides in twos. Underneath the circle is a red drama mask. The circle has the phrase "ARS GRATIA ARTIS" (Latin for "Art for Art's Sake") written on the top, and above it are the names "Metro Goldwyn Mayer." On the left side is "TRADE," and the right "MARK", and on the bottom is the word "TELEVISION". Leo roars once. | |||
'''Variants</u>: First here are the little differences in the logo, along with dates in which they were used: | |||
*1973-1982: A short version of the movie logo of the era. | *1973-1982: A short version of the movie logo of the era. | ||
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*May 10, 1986-April 20, 1987: Another short variant of the movie logo, with the word "TELEVISION" in white. | *May 10, 1986-April 20, 1987: Another short variant of the movie logo, with the word "TELEVISION" in white. | ||
'''FX/SFX</u>: Leo roaring, as usual. | |||
'''Music/Sounds</u>: Just the lion's roar. | |||
'''Music/Sounds/Voice-over Variants</u>: | |||
*On the '70s reruns of ''Northwest Passage'', it used the 1957 first two lion roars. On the 2nd lion roar, there is a male announcer's voice-over that says, "From the MGM Studios in Hollywood". | *On the '70s reruns of ''Northwest Passage'', it used the 1957 first two lion roars. On the 2nd lion roar, there is a male announcer's voice-over that says, "From the MGM Studios in Hollywood". | ||
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* On a few Hungarian TV prints of ''Daktari'', the 1979 logo featured various roars from the 2nd logo, due to sloppy plastering. | * On a few Hungarian TV prints of ''Daktari'', the 1979 logo featured various roars from the 2nd logo, due to sloppy plastering. | ||
'''Availability</u>: Uncommon. | |||
*The earlier variant was seen intact on ''Shaft: The Series'', ''Logan's Run'', and earlier episodes of ''CHiPs''. This version also plastered over the previous logo on a reissue print of the Dr. Seuss cartoon special ''Horton Hears a Who!'', as featured on home video and Cartoon Network. | *The earlier variant was seen intact on ''Shaft: The Series'', ''Logan's Run'', and earlier episodes of ''CHiPs''. This version also plastered over the previous logo on a reissue print of the Dr. Seuss cartoon special ''Horton Hears a Who!'', as featured on home video and Cartoon Network. | ||
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*It was also seen on Encore Drama airings of the TV movie ''Cry for the Strangers'' | *It was also seen on Encore Drama airings of the TV movie ''Cry for the Strangers'' | ||
'''Editor's Note</u>: This logo and its successors are all variations of the well-known theatrical MGM lion logo, which despite occasionally frightening young viewers with its roaring, is overall regarded as one of the all-time classic logos. | |||
===4th Logo (September 4, 1975-October 23, 1975)=== | ===4th Logo (September 4, 1975-October 23, 1975)=== | ||
'''Logo:</u> Just a scrolling in-credit variant with the then-current MGM print logo (the "modernized Leo") in yellow, the name "MGM" in yellow Optima medium font below said logo, and "TELEVISION" in Melior italic font directly below that. | |||
'''FX/SFX</u>: None. | |||
'''Music/Sounds:</u> Just the closing theme of ''The Montefuscos'', with the audience applauding (most likely canned) as the theme plays. | |||
'''Availability</u>: Extinct. Was seen only on the closing credits of the very short-lived NBC sitcom ''The Montefuscos'', which was one of the first casualties of the 1975-76 TV season. Although there is one extant episode on You Tube, posted by former child actor Rob Arbitelle (who appeared in the show as one of the grandchildren), it is currently unknown whether or not the remaining videotapes of ''The Montefuscos'' still survive (in which case the show would lie with Warner Bros. Television/Turner Entertainment Co.), or if NBC "wiped" (erased) said tapes of the program to use for other shows. | |||
===5th Logo (September 6, 1980-June 15, 1984)=== | ===5th Logo (September 6, 1980-June 15, 1984)=== | ||
'''Nicknames</u>: "Leo the Lion III", "Gold Ribboning" | |||
'''Logo</u>: It's basically a still picture of MGM/UA's then-corporate logo. Below "Entertainment Co.", which is separated from the MGM/UA text using two lines, is "Television Distribution": it's in the same font and uses the same style as the "Entertainment Co." text, and it's spaced below the aforementioned text. | |||
'''FX/SFX</u>: None. | |||
'''Music/Sounds</u>: A re-arranged version of the 1982 United Artists Television theme, followed by the 1957 roar. Otherwise, it has the show's closing music or it's silent. | |||
'''Availability</u>: Extremely rare. | |||
*It's preserved on ''Gilligan's Planet'' and ''The Tom and Jerry Comedy Show'' from Filmation. | *It's preserved on ''Gilligan's Planet'' and ''The Tom and Jerry Comedy Show'' from Filmation. | ||
*It was also seen on the syndicated program ''Thicke of the Night''. | *It was also seen on the syndicated program ''Thicke of the Night''. | ||
'''Editor's Note</u>: None. | |||
===6th Logo September 29, 1984-2009)=== | ===6th Logo September 29, 1984-2009)=== | ||
'''Nicknames</u>: "Leo the Lion IV", "Gold Ribboning II" | |||
'''Logo</u>: Same as the 1973 logo, but this time, the ribboning is gold and Leo is in a golden color. | |||
