MGM Contract Actors: The Stars that Built the Studio
MGM, or Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer, is one of Hollywood`s largest and most successful studios, having produced some of the most iconic films in history. Behind the success of MGM, however, were the legendary contract actors who helped build the studio`s prestige and reputation.
A contract actor, as the name suggests, is an actor who signs a binding contract with a studio to exclusively work on their films for a specified period. MGM became famous for having some of the biggest contract actors in Hollywood, and this practice allowed them to create a star system that ensured their films made a lot of money.
The studio`s contract system started in the early 1920s, and by the end of the decade, they had signed some of the biggest names in the business. In those days, studios would control and shape the careers of actors, and MGM was one of the best at doing that.
One of the earliest contract actors was Greta Garbo. She signed with MGM in 1925, and over the next decade, she became the studio`s biggest star. Her films made millions, and she became one of the most celebrated actresses in the world.
Another notable contract actor was Clark Gable, who joined MGM in 1930. He quickly became one of the studio`s most valuable assets and went on to star in some of the biggest films of the era, such as “Gone with the Wind” and “It Happened One Night.”
Other notable MGM contract actors include Judy Garland, who starred in “The Wizard of Oz” and “Meet Me in St. Louis,” and Mickey Rooney, who became the studio`s top male box office draw in the 1930s.
The contract system allowed MGM to create a stable of reliable talent that audiences loved. It also ensured that the studio had control over the careers of its actors, and that they could use them to their advantage in negotiations with theater owners and other studios.
However, the contract system also had its downsides. Actors who were signed to exclusive contracts were often at the mercy of the studio, and many felt trapped by their deals. This led to actors like Bette Davis and James Cagney suing their studios for the right to choose their own roles and work on projects outside of their contract.
Despite these issues, MGM`s contract system was a significant part of Hollywood`s golden age, and it helped to create some of the most enduring stars in cinema history. Today, MGM is still known for producing some of the most iconic films of all time, and the legacy of its early contract actors lives on.
In conclusion, MGM was able to establish itself as one of Hollywood`s most iconic studios because of its contract actors. These talented individuals helped to create the studio`s star system and ensured that audiences across the world loved their films. While the contract system had its downsides, there`s no denying its contribution to Hollywood`s golden age and the lasting impact its stars have had on popular culture.