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CHAPTER 2. COPYRIGHTABLE MATTER

Part 2.14 MOTION PICTURES (CLASSES L-M)

2.14.1

What is a Motion Picture?

I.

In general. "A motion picture is a series of pictures presenting to the eye the illusion of motion, which pictures are projected on a screen or transmitted by means of television or otherwise, and have as their origin a series of connected pictures on film or other recording media."

II.

Classification.

a.

The copyright law provides for registration of motion pictures in two classes: (17 U.S.C. §5)

1.

Photoplays (Class L). Photoplays are motion pictures that are dramatic in character and tell a connected story.

Examples:

(1)

DAVID COPPERFIELD, a feature film based on the Dickens novel

(2)

THE WHITE ROSE OF MEMPHIS, a filmed original te1eplay

(3)

THE STRAWBERRY ISLAND ADVENTURE, an animated cartoon

(4)

LARRY LAGER AND PHIL PILSNER GO CAMPING, a filmed T.V. cartoon commercial

2.

Motion Pictures other than Photoplays (Class M). This clss includes motion pictures which do not tell a connected story by dramatic means.

Examples:

(1)

THE NEWS OF THE WORLD IN REVIEW, a newsreel

(2)

INTO THE SETTING SUN, a travelog

[1973]

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