Commons Cut

The strange stories behind familiar classics. Commons Cut tells the true, sourced stories behind classic films, books and characters: the people, conflicts and drama that made them last, with public-domain context where it matters. A free weekly newsletter, website and short videos.

Articles

Issue No. 2: Was trick-or-treating born on Thanksgiving?

Nov 3, 2026

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4 min read

Issue No. 2: Was trick-or-treating born on Thanksgiving?

New York kids masked up and begged for pennies every Thanksgiving. Then the city tried to stop it.

Jared Duke

Issue No. 1: Dracula and Frankenstein are coming Jan 1. Here's exactly what you can (and can't) use.

Oct 28, 2026

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3 min read

Issue No. 1: Dracula and Frankenstein are coming Jan 1. Here's exactly what you can (and can't) use.

The 1931 films are free on January 1, 2027, but the brands, a famous face and a 1998 score are not.

Jared Duke