Hi, I've recently been compiling public domain material on DVD and
offering them for sale. I would like to do the same with Charlie Chan
movies. There were 42 of these movies starring, Warner Oland, Sidney
Toler and Roland Winters, I need to know which of these 42 are public
domain. Some websites claim that they are all public domain, I find
that hard to believe. There are companies that sell public domain
footage but only list 3 or 4 of these movies for sale, but that could
only mean that's all they offer, not necessarily that only 3 or 4 are
public domain. In case any questions arise after I start selling the
movies I would need some sort of documentation or website that would
have the movies public domain status listed.

---

Request for Question Clarification by tutuzdad-ga on 25 Apr 2004 14:15 PDT

I have read that ?Meeting at Midnight? (also released as ?Black
Magic?) (1944) is the only public domain Charlie Chan movie because no
copyright was ever sought for this particular film. The rest are owned
by Twentieth Century Fox according to my reputable source that I will
gladly disclose to you if this information sufficiently answers your
question.

Regards;
Tutuzdad-ga

---

Clarification of Question by brandnewyoyo-ga on 25 Apr 2004 14:33 PDT

I don't think that all the movies all public domain, but find it hard
to believe just "Meeting at Midnight" is public domain that can't be
right. Public domain companies sell more then just "Meeting at
Midnight" also for sale are "Charlie Chan at the Opera" and "Charlie
Chan In Paris" so there must be more then just one.

---

Request for Question Clarification by tutuzdad-ga on 25 Apr 2004 14:44 PDT

Very well. All I can do it tell you what "my" cursory research
revealed. Perhaps someone else can help you find the answer you are
hoping to get. But do remember that just because these movies are
being sold as public domain does not mean they really are. Some
distributers are unscrupulous and will make enough money to pay their
fines "IF" they are ever challenged.

Suffice it to say that I have also seen (only moments ago) that
"Charlie Chan in Paris" (1935) and "Charlie Chan at the Opera" (1936)
are both licensed to the same company, Twentieth Century Fox.

Regards;
tutuzdad-ga

---

Request for Question Clarification by tutuzdad-ga on 25 Apr 2004 14:57 PDT

I also found an SEC filing of the parent company which owns the rights
to Charlie Chan and the notation that film options were conveyed to
20th Century Fox in 2001, if this makes my finding more believable.

Regards;
tutuzdad-ga