ABSTRACT
This introduction presents an overview of the key concepts discussed in the subsequent chapters of this book. The book describes Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer (MGM) prehistory – the rise of Marcus Loew's theater empire leading up to the founding of MGM on 17 April 1924. It discusses the Mayer's and Irving Thalberg's success in building the studio. The book covers the advent of the talkies and explores Thalberg's legacy. It also describes MGM's war effort and explains the impact of the postwar recession. The book also discusses MGM's adjustments to the sixties and addresses the buying and selling of MGM by Kirk Kerkorian. It also explores the aftermath of Turner's takeover and also explains MGM ends up a hybrid. Financial information about MGM can be found in the trade press, the New York Times, and in the Eddie Mannix Ledger. MGM's producers, stars, directors, and other creative personnel were under long-term contracts.
