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PUBLIC DOMAIN FYI
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An Even Break poster
Public Domain

An Even Break

1917 · Triangle Film Corporation · Dir. Lambert Hillyer

Claire Curtis, Jimmie Strong and Mary have spent their childhood together in the country. Upon reaching adulthood, Claire goes to New York and becomes a success on stage. Jimmie, who has always dreamed of becoming an inventor, goes to New York to sell the machine he invented, and there he renews his acquaintance with Claire. Soon their old friendship ripens into love. Meanwhile, back in the country, Ralph and David Harding, who are making Jimmie's machine, plan to steal the right to it. Back in New York, Mary appears and informs Claire that she loves Jimmie, and the actress resolves to give her a chance to win him. When it appears that the Hardings' scheme to steal Jimmie's machine will succeed, however, Mary's ardor turns cold. Claire and Jimmie then rush back to the country in time to avert the takeover and save his firm from bankruptcy.

Confidence
100
— Legal Reasoning —

Why this status applies

Under the terms of the Copyright Act of 1976 and the Sonny Bono Copyright Term Extension Act of 1998, all works published or registered in the United States prior to January 1, 1928, have entered the public domain due to the expiration of their copyright term. 'An Even Break' was released by the Triangle Film Corporation on August 5, 1917. Because it was released more than 95 years ago (the maximum term for works of this era), its copyright protection has expired. This status is definitive regardless of whether a renewal was filed because the statutory maximum term has been reached.
— Cited Sources —

Supporting facts

  • AFI Catalog of Feature Films: An Even Break (1917)
  • Hurst, Richard Maurice. Film Superlist: Motion Pictures in the U.S. Public Domain (1894-1939)
  • 17 U.S.C. § 304 (Duration of Copyright)

Research summary based on cited sources, not legal advice. Always consult a qualified copyright attorney before commercial use.