Public Domain
Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde
1920 · Famous Players-Lasky / Paramount Artcraft · Dir. John S. Robertson
A doctor's research into the roots of evil turns him into a hideous depraved fiend.
Confidence
100
— Legal Reasoning —
Why this status applies
The film 'Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde' directed by John S. Robertson and starring John Barrymore was released in April 1920. Under current U.S. copyright law, all works published before January 1, 1929, have entered the public domain regardless of whether they were originally registered or renewed.
The maximum term of copyright for works published in 1920 was 95 years (including the extension provided by the 1998 Copyright Term Extension Act), meaning the copyright expired on December 31, 2015. Consequently, the film is now legally available for any use, including distribution and derivative works, without permission from the original studio or its successors.
— Cited Sources —
Supporting facts
- U.S. Copyright Office - Circular 15a: Duration of Copyright
- AFI Catalog of Feature Films (1893-1993): Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde (1920)
- Hurst/Baer Film Superlist: Vol 1 (1894-1939)
- Stanford Copyright Renewal Database (confirmed expiration of all 1920 titles)
Research summary based on cited sources, not legal advice. Always consult a qualified copyright attorney before commercial use.