Public Domain
Cymbeline
1913 · Thanhouser Film Corporation · Dir. Lucius Henderson
Southern California locations vividly suggest both elemental pre-Roman Britain and classical Rome. An energetic cinematic pacing and intimacy show rapidly improving narrative technique and realism well beyond the limitations of the stage. Especially cinematic are the bedchamber scene in the first reel, with its intimate cinematography and acting and special lighting effect, and the battle scene of the second reel, considered very effective in its day.
Confidence
100
— Legal Reasoning —
Why this status applies
The film 'Cymbeline' (1913) was produced by the Thanhouser Film Corporation and released in the United States on March 28, 1913. It is a silent film adaptation of William Shakespeare's play, featuring Florence La Badie and James Cruze.
Under United States copyright law, all works published or registered before January 1, 1928, have entered the public domain. This occurs because the maximum possible copyright term for works of this era (originally 28 years plus a 28-year renewal, totaling 56 years, and subsequently extended by various acts) has expired. As a 1913 release, the film became public domain long before the current copyright extensions were enacted.
Because the film was released well before the 1928 cutoff, it is definitively public domain in the U.S. regardless of whether the copyright was originally registered or renewed.
— Cited Sources —
Supporting facts
- Thanhouser Company Film Preservation, Inc. (thanhouser.org)
- AFI Catalog of Feature Films
- Library of Congress, Catalog of Copyright Entries: Motion Pictures: 1912-1939
- Internet Movie Database (IMDb)
Research summary based on cited sources, not legal advice. Always consult a qualified copyright attorney before commercial use.