As we step into a new year, thousands of copyrighted works created in 1929 are now free to reuse and repurpose in the United States. The Duke Law School’s Center for the Study of Public Domain has compiled a list of iconic works that have been freed from the bounds of copyright, including sound recordings from 1924.
Why 1929 was a Pivotal Year for Film
The year 1929 marked a significant milestone in film history as it was the first to feature sound. The introduction of synchronized dialogue and music revolutionized the industry, paving the way for modern filmmaking techniques. This new era of cinema saw the emergence of iconic directors, including Alfred Hitchcock, who made his debut with the film Blackmail.
Works Entering the Public Domain
Here are some of the most notable works entering the public domain this year:
- The Skeleton Dance: A short film from Disney’s Silly Symphonies series
- Alfred Hitchcock’s Blackmail: The director’s first sound film
- Singin’ in the Rain: A musical comedy starring Nacio Herb Brown, who also composed the iconic song of the same name
- The Hollywood Revue of 1929: An all-talking feature-length film in color
- On With the Show: The first all-talking feature-length film in color
- William Faulkner’s The Sound and the Fury: A classic novel exploring themes of family, history, and decay
- Agatha Christie’s Seven Dials Mystery: A detective fiction novel featuring the famous sleuth Miss Marple
- Ernest Hemingway’s A Farewell to Arms: A poignant love story set against the backdrop of World War I
- Virginia Woolf’s A Room of One’s Own: An influential essay exploring the experiences of women writers
Popeye and Tintin Join the Public Domain
The earliest versions of Popeye and Tintin are now free to reuse and repurpose. The brawny sailor, who first appeared in E.C. Segar’s Thimble Theatre comic strip, has been transformed over the years. While his iconic spinach-fueled strength is still under copyright, everything else about him is fair game.
Jennifer Jenkins on the Public Domain
"The spinach, if you want to be on the safe side, you might want to wait," said Jennifer Jenkins, director of Duke’s Center for the Study of the Public Domain. "Everything that he says, all of his characteristics, his personality, his sarcasm… that’s public domain."
Tintin’s European Holdout
The young reporter Tintin and his faithful pup Snowy (or ‘Milou’ in French) are now free to be reused in the United States. However, due to differing copyright laws in the European Union, fans on this side of the Atlantic will have to wait until 2054 for a copyright-free Tintin.
Why Disney’s Protections Won’t Last Forever
The extended copyright protections granted by US lawmakers in 1998 were meant to safeguard works from 1923 and beyond. However, this decision inadvertently protected Disney’s Mickey Mouse at the expense of other public domain works. As a result, classic characters like Popeye, Tintin, and Winnie the Pooh are now free to be reused.
New Adaptations and Creations
As these iconic characters enter the public domain, we can expect to see an influx of new adaptations and creations. Netflix is already working on an adaptation of Agatha Christie’s The Seven Dials Mystery. Next year, fans will have access to even more classic characters as Betty Boop and Pluto join the public domain.
Conclusion
The works entering the public domain this year offer a glimpse into a bygone era of artistry and innovation. As we celebrate these iconic creations, we must also acknowledge the ongoing debate surrounding copyright laws. By understanding the intricacies of public domain laws, we can unlock new opportunities for creativity and expression.
References
- Duke Law School’s Center for the Study of Public Domain
- NPR
- Agatha Christie’s The Seven Dials Mystery
- Netflix