Public Domain
The Stranger
1918 · General Film Company · Dir. Arvid E. Gillstrom
After a luckless prospecting trip, Billy starts homeward across the desert, mounted on his little burro with his pick, shovel and pack strapped up behind him. Finally he comes in sight of Red Dog Gulch and, hungry and thirsty, he pushes on toward the city. Susie is the daughter of the town drunkard. She starts out on her horse for a little ride, and a little way from town is attacked by Pedro and Little Casino, two Mexicans, who try to steal her horse. Billy happens along, runs the Mexicans off and takes Susie back to town.
Confidence
100
— Legal Reasoning —
Why this status applies
Under the current laws of the United States, all works published or registered for copyright before January 1, 1929, have entered the public domain. This film, directed by Arvid E. Gillstrom and starring Billy West, was released in 1918, placing it well before the 1929 threshold.
Because the film was published more than 95 years ago, its term of copyright protection has expired regardless of whether it was originally registered or renewed. It is now free for use by the public without restriction.
— Cited Sources —
Supporting facts
- U.S. Copyright Office, Circular 15A: Duration of Copyright
- IMDb: The Stranger (1918)
- AFI Catalog of Feature Films: The Stranger (1918)
Research summary based on cited sources, not legal advice. Always consult a qualified copyright attorney before commercial use.