"Gertie the Dinosaur" is a short animated film created by Windsor McCay in 1914. It is one of the earliest examples of animation and features a friendly dinosaur named Gertie, who interacts with her creator. The film showcases innovative animation techniques for its time, including the use of hand-drawn frames. Gertie became a cultural icon and is often credited with helping to establish animation as a legitimate art form. The film was notable for its humor and character development, setting the stage for future animated works. Gertie's popularity has endured, influencing many animators and filmmakers in the years since.