In order to raise publicity for their productions, MGM toured Jackie — billed as "Leo the MGM Flying Lion" — across the U.S.
For one publicity stunt in September 1927, the studio modified a Ryan Brougham plane (similar in design to the "Spirit of St Louis" but with a shorter wingspan) with tanks for milk, water and extra fuel, with a cage incorporated in the body to house Jackie.
Five hours into the flight from San Diego to New York, after a takeoff covered by extensive media, the plane crashedin the Arizona desert. The pilot, Martin Jenson, left Jackie in the cage with the supply of milk, water and sandwiches before he went for help. After four days, Martin was found and taken to a telephone. He called MGM. Their first question was "How's the lion?"
Jackie was rescued unharmed and earned the nickname "Leo the Lucky." He retired to Philadelphia Zoo in 1931 and died after heart problems in 1935.Posted by gerardvanderleun at April 25, 2015 7:48 AM
Doesn't look like desert to me. Googling...
Jensen’s heavy plane met thin air over the mountain forest called “Hell’s Gate Wilderness” near Payson, in northern Arizona.
Thought so.
Posted by: chuck at April 25, 2015 9:19 AMI like the lion better than the films MGM is grinding out these days.
Now, back in the day was different. All the studios put out good product.
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