Could there be anything more terrifying than a possessed doll on a murderous rampage? Well, the thought that the movies are based on a true story is enough to keep you up at night! This might be why the movie, Child’s Play (1988), became such a box office success that inspired a major franchise.
The premise was that serial killer, Charles Lee Ray, was on the run from the cops. Knowing he was about to be killed, he used a voodoo spell to transfer his soul into a doll. Yes, the subsequent sequels got a bit more ridiculous as time went on. But still, we can’t help but still get the chills at the thought that one of our dolls could be alive…and plotting our demise.
It may be even more unsettling to know that Child’s Play is based on a true story. Robert the Doll is one of the most famous haunted objects in the world, and the Child’s Play franchise is partially based on his story. What’s more, you can visit him in person if you dare!
Real-Life Andy
Andy was the poor victim that was gifted Chucky in the movie. The poor kid just wanted a doll to play with, not a homicidal maniac! Andy’s real-life counterpart, Robert Eugene Otto (called Gene), probably dealt with similar annoyances. Gene lived in Key West, Florida, and was a member of a very prominent family in the area. The Ottos very much appreciated fine art, but Gene didn’t have many friends.
Robert the Doll was a gift from Gene’s great-aunt during a trip in Germany. Apparently, the doll had been a window display. Gene named the doll after himself and loved him as his own. According to legend, it is believed that the servants face terrible abuse from Gene’s parents and placed a voodoo curse on Robert the Doll as revenge. However, there isn’t much that supports this rumor.
Gene was eight years old when he got Robert, and he was unhealthily attached to the doll. He wasn’t making friends and would spend a significant amount of time alone with Robert, much to his parents’ concern.
Robert Causes Chaos
It didn’t take long for the family to realize that something wasn’t right with Gene or with Robert. His mother, Minnie Otto, was exceptionally protective of Gene. This occurred even when Gene’s father, Thomas, insisted that he was too old to have a doll. It didn’t take long for his parents to notice weird things like footsteps running above them, and Robert being in places he shouldn’t be. But probably the most terrifying of all is that Gene was seen having a one-sided conversation with Robert. But when his parents left the room, they would hear another voice responding to Gene.
Soon, mutilated toys started showing up. Gene was blamed for the destruction, but he insisted that Robert did it. In the middle of the night, his parents would hear Gene screaming and then go into his room, where the furniture was overturned. But it wasn’t his fault…Robert did it.
Gene’s parents also heard Robert giggling. Initially, then thought it was Gene changing his voice, but it turned out that wasn’t the case.
Eliminating Competition
There was a lot of tension in the house, and Gene seemed to constantly lose himself in Robert. There would be a lot of sitting in silence, just staring at Robert, like they were psychically connecting with each other. Gene started isolating himself from the other children and eventually, from his parents, which caused them to worry. Robert was also a regular guest at the dinner table.
According to legend, when Gene’s great aunt advised his parents to get rid of the doll, his parents put Robert in a box and nailed it shut. The next morning, the great aunt was found dead. The coroner ruled that she had a stroke. Was this coincidence, or was it Robert exacting his revenge on the old woman for advising that the family get rid of him?
Fearful for Gene’s life, his parents sent him away to a boarding school for disturbed children. Robert did not go with him, and he was put away in a box for many years. Gene would eventually grow up to be a famous artist.
But Minnie claimed that she would see Robert around the house, in the shadows, and she knew that eventually, he would get her.
Into Adulthood
Gene grew up to be a famous artist and a well-adjusted young man. While it seemed that Gene outgrew Robert and eventually forgot about him, all of that changed when his mother died. Gene and his young wife, Ann, found themselves living in his childhood home. According to legend, before his mother died, she told Gene’s wife to never move into the house and never tell him about Robert. Well, the couple now lived in the house, and Gene eventually found Robert again.
Some sources say that Gene reverted back to his isolated behaviors and was oddly attached to Robert as a grown man. This eventually caused issues in his marriage and his wife was fearful of the doll as well. Gene placed Robert by the window so he could look outside. However, neighbors claimed that they would see Robert passing the windows and peering through the curtains outside of his normal spot. Gene eventually locked Robert away once again.
Gene passed away in 1974, and Robert was found in the attic. The family that moved into the house had a 10-year old daughter who found Robert and took an immediate liking to him. However, it didn’t take long for Robert to start causing the same chaos once again. While the new family didn’t throw him away, he was locked away once more until he was moved to a museum, with his reputation well known.
Ask Permission
Robert has been blamed for much misfortune and bad luck. If you visit Robert at the East Martello Museum, and you don’t ask for permission to take his photo, he will cause absolute chaos in your life. Littered around the walls in Robert’s area are letters begging for forgiveness for taking his photo without consent. According to legend and first-hand witnesses, Robert has caused car crashes, diseases, divorces, and even catastrophic cybersecurity compromises. That’s a lot for a little doll to accomplish!
What is Robert?
I’ve often been asked what I think Robert is. Could he be possessed by a ghost? Or is Robert something of demonic energy? Or, have all the stories and legends we’ve heard about this terrifying doll have accumulated and we’ve created that energy ourselves? It’s hard to say.
You can visit the house today where Gene Otto grew up and Robert was seen through the windows. You can even stay overnight!
What do you think? Do you think Robert the Doll is real? Or was it all the shenanigans of a michevious little boy? The world will never know.
Sources:
http://www.the13thfloor.tv/2016/03/18/did-you-know-the-movie-childs-play-is-based-on-a-real-event/
https://filmdaily.co/news/robert-the-doll/
https://www.atlasobscura.com/articles/the-story-behind-the-worlds-most-haunted-doll
