ATIT Reheated: Robert, the Sentient Doll (and probably inspiration for Chucky)

By Jack Brummet
Unexplained and paranormal editor

Robert The Doll just about had to be the inspiration for the Twilight Zone episodes "Living Doll" and another one I remember but can't track down (it was probably in Night Gallery).  In "Lucky Doll," the doll says "My name is Talky Tina, and I'm going to kill you."  

Robert clearly spawned Chucky.  Just about every TV horror series does a doll story sometime [1], or a few times, in their run.   Thanks to frequent paranormal, alien lore, and news of the bizarre tipster, Jeff Clinton, for this one.  I had heard of Robert a few times before, but never dug in until Jeff hooked me up.


In Key West, FLA, there is a history museum inside a fort.  In the fort "lives" Robert, the Haunted Doll.    He was made, or maybe bought, by a family servant for a five year old, Gene Otto, in 1904. From early on, people claimed that Robert was a disturbing presence,  His eye blinks, giggles, and moans have been written about over the last hundred years. Wherever he's "lived." there have been reports of strange doings.




Robert the Doll photo by Rob O'Neal, Key West Art & Historical Society press release dated September 20, 2004.





Gene Otto died in 1974.  Robert ended up  in a glass case in the museum.  robertthedoll.org says (supported by many letters from witnesses) that he doesn’t like to have his picture taken.  He may drain the battery or jam you camera, or create other small misfortunes during your visit.  Of course most people report no problem taking his picture.  Robert may roil the waters, but he is no Chucky, or Living Doll.

Hey, you can even buy your own Robert.  The Key West Art Historical Society will sell you one.  Click here to see their Robert The Doll merch.

[1] Some TV/movie Doll types you may have seen: 
1. Dolls made to replicate a lost loved one, such as a child, spouse or sibling. 
2. Dolls made from human components, dead or...maybe not. ...
3. A dollmaker or owner prefers them over humans (thinking here of Gepetteo and Pinocchio).
4. Dolls possessed by a malevolent spirit, that have become sentient/animated and actively malevolent. (Chucky).

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