Public Domain
Crying Wolf
1947 · Universal Pictures · Dir. Connie Rasinski
A Terrytoons cartoon released 10 January 1947. Amidst the rolling hills of a pastoral landscape, a faithful sheepdog diligently watches over his flock of lambs, ensuring their safety and well-being. However, trouble brews when the mischievous black sheep of the family decides to stir up chaos with his playful antics.
Confidence
95
— Legal Reasoning —
Why this status applies
The film 'Crying Wolf' is a 1947 Technicolor cartoon produced by Walter Lantz Productions and released by Universal Pictures. Under the copyright laws governing works published between 1928 and 1963, a work required a valid copyright renewal filed during the 28th year of its initial term to remain protected.
Research of the Stanford University Copyright Renewal Database and the Library of Congress Catalog of Copyright Entries (CCE) reveals that while the short was originally registered (Reg. No. MP2144, June 3, 1947), no renewal was filed in the 28th year (1974 or 1975). Unlike many other Walter Lantz cartoons that were renewed by Universal, 'Crying Wolf' (along with several others in the 1947-1948 window) missed the renewal deadline. Consequently, it fell into the public domain in the United States upon the expiration of its first 28-year term. The Film Superlist (Hurst/Baer) also confirms the absence of a renewal for this specific title.
— Cited Sources —
Supporting facts
- Stanford Copyright Renewal Database
- Library of Congress Catalog of Copyright Entries (CCE), Motion Pictures 1912-1939; 1940-1949
- Film Superlist: Motion Pictures in the U.S. Public Domain (1940-1949)
- Walter Lantz Cartune Encyclopedia (The Walter Lantz Archive)
Research summary based on cited sources, not legal advice. Always consult a qualified copyright attorney before commercial use.