Protected
The Burglar
1957 · Columbia Pictures · Dir. Paul Wendkos
Burglar Nat Harbin and his two associates set their sights on wealthy spiritualist Sister Sarah, who has inherited a fortune -- including a renowned emerald necklace -- from a Philadelphia financier. Using Nat's female ward, Gladden, to pose as an admirer and case the mansion where the woman lives, they set up a perfect break-in. Things get complicated afterwards.
Confidence
95
— Legal Reasoning —
Why this status applies
The Burglar, directed by Paul Wendkos and starring Dan Duryea and Jayne Mansfield, was released in June 1957. As a US production from the 1928–1963 era, it required a timely copyright renewal in its 28th year to maintain protection. Under US copyright law, films from 1957 would have their first term end in 1985.
Registration and renewal records confirm that the film was registered by 'Mainwaring Productions, Inc.' on June 1, 1957 (LP8600). The copyright was successfully renewed in 1985 by Columbia Pictures Industries, Inc., the successor in interest (Renewal RE-248-735, dated June 12, 1985). Because the renewal was filed within the statutory window, the film is protected under the 95-year copyright term for works made for hire, and it will not enter the public domain in the United States until January 1, 2053.
— Cited Sources —
Supporting facts
- Stanford Copyright Renewal Database (RE-248-735)
- Library of Congress Catalog of Copyright Entries: Motion Pictures (LP8600)
- AFI Catalog of Feature Films (The Burglar, 1957)
- IMDb (The Burglar - 1957)
Research summary based on cited sources, not legal advice. Always consult a qualified copyright attorney before commercial use.