Louis B. Mayer accepts the keys to the kingdom to the newly merged MGM studios, April 26, 1924, Culver City |

Louis B. Mayer accepts the keys to the kingdom to the newly merged MGM studios, April 26, 1924, Culver City

Posted on June 30, 2019 by Martin Turnbull

The caption for this photo read:

“A natural showman, L.B. Mayer arranges for a public ceremony to officially launch MGM on April 26, 1924. Hundreds of stars, directors, and other employees assemble on the lawn of the Culver City lot with local dignitaries, including the Admiral of the Pacific Fleet. A Naval band provides the music, and congratulations are read from telegrams sent by President Calvin Coolidge and Secretary of Commerce Herbert Hoover. Flanked by two of his most important aides, Harry Rapf (left) and Irving Thalberg (right), Mayer accepts the keys to the kingdom.”

At the time, the new studio was known as Metro-Goldwyn. Mayer’s name wasn’t added for another 18 months or so.

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