Public Domain
It's a Gift
1923 · Hal Roach Studios · Dir. Hugh Fay
A group of oil magnates are trying to think of new ways to attract business. One of them suggests that they contact the inventor Pollard, who has devised a new gasoline substitute. Pollard himself lives in a home filled with his eccentric inventions. When he gets the message from the oil company, he is excited about the opportunity to demonstrate his innovation.
Confidence
100
— Legal Reasoning —
Why this status applies
The film 'It's a Gift' is a silent comedy short starring Snub Pollard, produced by Hal Roach and distributed by Pathé Exchange. It was originally released on July 29, 1923. Per the US Copyright Act, all works published or registered in the United States before January 1, 1929, have entered the public domain regardless of renewal status.
Under current US law (specifically the Copyright Term Extension Act of 1998), the maximum term for works published in 1923 was 95 years, which expired on January 1, 2019. Consequently, the film is no longer subject to copyright protection in the United States and is free for use by the public. This film should not be confused with the 1934 W.C. Fields feature of the same name, though that film is also in the public domain for different reasons (failure to renew its 1934 registration).
— Cited Sources —
Supporting facts
Research summary based on cited sources, not legal advice. Always consult a qualified copyright attorney before commercial use.