MGM Tanner Roar (The Marx Brothers)

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About this sound

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The classic MGM Tanner lion roar heard at the start of Marx Brothers films, now used for dramatic reveals, parody movie intros and over-the-top entrances.

The MGM Tanner roar is the powerful, guttural lion roar that opened classic MGM pictures, including films starring the Marx Brothers. It begins with a low, rumbling growl that quickly builds into a full-throated, echoing roar, lasting just under three seconds. The sound feels grand, old-Hollywood and slightly imposing, instantly signalling that something big is about to begin. Even without any picture, listeners recognise the studio-logo fanfare quality of the roar, which gives a clip an instant sense of occasion, comedy exaggeration or mock importance.

Tanner was one of the lions whose roar introduced MGM films during the studio's classic Hollywood era, when audiences heard the logo before features including the Marx Brothers' MGM comedies. The roar became one of cinema's most recognised opening sounds, instantly tied to big-screen spectacle. Online, creators have kept it alive as shorthand for old Hollywood glamour and exaggerated importance, dropping it into parody trailers, reaction videos and meme edits whenever a moment needs a grand, tongue-in-cheek entrance.

Use Cases

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Frequently Asked Questions

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What is the MGM Tanner roar?

It is the lion roar heard at the start of MGM films, featuring Tanner, one of the studio's classic-era lions. The short clip captures his full roar, which became a familiar signal that a major Hollywood feature was about to begin.

Why is it linked to the Marx Brothers?

The Marx Brothers made several comedies for MGM during the studio's classic era, when Tanner's roar introduced MGM releases. That timing is why this version of the logo roar is often associated with their films.

How do creators use this sound?

Creators drop it before reveals, fake movie openings and exaggerated entrances to add instant old-Hollywood drama. It works best played clean at the start of a scene, rather than buried under music or dialogue.