1925 Phantom of the Opera licensing?

[PNGwynne]

How does the licensing work for Chaney's Phantom?

The silent film and novel are in the public domain, and I know Chaney Enterprises controls likeness rights. How is Universal involved, if at all?

[cjefferys]

Universal produced the film but I think at one point they failed to renew the copyright, so they no longer have any control over the film.

[hedrap]

Lost the copyright in 53.

I would think since Universal paid Lon, they would claim ownership of the makeup. So it falls into the ol' wheelhouse of character distinctions v actor likeness. At this point, it's just easier for the estates to sign long-term with Universal. The kids are seniors now, so I don't know how much longer the estate play can keep up. Eventually, Universal will own the full character designs, regardless of actor. Lugosi can hold out though. That's his mug, not a Jack Pierce creation.