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In an exciting development for classic cartoon and comic enthusiasts, beloved characters Betty Boop and “Blondie” are set to join the ranks of public domain icons alongside Mickey Mouse and Winnie the Pooh.
These iconic figures, who first captured the hearts of audiences in their early appearances, have reached the end of their 95-year U.S. copyright protections. As of January 1, they will officially enter the public domain, allowing creators the freedom to use and reinterpret these characters without needing to seek permission or pay licensing fees.
This shift opens up a plethora of creative opportunities, as filmmakers and artists can now reimagine these timeless characters in new and innovative ways.
Adding to the excitement, several notable films are also poised to enter the public domain over the coming years. The next decade is promising a treasure trove of classic Hollywood films from the Golden Age. Notably, 2027 is anticipated to be a standout year, particularly for horror aficionados. That year will see the original 1931 Universal Pictures classics “Dracula” and “Frankenstein” become available for public use.
- “The Blue Angel,” the German film from Josef von Sternberg that emblazoned Marlene Dietrich’s top-hatted image into film lore.
- “King of Jazz,” featuring the first screen appearance of Bing Crosby.
- A pair of Oscar best picture winners, “All Quiet on the Western Front,” which won in 1930, and “Cimarron,” which won in 1931. The award was known as “Outstanding Production” then, and the Academy Awards eligibility period didn’t sync with the calendar year.
Meanwhile, the stream of classic tunes entering the public domain continues to grow. Songs from the Great American Songbook, celebrated for their enduring melodies and lyrics, will also be open for reinterpretation, adding further richness to the creative landscape.
Dreamy and embraceable tunes ring in the 1930s
As in the last several years, a whistle-worthy stream of tunes from the Great American Songbook will become public:
- Four cherished classics written by George Gershwin, with lyrics by his brother Ira: “Embraceable You,” “I’ve Got a Crush on You,” “But Not for Me” and “I Got Rhythm.”
- “Georgia on My Mind,” written by Hoagy Carmichael and Stuart Gorrell.
- “Dream a Little Dream of Me,” written by Gus Kahn, Fabian Andre and Wilbur Schwandt.
Different laws regulate the actual recordings of songs, and those newly in the public domain this week date to 1925.
They include Rodgers and Hart’s “Manhattan” by the Knickerbockers, “Nobody Knows the Trouble I’ve Seen” by Marian Anderson and “The St Louis Blues” by Bessie Smith, featuring Louis Armstrong.
