Eagle-Lion Distributors, Inc.
meesterfonnyboy
Captures by
Eric S. and Gilblitz112
Video captures courtesy of
Peakpasha, LogicSmash and Movie Related Logos
Background
Eagle-Lion Films had its genesis in England, as a small studio founded in 1946 by Arthur Krim that soon came under the ownership of film mogul J. Arthur Rank. It broadened its enterprise to the States by acquiring the PRC studios in 1948, and quickly became one of the most respected producers on Hollywood's "Poverty Row". They also distributed other studios' output both here and abroad, such as those produced by David O. Selznick and by Rank himself. Krim left Eagle-Lion in 1949 (he would later be offered the leadership of United Artists), and the company continued to release and distribute a much-diminished output. By 1954 the company was no more, and the old studio on Santa Monica Blvd. (which had originally been Educational's studio) was sold to television filmmaker Frederick Ziv.
1st Logo (June 9, 1944-1950)
Visuals: A plaster-looking circular plaque (or a plain white or black background) has bas-relief images of a soaring eagle on top and a lion striking a pose on a ribbon (bearing the legend "SIC PRO OPTIMA") beneath, with the words "Eagle-Lion Films" in Edwardian Script superimposed across the center, between the two beasts.
Variants:
- Sometimes, the logo would been re-stylized.
- Later, it would change to "EAGLE-LION DISTRIBUTORS".
Technique: None; it's a still logo.
Audio: The opening bars of the movie's theme music, sometimes silent, or it has the last half of the G.C.F. music, following the logo.
Availability: Seen on films released by the company such as The Way Ahead.
