Professional :: Fade-in From Left To Right?

I am trying to fade in a symbol (movie clip or graphic) from left to right  (have the actual image start fading in from one edge to another - not the actual image moving).  This symbol was originally a drawing object which was imported and then converted to a symbol.  I tried by settng a frame with alpha set at 0 and 30 frames later setting alpha at 100, and then in between these frames creating a linear gradient.  However, the graphic is actually 5 pictures put together - Imagine " M E T R O " as pictures put together.  But when I do the linear gradient it will it on the " M " and then also a separate linear gradient on the " E " and so on....it will not do 1 linear gradient so as to start out dark on " M " and end up white on "O", it will do do a linear gradient for EACH letter.  I tried grouping, ungrouping, setting layers, highlighting different parts, etc.  but to no avail.