Thursday, September 29, 2011

MGM Lions #7

In 1934, MGM began producing three-strip Technicolor films in full color. MGM’s first three-strip Technicolor lion was “Tanner” who was also trained by Mel Koontz. The Tanner logo was used for MGM Technicolor films released between 1934 and 1956.

Trivia note: Tanner’s first appearance was in the 1934 MGM Technicolor short subject STAR NIGHT AT THE COCONUT GROVE. His first feature film appearance was in the 1938 MGM Technicolor musical SWEETHEARTS.
Posted by Picasa

1 comments:

Roger Smith said...

Tanner, a Compound lion, was also used in Tarzan pictues. Benny Bennett told me call boxes were used to bring the lions home after being loose on jungle sets on MGM Backlot #3. A man atop a box would hide behind the up-and-down door he was holding, and the lions knew to return for the meat inside. Not Tanner. He slunk behind, laying in wait with intent to kill. It became Mel's rule that no one went in there with Tanner still out. Greens were pulled aside by long ropes until the set was sufficiently bare to expose him. Once Tanner knew he was spotted, Mel could circle him and drive him to the house.