Watch Gertie the Dinosaur

Gertie the Dinosaur is a groundbreaking silent animation film created by the legendary animator and cartoonist Winsor McCay in 1914. The film was a landmark achievement in animated filmmaking, and it continues to be revered as an iconic masterpiece of the silent film era. The film tells the story of a friendly and docile brontosaurus named Gertie, who is brought to life through the magic of McCay's incredible animation skills. The film is a simple but charming tale of Gertie's adventures, as she interacts with McCay and other characters in a series of vignettes that showcase her gentle nature and playful spirit.

The film begins with a shot of McCay introducing himself to the audience, breaking the fourth wall in a way that was pioneering for its time. He then proceeds to draw Gertie on a blackboard, using a series of sketches and animation techniques that are still impressive today.

From there, the film follows Gertie as she interacts with McCay and performs a series of tricks, including eating a tree, picking up and throwing a car, and smashing a house with her tail. At each step, McCay guides Gertie through the actions, scolding her when she misbehaves and offering her treats when she does well.

Throughout the film, Gertie is portrayed as a lovable and endearing creature, with her enormous size and gentle demeanor making her a natural crowd-pleaser. McCay's animation style is remarkable for its realism and attention to detail, with Gertie's movements and expressions captured in exquisite detail, bringing her to life in a way that was unprecedented at the time.

The film also features a number of other characters who interact with Gertie, including a group of cavemen, a mischievous monkey, and a menagerie of other prehistoric animals. These characters add to the overall whimsical and playful tone of the film, and they help to showcase Gertie's friendly personality and approachable nature.

Overall, Gertie the Dinosaur is a remarkable achievement in animated filmmaking, and it remains a beloved and influential classic to this day. The film's groundbreaking animation techniques and inventive storytelling are a testament to McCay's incredible talent and vision, and they continue to inspire generations of animators and filmmakers to this day.