Finding who owns the rights to a story

Mac H.

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I wish to write a screenplay based on a short story, but I'm having trouble finding who owns the rights to the story.

It was published back in the UK in late 1950s- early 1960s, by a pulp publisher :
"Four Square Books Ltd". The author was well known at the time, but died in the early 1960s.

I have no idea if the author had children. (There is no Wikipedia entry on him)

As you can imagine, it seems that "Four Square Books" isn't around any more, so I can't just fire off an email to their 'Rights and Acquisitions' department.

I wouldn't normally worry too much, but this is one HELL of a true story. Great film material.

Any suggestions ?

Mac.