Biography Films

D.W. Griffith's first all-talking picture is a biographical portrait of Abraham Lincoln, from his youth as a rail-splitter and storekeeper in New Salem through his romance with Ann Rutledge, his marriage to Mary Todd, his legal career, his election to the presidency, and his leadership during the Civil War, ending with his assassination at Ford's Theatre. Walter Huston plays Lincoln with a plainspoken gravity, and Una Merkel is Ann Rutledge. The film, scripted in part by Stephen Vincent Benét, was Griffith's penultimate film and one of his last major productions. It was not a commercial success on release but has been reassessed as a late work of a foundational director. Published in 1930, it entered the public domain in the United States on January 1, 2026.

Biography · Drama · History

A 1971 American biographical film starring George Hamilton as motorcycle daredevil Evel Knievel. Directed by Marvin J. Chomsky and co-written by John Milius, the film depicts Knievel reflecting on major events in his life — particularly his relationship with his wife Linda (Sue Lyon) — through a flashback narrative leading up to a big jump. Much of the film was shot in Knievel's hometown of Butte, Montana, with actual stunt footage intercut with staged scenes. The film ends with Knievel completing his February 1971 jump at the Ontario Motor Speedway and riding toward the Grand Canyon, referencing a planned jump that never materialized. Although the film bears a copyright statement, it was never registered for copyright, placing it in the public domain.

Action · Biography · Drama

Tommy and Jimmy Dorsey play themselves in this musical biopic tracing the brothers from their coal-country boyhood through their rise to the top of the swing era, their famous on-stage breakup, and their reunion. The plot is a sanitized version of a genuinely combative relationship, but the band sequences — including a show-stopping "Green Eyes" — are the real thing. Directed by Alfred E. Green for United Artists, with Janet Blair and Paul Whiteman. The film is in the public domain.

Music · Drama · Biography

Jackie Robinson stars as himself in this biographical film tracing his journey from college athlete to becoming the first African American player in Major League Baseball, facing bigotry and prejudice with dignity and courage. Co-starring Ruby Dee as his wife. Directed by Alfred E. Green. The film entered the public domain through non-renewal.

Biography · Drama · Sports

A biographical drama tracing the life of heavyweight champion Joe Louis, from his Detroit youth to his title reign and the racial pressures he bore as a Black sports hero. Coley Wallace portrays Louis in staged fight sequences. The film entered the public domain through non-renewal.

Biography · Drama · Sport

A biographical musical tracing the life of composer Jerome Kern, from his early struggles to his triumphs on Broadway and in London, built around lavish performances of his songs by Judy Garland, Frank Sinatra, Lena Horne, and Kathryn Grayson. The film entered the public domain through non-renewal.

Musical · Biography