MGM and the Musical Legacy of Its Signature Song
For decades, a specific musical theme has served as an auditory hallmark for Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer (MGM). This song has evolved from a simple melody into a symbol of the studio's cinematic grandeur, weaving through television specials, retrospective films, and modern digital branding.
Key Facts
- The song is nearly synonymous with the MGM studio brand.
- It was first used in the 1955-56 television series MGM Parade.
- The 1974 film That's Entertainment! and its sequels heavily featured the track.
- New lyrics were added for That's Entertainment, Part II by Dietz and Saul Chaplin.
- A Judy Garland remix was used for the 2023 launch of the MGM+ streaming platform.
From Television to the Silver Screen
The association between the song and the studio began in earnest during the mid-1950s. MGM utilized the tune for MGM Parade, a television series airing from 1955 to 1956. The program served as a showcase, featuring curated clips from both past successes and upcoming MGM film releases.
By 1974, the studio expanded this retrospective approach with the release of a film series also titled That's Entertainment!. This project celebrated the studio's golden age—the era of peak productivity and prestige in classic Hollywood—by compiling iconic musical and cinematic moments.
The success of the original film led to two sequels. In That's Entertainment, Part II, the song underwent a creative expansion. Legendary performers Gene Kelly and Fred Astaire performed the piece with newly added lyrics. These lyrics were credited to Dietz and Saul Chaplin; notably, Chaplin was primarily recognized as a composer rather than a lyricist.
Modern Branding and MGM+
The song's legacy continues into the digital era. On January 15, 2023, the studio rebranded its network and streaming platform from Epix to MGM+. To underscore the launch trailer, the studio utilized a remixed version of a recording by the iconic Judy Garland.
To further tie the brand's history to its future, the original 1974 That's Entertainment! film was added to the MGM+ streaming library on the same day the rebrand officially launched.
| Year/Period | Project | Usage/Context |
|---|---|---|
| 1955-56 | MGM Parade | Television series featuring film clips |
| 1974 | That's Entertainment! | Retrospective film of the studio's golden age |
| Sequel Era | That's Entertainment, Part II | New lyrics performed by Gene Kelly and Fred Astaire |
| 2023 | MGM+ Launch | Judy Garland remix used in rebranding trailer |
Frequently Asked Questions
Which television show first linked the song to MGM?
The song was used for the MGM Parade television series, which ran from 1955 to 1956 and featured clips from the studio's films.
Who performed the song in That's Entertainment, Part II?
The song was performed by hosts Gene Kelly and Fred Astaire, featuring additional lyrics for the production.
Who were the credited lyricists for the version in the second That's Entertainment film?
The lyrics were credited to Dietz and Saul Chaplin, although Chaplin was better known as a composer.
How was the song used in the 2023 MGM+ rebrand?
A remix of a recording by Judy Garland was used as the underscore for the trailer announcing the launch of MGM+ on January 15, 2023.
What happened to the Epix network in 2023?
The Epix network was rebranded as the network and streaming platform known as MGM+.