Q: I’m writing a book about Robert McCay, Winsor McCay’s son. In 1955, Robert McCay recreated his father’s original Gertie the Dinosaur vaudeville performance for the Disneyland television series, on a program called The Story of the Animated Drawing, which aired on November 30 [of that year]. Disney writer/animator Richard Huemer had witnessed Winsor McCay’s act forty years earlier and, with Robert McCay as a consultant, they were able to reproduce—for the actor who plays Winsor McCay—the artist’s dialogue and movements (cracking a whip, tossing a pumpkin, and so forth). The performance is contained on the Walt Disney Treasures, Behind the Scenes at the Walt Disney Studio DVD. I wanted to ask if you have any correspondence from—or to— Robert McCay regarding the preparation of this feature, [as well as] other documents regarding Robert McCay, like letters, photographs, etc. Any information will be highly appreciated.
Ulrich, Hohenstein-Ernsttha, Germany
A: Yes, the Archives has materials relating to Robert McCay. You can inquire about them at disney.archives@disney.com
Dave Smith