Public Domain Disney Shorts

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2099net
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Public Domain Disney Shorts

Post by 2099net »

Well, I've been reading around and I think the following shorts are actually in the Public Domain.

1) The Mad Doctor (Mickey Mouse)

This appears to be in the public domain due to an "oversight" by Disney. I believe at one point in the past, copyright had to be reregistered after a certain amount of time and sometimes this was not done (such as with It's A Wonderful Life). I guess this must have happened for this short.

2) Minnie's Yoo-Hoo (Mickey Mouse Promotional)

This is an easter egg on the first Mickey Mouse in Black and White Treasure, and was created for the first incarnation of the Mickey Mouse Club. I have no idea why this is public domain, but I guess it may be the same reason as The Mad Doctor.

3) The Spirt of '43 (Donald Duck)

Now, this film was made for the US government, and is about paying wartime taxes on time. I wonder if this special status explains why it is no longer under copyright.

All three shorts can be found on various public domain compliations, such as this one: Attack of the 30's Characters (1930) with The Mad Doctor.

I'm wondering if anyone knows of any other Public Domain Disney shorts? I'm especially thinking of the educational shorts from the On The Frontlines set.
Most of my Blu-ray collection some of my UK discs aren't on their database
STASHONE
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Post by STASHONE »

There's also "Puss In Boots" as well as various Alice comedies.
Sunset Girl

Post by Sunset Girl »

I've found "Susie, the Little Blue Coup" on a few non-Disney VHS's before, so maybe that one is, too.
Lars Vermundsberget
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Post by Lars Vermundsberget »

If the government-ordered-and-paid Spirit of '43 is in the public domain, I'd suppose that might be the case for a handful of other similar shorts with Disney characters (such as The New Spirit and All Together) as well.
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