Protected
Bad Girls Go to Hell
1965 · Eve Productions · Dir. Doris Wishman
On the run after dispatching her rapist, homemaker Ellen flees to the Big City, where further misfortunes befall her. When she finally finds stability, she discovers that her landlady's son is a detective, threatening her newfound identity and peace of mind.
Confidence
95
— Legal Reasoning —
Why this status applies
Under the Copyright Renewal Act of 1992, works published between January 1, 1964, and December 31, 1977, were granted automatic renewal. For 'Bad Girls Go to Hell,' released in 1965, the first 28-year term expired in 1993, falling within the mandatory window for automatic extension to a full 95-year term. Unlike films from the pre-1964 era, no proactive renewal filing was required to maintain protection.
The film was produced and directed by Doris Wishman and released by her company, Eve Productions. The film carries a valid copyright notice in its title sequence ('© Copyright 1965 Eve Productions, Inc.'), which satisfied the notice requirements of the 1909 Act. Furthermore, the work is actively managed and commercially exploited today, with a high-profile restoration released by Sexploitation cinema preservationists and distribution via the Criterion Channel, confirming the chain of title remains intact. The copyright is currently held by the estate of Doris Wishman or its designated successors in interest.
— Cited Sources —
Supporting facts
- 17 U.S.C. § 304 (Copyright Renewal Act of 1992)
- AFI Catalog of Feature Films (1961-1970)
- Criterion Collection / Doris Wishman: The Twilight Years
- U.S. Copyright Office CCE Records (1965)
Research summary based on cited sources, not legal advice. Always consult a qualified copyright attorney before commercial use.