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PUBLIC DOMAIN FYI
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The Sign of the Cross poster
Public Domain

The Sign of the Cross

1914 · Famous Players Film Company · Dir. Frederick A. Thomson

In 64 A.D., Marcus Superbus is Prefect of Rome. When the Emperor Nero decides to renew persecution of the Christians, Marcus opposes him, fearing for the safety of Mercia, the Christian woman whom he loves. Through the machinations of the Empress Poppaea and other women at court, Tigellinus, Nero's agent in the war against the Christians, convinces Nero to have Mercia arrested. Marcus appeals to the emperor for mercy, but is told that she can be saved only by renouncing Christianity. Waiting to enter the arena to be killed, Mercia steadfastly refuses to reject her religion, despite Marcus' pleas. Finally, Marcus is converted by her and they enter the arena to face death together.

Confidence
100
— Legal Reasoning —

Why this status applies

The film 'The Sign of the Cross', directed by Frederick A. Thomson and starring William Farnum, was released in 1914 (copyrighted on December 21, 1914). This production by the Famous Players Film Company is distinct from the more famous 1932 Cecil B. DeMille version. Under the United States Copyright Act of 1909 and subsequent amendments, all works published or registered in the United States prior to January 1, 1928, have entered the public domain. This occurs regardless of whether a renewal was filed, as the maximum possible term of protection for works from this era (95 years) has expired. As of January 1, 2010, the copyright on this 1914 production expired. It is now free for public use and distribution within the United States.
— Cited Sources —

Supporting facts

  • Library of Congress Catalog of Copyright Entries, Cumulative Series: Motion Pictures 1912-1939
  • AFI Catalog of Feature Films
  • Hurst, Film Superlist: Motion Pictures in the U.S. Public Domain (1894-1939)

Research summary based on cited sources, not legal advice. Always consult a qualified copyright attorney before commercial use.