MGM STARS for MGM’s 20TH ANNIVERSARY (1943) Photo

[Los Angeles]: Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer, [1943]. Vintage original 8 x 10″ (20 x 25 cm) black-and-white double weight matte finish photo. About fine.

In anticipation of Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer‘s 20th anniversary in 1944, a LIFE magazine photographer came to the studio in July or August 1943 and staged this group photo which included many of MGM’s stars and contract players. Studio executive Louis B. Mayer is at front center. Amongst the top stars not present that day were Clark Gable (serving with the Army Air Forces), Lana Turner (having a baby) and Judy Garland (on a war camp tour). Color images were also made and have been printed over the years for many MGM-related events. This, with the original text on verso, is an original 1943 release print.