Public Domain
The Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse
1921 · Metro Pictures Corporation · Dir. Rex Ingram
Set in the years before and during World War I, this epic tale tells the story of a rich Argentine family, one of its two descending branches being half of French heritage, the other being half German. Following the death of the family patriarch, the man's two daughters and their families resettle to France and Germany, respectively. In time the Great War breaks out, putting members of the family on opposing sides.
Confidence
100
— Legal Reasoning —
Why this status applies
The film 'The Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse', directed by Rex Ingram and starring Rudolph Valentino, was released in 1921. Under US copyright law, all works published before January 1, 1928, have entered the public domain regardless of renewal status or authorship. This occurs because the maximum possible term of protection under the 1909 Act (28 years plus a 67-year renewal term) has expired for all works published in 1921.
Regarding the specific version mentioned (Colorized, 4K, 60FPS), while the underlying 1921 motion picture is in the public domain, modern enhancements such as colorization or localized restorative work can occasionally qualify for a 'thin' copyright in the new creative elements only. However, the original work—the cinematic composition, story, and performances—remains free for public use. The original registration (LP16111, Feb 15, 1921) and its subsequent renewal (R48431, Feb 5, 1949 by Loew's Inc.) are both superseded by the expiration of the statutory 95-year term.
— Cited Sources —
Supporting facts
- Library of Congress Catalog of Copyright Entries (CCE)
- Hurst / D. Richard Baer, Film Superlist: Motion Pictures in the U.S. Public Domain (1894-1939)
- U.S. Copyright Office, Circular 15a: Duration of Copyright
- IMDb: The Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse (1921)
Research summary based on cited sources, not legal advice. Always consult a qualified copyright attorney before commercial use.