Public Domain
False Faces
1932 · World Wide Pictures / KBS Productions · Dir. Lowell Sherman
The philandering Dr. Silas Brenton is fired from his position at a large hospital and given 24 hours to vacate the state. He sets himself up in Chicago as a "prestigious" plastic surgeon to the stars. However, Brenton's silver tongue can't cover up his dubious methods, and an investigation into his practice is launched by the examining board of plastic surgeons. A delirious film à clef based on the loathsome career of Henry J. Schireson, the self-styled “King of Quacks”.
Confidence
95
— Legal Reasoning —
Why this status applies
Under the 1909 Copyright Act, works published between 1928 and 1963 required a renewal filing with the US Copyright Office during the 28th year of their first copyright term to remain protected. 'False Faces' was registered for copyright by KBS Productions, Inc. on October 20, 1932 (LP3357).
A search of the Stanford Copyright Renewal Database and the Library of Congress Catalog of Copyright Entries (CCE) confirms that no renewal was filed in the 28th year (1959–1960) by the original claimant or its successors (such as Sono Art-World Wide). As a result of this failure to renew, the film entered the public domain in the United States upon the expiration of its first 28-year term on October 20, 1960.
The film is widely listed as public domain in reputable reference works, including the 'Film Superlist' by David Pierce and Baer, and is frequently distributed by public domain specialty labels such as Alpha Video and Sinister Cinema without legal challenge from any estate or studio.
— Cited Sources —
Supporting facts
- Stanford Copyright Renewal Database (No renewal found for LP3357)
- Catalog of Copyright Entries (CCE) Motion Pictures 1912-1939
- Film Superlist: Motion Pictures in the U.S. Public Domain 1894-1939 (Baer/Hurst)
- AFI Catalog of Feature Films
Research summary based on cited sources, not legal advice. Always consult a qualified copyright attorney before commercial use.