Popeye and Tintin, two beloved comic characters introduced in 1929, will enter the public domain in the United States on Jan. 1, 2025. This means that these iconic characters can be freely used and repurposed without obtaining permission or making payments to copyright holders. While this year’s addition to the public domain may not have the same impact as the entry of Mickey Mouse last year, it includes a wealth of significant works whose copyright protections, spanning 95 years, are coming to an end. This expansion also includes the presence of Mickey Mouse in the public domain.
Jennifer Jenkins, director of Duke’s Center for the Study of the Public Domain, described the upcoming availability of various works as a treasure trove. This includes new Mickey Mouse cartoons, as well as masterpieces from authors like Faulkner and Hemingway, early sound films from renowned directors, and notable music compositions. The arrival of these works in the public domain is seen as an exciting development.
One of the prominent additions to the public domain is Popeye the Sailor, a character created by E.C. Segar in 1929. His debut in the newspaper strip “Thimble Theater” marked the beginning of a long-lasting presence in popular culture. Similarly, Tintin, the famous boy reporter created by Belgian artist Hergé, also saw his early comic adventures enter the public domain. These characters hold significant cultural value and have entertained audiences for decades.
In addition to these comic characters, notable literary works are also becoming available for public use. Works such as William Faulkner’s “The Sound and the Fury” and Ernest Hemingway’s “A Farewell to Arms” are among the American literary classics that will no longer be restricted by copyright. These works have left a lasting impact on literature and will now be accessible for various creative endeavors.
The transition of these works into the public domain signifies a new chapter in their cultural significance and availability for future generations to explore and enjoy without the constraints of copyright restrictions.
The esteemed status of Ernest Hemingway in the American literary canon is widely acknowledged, with his works having been frequently adapted for film, television, and radio. Interestingly, these adaptations can now be created without the need for permission. Another notable literary figure, John Steinbeck, will soon see his first novel, “A Cup of Gold” from 1929, entering the public domain, opening up new avenues for exploration and interpretation.
Similarly, the influential British novelist Virginia Woolf’s renowned work “A Room of One’s Own,” an extended essay that would go on to become a significant cornerstone in feminist literature, is also set to join the public domain. Woolf’s novel “Mrs. Dalloway” is already part of the public domain in the United States, allowing for wider access and engagement with her groundbreaking narratives.
Looking towards the realm of cinema, a host of significant films are poised to enter the public domain in the upcoming decade. However, for now, early works by prominent figures from the formative years of the sound era hold a special place in the spotlight. Alfred Hitchcock, known for his later masterpieces like “Psycho” and “Vertigo,” made his mark with “Blackmail” in Britain, a film that transitioned from silent to sound production, showcasing the evolution of filmmaking techniques.
Legendary director John Ford, renowned for his iconic Westerns, ventured into sound filmmaking with “The Black Watch” in 1929, featuring a young John Wayne in one of his early roles. Cecil B. DeMille, a prominent figure in Hollywood’s silent film era, made his foray into talkies with the melodrama “Dynamite,” further illustrating the industry’s shift towards sound technology.
The Marx Brothers, including Groucho and Harpo, made their cinematic debut in “The Cocoanuts” in 1929, setting the stage for their future comedic triumphs in classics such as “Animal Crackers” and “Duck Soup.” Additionally, “The Broadway Melody,” recognized as the first sound film and an early Oscar winner for best picture, will soon enter the public domain, offering audiences a glimpse into the cinematic achievements of the past.
In the realm of animation, beloved character Mickey Mouse’s early adventures, starting with “Steamboat Willie,” are set to become public domain, allowing for wider accessibility and appreciation of these timeless creations. Musical compositions from the vibrant era of the 1920s are also set to enter public property, including Cole Porter’s timeless pieces like “What Is This Thing Called Love?” and “Tiptoe Through the Tulips,” as well as jazz standards like “Ain’t Misbehavin'” by Fats Waller and Harry Brooks.
The iconic song “Singin’ in the Rain,” which would later be immortalized in the classic 1952 film starring Gene Kelly, first graced the screen in the 1929 movie “The Hollywood Revue” and will soon be available.
