Public Domain
Automobiling Among the Clouds
1904 · Biograph Company · Dir. Billy Bitzer
A procession of American and European automobiles--including such makes as Daimlers, Mercedes, Stanley Steamers and Pierces-- drive up and down the steep roads on Mt. Washington, New Hampshire. Some of them struggle with the steep grade. A hiker persists in sequential shots. It's unknown whether the film was an attempt to document a race or rally, or merely present picturesque actuality. It's also been surmised that audiences of the day might have bet on the film's numbered cars.
Confidence
100
— Legal Reasoning —
Why this status applies
The film 'Automobiling Among the Clouds' was produced by the Biograph Company (American Mutoscope & Biograph) and filmed by cinematographer G.W. 'Billy' Bitzer in 1904. It depicts an automobile race up Mount Washington in New Hampshire.
Under United States copyright law, all works published or registered before January 1, 1928, have entered the public domain. This film was released and registered as a paper print for copyright purposes in 1904, well before the 1928 cutoff. Therefore, its copyright has expired by operation of law, and it is free for use without restriction.
— Cited Sources —
Supporting facts
- Library of Congress (Moving Image Catalog): Automobiling among the clouds
- AFI Catalog of Feature Films (Early Film Records)
- Kemp R. Niver, 'Early Motion Pictures: The Paper Print Collection in the Library of Congress'
- 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.