The show was a celebration of MGM's 30th anniversary, and featured appearances by many past and present MGM stars and executives.
Although usually broadcast from New York City, this program comes from CBS Television City in Los Angeles.
One year later, Dore Schary was to play himself on an episode of "I Love Lucy," but withdrew at the last moment. The role was taken by Vivian Vance's husband, Phil Ober. Some said that Schary was reluctant to do television as it was supplanting MGM's film attendance, but Schary's official reason was illness.
Noticeable by its absence is "The Wizard of Oz" (1939) which (a lot like Lucille Ball herself) was only considered a classic after being seen repeatedly on television. The musical fantasy film was not aired on TV until 1956, two years after this program.
Lionel Barrymore had difficulty walking later in life, which accounts for the fact that he does not enter with the other MGM stars in the opening number, and why he is discovered sitting in the screening room after the first clips segment.