A few years ago, I was writing a science fiction short story in which I wanted to incorporate verses from the 1928 song, “Button Up Your Overcoat.” However, when I sold the story, my editor told me that since the song was still copyrighted, it was safe not to include the verses.
If I had written the story today, I could have used them – because the song came into the public domain two years ago.
If you’re looking for songs, books or movies that you want to use, you’re probably checking which of your favorites are going to be public domain. This year, copyrighted works created in 1930 (except sound recordings, where the date is 1925) are now free to reproduce and re-use in the US.
As reported in our coverage last year, Duke Law School’s Center for the Study of the Public Domain has once again included some of the most iconic works that have been freed from the constraints of copyright.
The year 1930 was a great year for cheesy films not affected by the Hays Code, a set of self-imposed guidelines that stated that films should not “lower the moral standard of those who see it.” Although some studios began adopting the code in 1930, it was not strictly enforced until 1934, prohibiting profanity, criminal activity, and scenes containing sexual material, as noted by Duke University. in the 1930 film moroccoFor example, Hollywood star Marlene Dietrich wears a tuxedo and kisses another woman – something that would not be allowed under the Hays Code.
Betty Boop, that irrepressible Fletcher Flapper, also made her cartoon debut in 1930 circling dishesSo if you want to use the clip for your own projects, give it a go. But be careful – Betty Boop first appeared as a dog – the earrings she later wore started out as dog ears. So this is the version that is in the public domain, not the latest, more humane version. Similarly, in the first appearance of Pluto (or, as it was then called, the rover) picnic That is what is now available in the public domain.
By the way, if you’re a gamer who wants to play with some of these characters, you might want to enter the Gaming Like It’s 1930 Jam. You have until the end of January to enter your digital or analog game – remember it must involve a work from the 1930s.
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