Leo the MGM Lion (MGM, 1928) One Sheet (27" X 41").. ...

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Leo the MGM Lion (MGM, 1928) One Sheet (27" X 41").
This very rare stone litho one sheet pays beautiful homage to magnificent Leo the Lion, the mascot for MGM since 1924. Five different lions have been employed for the logo and appearances since that time: This promotional poster was used to advertise the traveling appearance of the MGM mascot as presented by Volney Phifer, animal trainer extraordinaire who trained the first lions used by the studio.
The poster was most likely used when touring "Jackie," one of Phifer's most famous lions and considered to be the toughest creature in show biz, as he survived two train wrecks, an earthquake, a boat sinking, an explosion at the studio, and a plane crash that left him stranded in the Arizona wilderness for several days (pilot Martin Jenson left the cat with some snacks while he went in search of help). After all that, he earned the nickname "Leo the Lucky." The poster displays nicely, as touch-up has been applied to folds, small tears and surface paper loss in the bottom border, and airbrushing on the bottom left where a small section of paper was replaced. An exceptional piece of MGM history this is the only copy of this poster we have ever seen and certainly the only copy we have ever offered! Fine on Linen.