We plan to show movie outdoors to the public this summer.  I
understand I would have to procure rights licensing for these movies. 
However, are there there older movies that have the copyright has
expired on?

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Request for Question Clarification by pafalafa-ga on 09 May 2004 10:40 PDT

These guys specialize in copyright-free films:

http://www.panamvideo.com/

Is this the type of service you had in mind?

pafalafa-ga

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Clarification of Question by painternow-ga on 09 May 2004 20:33 PDT

That is an interesting sight.  I don't think it answers to what I
need.  I will need to using DVD movies.  I can gain access to those
through various sources.  I wonder I can figure out which movies are
just inherently copyright free.

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Request for Question Clarification by pafalafa-ga on 10 May 2004 07:00 PDT

Hello again,

The films at panamvideo.com are the closest thing to an online list of
copyright-free movies that I know of.

You might also want to check a library for any of the following books:

Film Superlist 1950-1959: Motion Pictures in the US Public Domain 

Film Superlist 1940-49: Motion Pictures in the US Public Domain

Film Superlist 1894-1939: Motion Pictures in the US Public Domain


=====

One of the most well-known public domain films is the original (black
and white) version of "It's a Wonderful Life".  But as for others, the
sources I mentioned will show you the titles, but you then have to do
a separate search to find out if they're available on DVD.

Let me know what other sort of information you would need for a
complete answer to your question.

pafalafa-ga

I have had 15 years experience in the Home video industry in Canada.
Your best bet is to contact the distributor of the DVD.  They will be
able to tell you if the movie you plan on showing is Public Domain.
If the movie is NOT Public Domain, then you need to inquire about
Public Performance Rights.  I am more versed in the Canadian
requirements, but it should be somewhat similar in the U.S.
Public Performance Rights are different than Home Video Rights.  For
example, there may be a song that is used in part of a film which the
artist has only granted permission to use in the Home Video version of
the film, but not for public performance.
If the distributor does not clarify to you whether or not the film is
Public Domain, then you can search the title at the Library of
Congress web site.
http://www.copyright.gov/locis/search.html

They will tell be able to tell you whether or not the fim is registered.

Lastly, look at films distributed by American Home Treasures (the 3 on
1 collections) as well as others that find their way into the bargin
bins.  These are mostly PD or non-registered.

Hope this helps.

Tiggereh