Which major Hollywood studio was formed by merging Metro Pictures, Goldwyn Pictures, and Louis B. Mayer Productions?

Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer, commonly known as MGM, was formed by merging Metro Pictures, Goldwyn Pictures, and Louis B. Mayer Productions. The merger created one of Hollywood’s defining major studios in 1924.

The deal was orchestrated by Marcus Loew, owner of the Loew’s theater chain, who wanted a dependable supply of high-quality films for his cinemas. Louis B. Mayer became the new studio’s leading executive, while the young Irving Thalberg headed production. The name combined Metro, Goldwyn, and Mayer, although Samuel Goldwyn himself was no longer controlling Goldwyn Pictures when the merger occurred.

MGM quickly became famous for polished productions, lavish musicals, prestigious stars, and the roaring Leo the Lion logo inherited from Goldwyn Pictures. Its slogan, “more stars than there are in heaven,” reflected its contract-player system.

The studio’s celebrated classical-era successes included Ben-Hur, The Wizard of Oz, Singin’ in the Rain, and numerous films starring performers such as Greta Garbo, Clark Gable, Judy Garland, and Spencer Tracy. MGM is now part of Amazon MGM Studios.