The cartoonists
Winsor McCay and
George McManus, the humorist
Thomas A. 'Tad' Dorgan, and others are out for a joy ride when suddenly a tire goes flat. As the driver fixes it, the company visits a nearby museum. The skeleton of a dinosaur inspires an idea. McCay bets McManus that he can make the Dinosaurus live again. Six months and ten thousand drawings later, McCay is ready to win his bet. As the group dines, McCay presents his newest and most fantastic creation: Gertie the Dinosaur. Before the party's astonished eyes, the drawing of a prehistoric scene comes to life as Gertie emerges from a cave. Gertie dances, cries, eats a pumpkin, devours a large tree, and more.
—J. Spurlin