Public Domain
The Cook
1918 · Comique Film Corporation · Dir. Roscoe Arbuckle
In an attempt at greater efficiency, the chef and waiter of a fancy oceanside restaurant wreak havoc in the establishment. Adding to the complications is the arrival of a robber.
Confidence
100
— Legal Reasoning —
Why this status applies
The Cook is a comedic short film starring Roscoe 'Fatty' Arbuckle and Buster Keaton. Under the United States Copyright Act of 1998 (the Sonny Bono Copyright Term Extension Act), all works published in the United States prior to January 1, 1929, have entered the public domain.
Since this film was released in 1918, its statutory copyright term has expired regardless of whether it was renewed or not. This is a definitive expiration under the 'Rule of 1929,' which ensures that any film from this era is free of copyright restrictions in the U.S. as of January 1, 2024.
— Cited Sources —
Supporting facts
Research summary based on cited sources, not legal advice. Always consult a qualified copyright attorney before commercial use.