'''Variants</u>: | |||
* 1984-1985: Company identified as MGM/UA Entertainment Co. Television. "DIAMOND JUBILEE (in an arc above the ribbon) SIXTY YEARS OF GREAT ENTERTAINMENT TELEVISION" (all in silver) is used in the 1984-85 season. | * 1984-1985: Company identified as MGM/UA Entertainment Co. Television. "DIAMOND JUBILEE (in an arc above the ribbon) SIXTY YEARS OF GREAT ENTERTAINMENT TELEVISION" (all in silver) is used in the 1984-85 season. | ||
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*2005-2009, January 10, 2011-2012: Referred to as "MGM Worldwide Television Distribution" for US. | *2005-2009, January 10, 2011-2012: Referred to as "MGM Worldwide Television Distribution" for US. | ||
'''FX/SFX</u>: Leo roaring, as usual. | |||
'''Music/Sounds</u>: There are different sound bites of the lion's roar: | |||
*1984-1996: The last lion roar from the 1957-1982 lion roar. | *1984-1996: The last lion roar from the 1957-1982 lion roar. | ||
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*On a April 2003 UPN airing of ''Under Fire'' (1983), the Domestic Television Distribution logo plays in warp speed. | *On a April 2003 UPN airing of ''Under Fire'' (1983), the Domestic Television Distribution logo plays in warp speed. | ||
'''Availability</u>: Very common. | |||
*Common for MGM Domestic, Worldwide, International Television Distribution and with and without the MGM URL and they can be found on then-current shows like the 2008 revival of ''American Gladiators'' on NBC, the short-lived ''Spaceballs: The Animated Series'' on the now defunct G4 network, and syndicated shows like ''Stargate: SG-1'', ''Stargate Atlantis'', ''The Outer Limits'', ''Reno 911!'', and ''Chappelle's Show'', among others. | *Common for MGM Domestic, Worldwide, International Television Distribution and with and without the MGM URL and they can be found on then-current shows like the 2008 revival of ''American Gladiators'' on NBC, the short-lived ''Spaceballs: The Animated Series'' on the now defunct G4 network, and syndicated shows like ''Stargate: SG-1'', ''Stargate Atlantis'', ''The Outer Limits'', ''Reno 911!'', and ''Chappelle's Show'', among others. | ||
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* The logo also appeared at the end of ''It's About Time'' on Light TV. | * The logo also appeared at the end of ''It's About Time'' on Light TV. | ||
'''Editor's Note</u>: None. | |||
===7th Logo (2009-2012) === | ===7th Logo (2009-2012) === | ||
'''Nicknames:</u> "Leo the Lion V", "Metallic Ribboning" | |||
'''Logo</u>: It's only the short version of the 2008 closing theatrical logo, reading below has, "MGM Worldwide Television Distribution" for United States, "MGM International Television Distribution" for global distribution, the MGM website, or none, just like the last logo except the company name below the logo is in a different font. Again, Leo roars once. | |||
'''Later Variant</u>: In 2010, it's the November 2008 MGM logo with the name "MGM WORLDWIDE TELEVISION DISTRIBUTION" or it reads "DISTRIBUTED BY MGM DISTRIBUTION CO." in all capital letters. | |||
'''FX/SFX</u>: Leo roaring. | |||
'''Music/Sounds</u>: | |||
*2009-2010: The same first half of the 2008 lion roar. | *2009-2010: The same first half of the 2008 lion roar. | ||
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*None for ''Pink Panther and Pals''. | *None for ''Pink Panther and Pals''. | ||
'''Availability</u>: Uncommon. | |||
* It was first seen on ''First Business'', before they apparently reverted back to the previous logo soon after. | * It was first seen on ''First Business'', before they apparently reverted back to the previous logo soon after. | ||
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*It's also seen on reruns of ''In the Heat of the Night'' on WGN America, while the credits are compressed on the right. | *It's also seen on reruns of ''In the Heat of the Night'' on WGN America, while the credits are compressed on the right. | ||
'''Editor's Note</u>: None. | |||
===8th Logo (November 19, 2012- )=== | ===8th Logo (November 19, 2012- )=== | ||
'''Nicknames</u>: "Leo the Lion VI", "Zooming Ribboning", "Metallic Ribboning II", "MGM 2012", "Animated Ribbon" | |||
'''Logo</u>: We start with the MGM logo fully revealed and zooming out, but with the words "MGM TELEVISION" in Trajan Pro, zooming out below along with the logo. The whole animation zooms out fast. Sometimes the words below are exempt. | |||
'''FX/SFX</u>: The logo and words zooming out, and Leo roaring. | |||
'''Music/Sounds</u>: The same first half of the 1995 lion roar. A Light airing of ''The Pink Panther 2'' has the 2008 roar track. | |||
'''Availability</u>: Common. | |||
*This was first seen on Spike's print of ''Red Dawn'' (1984). | *This was first seen on Spike's print of ''Red Dawn'' (1984). | ||
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*New prints of the original ''American Gladiators'' have this too, as seen on Charge! and Pluto TV. | *New prints of the original ''American Gladiators'' have this too, as seen on Charge! and Pluto TV. | ||
'''Editor's Note</u>: None. | |||
[[Category:Television Logos]] | [[Category:Television Logos]] | ||