You Must Remember This SPECIAL PRESENTATION: THE MEMORY PALACE
Dec 4, 2024
Nate DeMeo, creator of 'The Memory Palace' and author of the book of the same name, dives into the fascinating tale of Jackie the lion, MGM's iconic symbol. He reveals how a wild cub became a cinematic star, sharing the impact of Hollywood during the Golden Age. Listeners learn about Jackie’s transition from freedom to fame and the poignant tension between his natural instincts and the expectations of stardom. The exploration of his memorable roar entwines with a dramatic publicity stunt that solidified his legacy as Leo the Lucky.
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Jackie the MGM Lion
- Jackie, the MGM lion, was trained for films and roared at the start of every MGM picture.
- A publicity stunt involving a cross-country flight ended in a crash, but Jackie survived.
Jackie's Tour
- After the plane crash, Jackie was taken on a 3-year tour across the US, appearing in various events.
- While well-fed, the tour was unnatural and potentially stressful for the lion.
Jackie's Legacy
- Jackie's life, despite its exploitative aspects, was likely better than many captive lions.
- He's remembered for his film appearances, but we should also consider his natural instincts.
