The Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer Story

The Romance of Celluloid(en)

Several behind the scenes aspects of the movie-making business, which results in the enjoyment the movie going public has in going to the theater, are presented. They include: the production of celluloid aka film stock, the materials used in the production of which include cotton and silver; construction crews who build sets including those to look like cities, towns and villages around the world; a visit with Jack Dawn who demonstrates the process of creating a makeup design; the screen testing process, where many an acting hopeful gets his/her start; the work of the candid camera man, the prying eyes behind the movie camera; a visit with Adrian, who designs the clothes worn by many of the stars on screen; and a visit with Herbert Stothart as he conducts his musical score for Conquest (1937). These behind the scenes looks provide the opportunity to get acquainted with the cavalcade of MGM stars and their productions that will grace the silver screen in the 1937/38 movie season.

The Whimsical World of Oz(en)

A promotional piece for the Disney film "Return to Oz", that also traces the history of the Oz books and films.

Another Romance of Celluloid(en)

This second entry in MGM's "Romance of Film" series documents how celluloid movie film is processed and features behind-the-scenes glimpses of current MGM productions.

The Hollywood You Never See(en)

The making of Cleopatra (1934), showing pre-production, DeMille directing a scene, and the addition of music to the soundtrack.

A Trip to Paramountown(en)

Documentary short film depicting the filmmaking activity at the Paramount Studios in Hollywood, featuring dozens of stars captured candidly and at work.

American Thrift: An Expansive Tribute to the "Woman American"(en)

Chevrolet presents this tribute to the American woman and her thrifty ways with money. The film also salutes the individuality of the Amerian citizen and the variety of choices we have in the marketplace.

Operation Dirty Dozen(en)

A short film looking behind the scenes at the making of The Dirty Dozen. Showing many scenes being filmed just north of London, the short focuses mostly on star Lee Marvin enjoying his pursuits on his one day off a week.

The Hollywood Gad-About(en)

A parade highlights the Screen Actors Guild's Film Stars Frolic, hosted by Walter Winchell as Master of Ceremonies.

A Statue for 'The Sandpiper'(en)

Promotional short for the film "The Sandpiper".

The Making of a Great Motion Picture(en)

Narrated documentary of the making of Anthony Adverse (1936), featuring many clips from the actual film.

ABBA-dabba-doo(sv)

This first documentary about the pop group ABBA was made around the time of the release of their fourth album 'Arrival'. It contains unique archive footage filmed at the secret location where they made the record, concert footage, specially made promotional videos, photos from the group members' private collection and interviews in Swedish with each of them: Agnetha Fältskog, Björn Ulvaeus, Benny Andersson and Anni-Frid Lyngstad. Stig was also interviewed briefly and was shown playing and singing part of Tivedshambo on acoustic guitar.

The Corvair in Action!(en)

A promotional film for the Chevrolet Corvair.

Personalities(en)

In this "Romance of Celluloid", MGM showcases performers whose careers are just starting. Excerpts from their recently released films are included. The narrator says that moviegoers will have to decide whether these fledgling actors and actresses have that certain quality that made superstars out of MGM players Clark Gable, Spencer Tracy, and Lana Turner.

Fashion Horizons(en)

Combines airplane trips and fashion. Heavy on the fashion.

Pour bien filmer(fr)

Promotional short film to reveal the potential of the new Paillard-Bolex camera.

The Great Learning(zh)

At Tsinghua University's campus, four people are standing at the intersection of their lives. Among them, there are those who just passed the college entrance examination, the first-generation of post-00 college students who entered their favorite universities with twists and turns , some are leaving their ivory towers, PhD graduates facing difficult choices and some have returned from the United States to enter Tsinghua University. Young teachers are full of "viewing the sky" ideal but face challenges, there are old academicians who still stand behind lectern after their retirement. The film tells the life ideals of the four Tsinghua people and the eternal youth that belongs to this university behind them.

Céline Dion – Céline Parle D'elle(s)(fr)

From the Ends of the Earth(en)

An MGM short showing how materials are shipped by boat 'From the Ends of the Earth' to Hollywood. Featuring footage from the MGM films being made at the time. Such as The Women, Thunder Afloat, Siren of the Tropics, Ninotchka, Northwest Passage, and At the Circus.

Hollywood: Style Center of the World(en)

This short promotes the premise that movies often create a demand for the fashions seen in them. It starts with a vignette in rural America. A mother and daughter go to town to buy a new dress. In the dress shop window is a designer dress worn by Joan Crawford in a recent movie. We then go to Hollywood and visit Adrian, MGM's chief of costume design, and see how multiple copies of a single clothing pattern are produced. The film ends with short segments of several MGM features.

Look to Lockheed for Leadership(en)

Promotional film about Lockheed aircraft using test pilots and speed records to show how Lockheed was at the forefront of aviation technology during the 1930's and 1940's. Famous pilots including the Wright Brothers, Amelia Earhart, Mr. and Mrs. Charles Lindbergh and Howard Hughes are shown along with the latest aircraft designs such as the P-38 fighter.