David Bridges
As we embrace the beginning of a new year, we welcome a remarkable influx of creative works that have officially entered the public domain. This transition presents an exciting opportunity for artists, creators, and enthusiasts alike, as materials that were originally copyrighted in 1929, along with sound recordings dating back to 1924, are now available for anyone to adapt, reuse, copy, and share freely. The esteemed Center for Public Domain at Duke Law School has curated a list highlighting some of the most significant properties that have transitioned to the public domain as we step into 2025.
This year is particularly noteworthy for the film industry, as it marks the debut of several iconic directors showcasing their first sound projects. Among these are Alfred Hitchcock‘s groundbreaking film Blackmail and Cecil B. DeMille‘s thrilling Dynamite. Furthermore, 1929 is memorable for the legendary Walt Disney, who directed the pioneering animated short Skeleton Dance, animated by Ub Iwerks. Additionally, this year heralded the debut of Mickey Mouse in his first talking picture, while beloved characters like the adventurous Tintin and the original Popeye also join the ranks of public domain treasures.
Today also marks the entry of several iconic musical compositions into the public domain. Among these are unforgettable show tunes such as Singin’ in the Rain and An American in Paris, alongside jazz classics like Ain’t Misbehavin’ and (What Did I Do To Be So) Black and Blue. Additionally, classical masterpieces like Boléro are now available for new interpretations. On the recording front, we celebrate the timeless beauty of George Gershwin‘s Rhapsody in Blue and the legendary Marian Anderson‘s rendition of My Way’s Cloudy, both of which can now be enjoyed without restrictions.
In the literary world, several influential authors have seen their works enter the public domain, creating a treasure trove for readers. Noir enthusiasts will be thrilled to discover Dashiell Hammett‘s iconic titles The Maltese Falcon and Red Harvest. Other significant literary contributions now in the public domain include A Room of One’s Own by Virginia Woolf, A Farewell to Arms by Ernest Hemingway, The Seven Dials Mystery by Agatha Christie, and The Sound and the Fury by William Faulkner. For those who cherish poetry, the original German version of Rainer Maria Rilke‘s Letters to a Young Poet also makes an appearance on this exciting list.
