MGM Christmas Trailer (1937)

MGM Christmas Trailer Poster

In November 1937, Judy Garland sang "Silent Night, Holy Night" with the St. Luke's Episcopal Church Choristers of Long Beach, California. MGM filmed the event in color for use in their 1937 Christmas trailer. The trailer opens with a shot of a small rural church in the snow, lighted up in the dark of night - a Christmas card effect. The camera then moves inside where we see Judy singing at the front of the choir.

Movie Introduction
"MGM Christmas Trailer" from 1937, is a brief clip of classic Hollywood glamour, presented by Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer (MGM), among the most prestigious movie studios of the time. The trailer functions as a fascinating cultural artifact, encapsulating the spirit of timeless movie theater and its enduring influence.

Cast Features
The trailer includes a parade of MGM's star-studded lineup, including luminaries such as Clark Gable, Joan Crawford, Robert Taylor, and Judy Garland, to name a few. These renowned stars would appear on the screen to wish audiences a Merry Christmas and a delighted holiday season. Regardless of its short period of less than four minutes, the trailer managed to provide a significant area of Hollywood's golden age actors and actresses, making it a cherished gem for vintage movie lovers.

Production Quality and Style
The "MGM Christmas Trailer" was produced in black-and-white, common of movies from that period, providing it an apparent nostalgic feel. It was understood for its superb production quality, with each star diligently lit and staged, displaying MGM's high production values and the significance it placed on its stars' public images. The trailer alternates in between numerous stars who were recorded separately, making their vacation wishes. The clever editing techniques make sure seamless transitions between various scenes, boosting the flow of the trailer.

Messaging and Aim
The core message of the "MGM Christmas Trailer" was to want movie-goers a Merry Christmas, thereby enhancing the bond between the studio, its stars, and the fans. It was a promotional method highlighting the glamour of Hollywood's the pasts, intending to draw crowds to the movies throughout the holiday. The trailer likewise worked as an effective tool for strengthening the appeal of its star-studded line-up.

Historic Significance
The trailer supplies a snapshot of the film market in the late 1930s. At that time, Hollywood was at its peak, forming and showing American culture like never previously. The trailer utilized the platform of Christmas, an universally acknowledged and enjoyed vacation, to bring people to the cinema, showcasing the effective influence Hollywood had over society.

General Impact
The "MGM Christmas Trailer" of 1937 functions as a historical testimony to Hollywood's golden era; it's a chest of vintage glamour and fond memories. Extremely, in spite of its primary aim to engage audiences throughout the holiday season, the trailer has actually transcended its initial purpose to become a valued cultural artifact. Its legacy continues to motivate filmmakers and enthusiasts alike, advising them of the timeless appeal of traditional Hollywood.

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