So I already discussed that songs published before 1927 are in the US public domain.

The same holds true for films. While many interesting 1920’s movies are already in the public domain, in my opinion it’s only in 2023 that we really start cooking.

That’s because the first sound movies with significant dialogue started in 1927, and all of those 1,000+ movies will enter US public domain in 2023. Notable 1927 films include:

Again, this is a rabbit hole I’m planning on investigating over the next few years.

(Don’t forget that four Three Stooges shorts are already in the public domain. )