New Releases

New film titles fall into the public domain each year. On Jan. 1, 2026 all films released in 1930 will be Public Domain. Here are a few that are incredibly rare, newly available from Festival or vastly improved in quality. All films are available in Mpeg2 and Mpeg4 digital formats.

Swing High, Swing Low (1937) 95m. Carole Lombard and Fred MacMurray fall in and out of love. Now available in very good quality (vs. pretty lousy we have had in the past.)

Carol for Another Christmas (1964, 86 min.) Directed by Rod Serling. Cast: Ben Gazzara, Sterling Hayden, Eva Marie Saint, Peter Sellers and more. Daniel Grudge, a wealthy industrialist and fierce isolationist long embittered by the loss of his son in World War II, is visited by three ghosts on Christmas Eve who lead him to reconsider his attitude toward his fellow man.

Presented without commercial interruptions, this "United Nations Special" was sponsored by the Xerox Corporation, the first of a series of Xerox specials promoting the UN. Director Joseph Mankiewicz's first work for television, the 90-minute ABC drama had an all-star cast: Ben Gazzara, Sterling Hayden, Eva Marie Saint, Peter Sellers and more.

The Benson Murder Case (1930) 88m. MYSTERY Will fall into public domain status on Jan. 1, 2026. A ruthless, crooked stockbroker is murdered at his luxurious country estate, and detective Philo Vance, played by William Powell, just happens to be there.

The Bishop Murder Case (1930) 88m. MYSTERY Will fall into public domain status on Jan. 1, 2026. Basil Rathbone as detective Philo Vance investigates murder at an archery range.

Little Caesar (1930, 79 min.) Edward G. Robinson's memorable performance in "Little Caesar" is rightfully one of his best-remembered roles. While he deserves also to be remembered for his versatility in many other performances as well, it's easy to see why this one in particular is still remembered. Along with James Cagney's role in "The Public Enemy", Robinson's portrayal here helped to exemplify the kinds of characters that for some time defined the genre.

1930 Laurel & Hardy films enter public domain 1/1/2026:
Night Owls (1930) After far too many break-ins on his watch, policeman Edgar Kennedy approaches Laurel and Hardy to burgle his chief's house so he can catch them.
Ladrones (1930, Night Owls, Spanish version with extra scenes)
Blotto (1930) Stan fakes receiving a telegram so he can go to a club with Ollie and a bottle of his unsuspecting wife's liquor, but she overhears his plans.
Brats (1930) Laurel and Hardy's bid for a quiet evening of checkers and pool is constantly interrupted by their squabbling brats, little Ollie and little Stanley.
La Vida Nocturna (1930, Blotto, Spanish version with extra scenes)
Below Zero (1930) In winter-time, the boys fail to earn any money by playing their musical instruments, but their luck seems to improve when they find a wallet full of money on the street.
Tiembla y Titubea (1930, Below Zero, Spanish version with extra scenes)
Hog Wild (1930) Ollie can't find his hat, much to the amusement of his wife and maid. Then Ollie and Stan attempt to install a rooftop radio antenna.
The Laurel and Hardy Murder Case (1930) In order to claim an inheritance, the boys present themselves at a creaky, bat-filled mansion on a stormy night.
The Laurel and Hardy Murder Case Spanish Version: NOCHE DE DUENDES (1930, 49 min.) In order to claim an inheritance, the boys present themselves at a creaky, bat-filled mansion on a stormy night.
Another Fine Mess (1930) Two homeless vagabonds hide out in a vacant mansion and pose as the residents when prospective lessees arrive and try to rent it.

New Our Gang films
FIRST SEVEN YEARS (18m/1930) Jackie Cooper gets in a duel over the affections of Mary Ann.
TEACHER'S PET (18m/1930) Jackie Cooper prepares a series of elaborate jokes for his new teacher, Miss Crabtree (June Marlowe).